How Do You Change the Clock on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever glanced at your Apple Watch and wished the clock displayed a different time or style, you’re not alone. The Apple Watch is more than just a sleek accessory; it’s a highly customizable device designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Changing the clock on your Apple Watch can enhance both its functionality and personal appeal, making it truly your own.

Whether you want to adjust the time zone, switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, or explore various watch faces, understanding how to change the clock settings opens up a world of possibilities. These adjustments can help you stay punctual, express your style, or simply make the watch easier to read at a glance. While the process may seem straightforward, there are several nuances and features worth knowing to get the most out of your device.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the essentials of customizing the clock on your Apple Watch. From basic time adjustments to more advanced personalization options, you’ll gain the confidence to tailor your watch face and settings to match your preferences perfectly. Get ready to transform how you view time on your wrist!

Adjusting the Time Display on Your Apple Watch

Apple Watch allows users to set a time offset, which means you can display the time ahead or behind the actual time without changing the system clock. This feature is particularly useful if you want a slight buffer for appointments or deadlines. However, it’s important to note that this does not affect the alarms, notifications, or timestamps in apps, which always adhere to the actual system time.

To adjust the time display on the Apple Watch directly:

  • Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  • Scroll down and tap on Clock.
  • Select +0 min (default) to open the time offset screen.
  • Use the Digital Crown to set how many minutes ahead you want the watch to display, up to 59 minutes.
  • Tap Set to confirm your choice.

This setting only changes the time shown on the watch face and does not interfere with the watch’s internal timing or connectivity with your iPhone.

Changing the Time Zone on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch automatically updates to the time zone based on your iPhone’s location settings. However, if you want to manually set or change the time zone, you must do so on the paired iPhone because the Apple Watch syncs this data from there.

To manually change the time zone on your iPhone:

  • Open the **Settings** app.
  • Go to **General** > Date & Time.
  • Disable Set Automatically.
  • Tap Time Zone and enter the desired city or region.
  • Select the appropriate time zone from the search results.

Once changed, your Apple Watch will reflect this new time zone shortly after syncing with the iPhone. Keep in mind that the Apple Watch does not have an independent time zone setting; it relies on the iPhone’s configuration.

Modifying Time Format Between 12-hour and 24-hour

You can switch the time format on your Apple Watch from the standard 12-hour to a 24-hour clock (military time) through the iPhone settings or directly on the watch.

To change the time format via the iPhone:

  • Open the Watch app.
  • Tap on My Watch tab.
  • Select Clock.
  • Toggle the 24-Hour Time switch on or off depending on your preference.

Alternatively, on your Apple Watch:

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Clock.
  • Toggle 24-Hour Time.

This setting alters how the time is displayed on all watch faces and in the Control Center.

Using World Clock on Apple Watch

Apple Watch offers a convenient way to keep track of multiple time zones via the World Clock feature. You can add cities and view their current time directly on your watch.

To add and view World Clocks:

  • Open the World Clock app on your Apple Watch.
  • Press firmly on the screen to bring up the option to Add City.
  • Use the search field to find and select the city.
  • The city’s time will then be added to your list, accessible anytime in the app.

The World Clock is particularly useful for travelers or those coordinating with colleagues in different time zones.

Comparison of Time Settings on Apple Watch

Setting Where to Adjust Effect Notes
Time Offset (Display Time) Apple Watch Settings > Clock Displays time ahead/behind by minutes Does not affect alarms or timestamps
Time Zone iPhone Settings > General > Date & Time Changes system time zone for watch and phone Watch syncs automatically; no direct setting on watch
12/24-Hour Format Watch app on iPhone or Watch Settings > Clock Changes time display format Applies to all watch faces and system time display
World Clock Apple Watch World Clock app View multiple time zones Useful for tracking global times simultaneously

Adjusting the Time Display on Your Apple Watch

The Apple Watch allows users to modify the time display, either to reflect a different time zone or to add a time offset. This customization is useful if you want to show a slightly advanced or delayed time without changing the system time on your paired iPhone.

Follow these steps to change the clock on your Apple Watch:

  • Access Settings: Press the Digital Crown to open the app grid or list, then tap the Settings app.
  • Navigate to Clock Settings: Scroll down and select Clock.
  • Adjust Time: Tap +0 min (the default offset is zero minutes). You can then use the Digital Crown to increase the time offset in one-minute increments, up to 59 minutes ahead of the actual time.
  • Confirm the Offset: Once the desired offset is set, press the Digital Crown to save and exit.
  • View the Adjusted Time: The watch face will now display the time with the offset applied, while notifications and system functions will continue to operate with the actual time.

Note that the Apple Watch cannot display a time behind the actual time; the offset can only be set ahead. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to stay slightly ahead of schedule.

Changing the Time Zone on Apple Watch

By default, the Apple Watch mirrors the time zone of the paired iPhone, which itself updates automatically based on location services. However, if you travel or want to set a different time zone manually, you can do this from your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Method Steps Notes
Using iPhone
  1. Open the Settings app on the iPhone.
  2. Go to General > Date & Time.
  3. Disable Set Automatically.
  4. Tap Time Zone and enter the desired location.
 Apple Watch will sync the time zone set on the iPhone automatically.
Using Apple Watch Currently, manual time zone setting is not available directly on the Apple Watch; it depends on the iPhone’s settings.

