How Do You Change the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Changing the time on your Fitbit watch might seem like a simple task, but it’s an essential step to ensure your device accurately tracks your daily activities and sleep patterns. Whether you’ve traveled across time zones, experienced daylight saving changes, or just want to adjust your watch’s settings, knowing how to update the time on your Fitbit can enhance your overall user experience. With a variety of Fitbit models available, the process can differ slightly, making it helpful to understand the general approach before diving into specifics.

Your Fitbit watch is designed to sync seamlessly with your smartphone or computer, which typically keeps your device’s time accurate without manual adjustments. However, there are occasions when the time might not update automatically, or you might prefer to set it manually. Understanding how your Fitbit manages time settings and what options are available will empower you to keep your device perfectly aligned with your schedule.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the different methods to change the time on your Fitbit watch, whether through the Fitbit app or directly on the device. You’ll gain insight into troubleshooting common issues and tips to ensure your Fitbit always displays the correct time, so you can focus on reaching your fitness goals without any time-related distractions.

Adjusting the Time Settings Using the Fitbit App

When you need to change the time on your Fitbit watch, the most reliable method is through the Fitbit app, which syncs the device with your smartphone’s time settings. This ensures that your watch reflects the correct time zone and automatically adjusts for daylight saving time changes.

To update the time via the Fitbit app, follow these steps:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner to access your account settings.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down and tap “Advanced Settings.”
  • Locate the “Time Zone” option and ensure that “Set Automatically” is enabled. This setting allows your Fitbit to sync with your phone’s time zone.
  • If you prefer to set the time manually, disable “Set Automatically” and choose the correct time zone from the dropdown menu.
  • After adjusting the settings, sync your Fitbit device by pulling down on the dashboard screen or tapping the sync button.

The synchronization process typically takes a few moments. Once complete, your Fitbit watch will display the updated time.

Manually Setting the Time on Fitbit Devices Without Automatic Sync

Certain Fitbit models, especially older or basic ones without a built-in GPS or smartphone connection, may require manual time adjustments directly on the device or through the Fitbit app without automatic time syncing.

For manual time setting:

  • Access the Fitbit device’s settings menu by swiping or pressing the designated button.
  • Look for options labeled “Clock,” “Time,” or “Time Settings.”
  • If available, adjust the time by selecting hours and minutes.
  • Save the changes and exit the settings menu.

If your Fitbit device does not support manual time changes on the watch itself, you must ensure the correct time is set on the Fitbit app and that the device is synced regularly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Time Sync Problems

If your Fitbit watch is not displaying the correct time, the problem often lies in syncing or settings conflicts. Consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Confirm your smartphone’s time and time zone settings are accurate and set to update automatically.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that your Fitbit device is within range.
  • Restart both the Fitbit device and the smartphone to refresh connections.
  • Update the Fitbit app to the latest version to benefit from recent fixes.
  • Unpair and then re-pair your Fitbit