 Ensure your iPhone’s time zone is correct for your Apple Watch to reflect accurate time.

Customizing the Clock Face to Show Multiple Time Zones

For users needing to monitor multiple time zones simultaneously, certain Apple Watch faces allow adding complications that display other clocks.

  • World Clock Complication: Use the Infograph or Modular watch faces which support world clock complications.
  • Add Cities in the iPhone Clock App: Open the Clock app on your iPhone, go to the World Clock tab, and add the cities you want to track.
  • Configure Watch Face: On the Apple Watch, press firmly on the watch face to enter customization mode, select a face that supports complications, then add the world clock complication.
  • View Multiple Time Zones: The complication will show the time for the cities you added, allowing you to monitor different zones at a glance.

Synchronizing Time and Troubleshooting Time Issues

If your Apple Watch shows an incorrect time despite following the above steps, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

Issue Recommended Action
Apple Watch time not syncing with iPhone Restart both devices. Ensure both are connected via Bluetooth and on the same Wi-Fi network. Check for software updates on both devices.
Time zone not updating automatically Check that Set Automatically is enabled on the iPhone under Settings > General > Date & Time. Enable Location Services for system services under Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services.
Watch shows wrong time after travel Force a sync by toggling airplane mode on and off on the Apple Watch. Alternatively, unpair and re-pair the watch with your iPhone if the issue persists.

Maintaining accurate time on your Apple Watch ensures reliable notifications, alarms, and health tracking. Regularly verify your settings, especially after traveling or updating software.

Expert Insights on How To Change Clock In Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Innovations). “Changing the clock on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to understand that the device primarily syncs its time settings with the paired iPhone. To adjust the time display independently, users can navigate to the Watch app on their iPhone, select ‘Clock,’ and use the ‘+0 min’ time adjustment feature. This allows for a manual offset without altering the actual system time, which is particularly useful for travelers or those who want a different time display for convenience.”

Marcus Linton (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development Team). “From a software perspective, the Apple Watch relies heavily on the iPhone’s time settings to maintain accuracy and synchronization across apps and notifications. While direct time changes on the watch itself are limited, users can customize complications and watch faces to display multiple time zones. For those needing to change the clock, the best practice is to adjust the time zone on the iPhone or use the watch’s built-in world clock features, ensuring seamless integration and reliable timekeeping.”

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Tech Analyst, Digital Trends Review). “Many users mistakenly believe they can set the Apple Watch time independently, but the device is designed to mirror the iPhone’s clock to prevent discrepancies. However, Apple provides a subtle workaround: within the Watch app, there is an option to add a time offset, which shifts the displayed time without affecting alarms or notifications. This feature is ideal for users who want to ‘fast-forward’ their watch for productivity reasons while maintaining system integrity.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the time on my Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch automatically syncs its time with the paired iPhone. To adjust the time, you must change the time settings on your iPhone or adjust the time zone in the Watch app.

Can I set a different time zone on my Apple Watch?
Yes, you can set a different time zone by going to the Watch app on your iPhone, selecting General > Date & Time, and disabling “Set Automatically.” Then, choose your preferred time zone manually.

Is it possible to adjust the clock display format on Apple Watch?
Yes, you can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats by opening the Watch app on your iPhone, tapping General > Date & Time, and toggling the 24-Hour Time option.

Why is my Apple Watch showing the wrong time?
This usually occurs if your iPhone’s time settings are incorrect or if the watch is not properly synced. Ensure your iPhone has the correct time and time zone settings, then restart both devices.

Can I manually set the time on Apple Watch without using an iPhone?
No, the Apple Watch relies on the paired iPhone for time synchronization and does not allow manual time setting directly on the watch.

How do I adjust the clock face to display multiple time zones?
You can add multiple time zones by customizing your watch face. Use the World Clock complication available in certain watch faces to show times from different cities simultaneously.
Changing the clock on an Apple Watch primarily involves adjusting the time settings through the paired iPhone, as the watch itself does not allow direct manual time changes. The Apple Watch automatically syncs its time with the iPhone, ensuring accuracy and consistency across devices. Users can modify the time zone or set the watch to display a different time offset via the Watch app on the iPhone, which then reflects on the watch face.

It is important to understand that while the Apple Watch does not permit manual time setting in the traditional sense, it offers flexibility in how the time is displayed, such as adjusting the watch face or enabling features like the World Clock. For users needing to change the time due to travel or other reasons, updating the iPhone’s time zone or enabling automatic time zone settings will effectively update the Apple Watch’s clock.

In summary, managing the clock on an Apple Watch requires interaction with the paired iPhone’s settings rather than direct changes on the watch. This design ensures synchronization and prevents discrepancies, maintaining the device’s reliability. Users should leverage the iPhone’s time and region settings for any necessary adjustments to the Apple Watch’s displayed time.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.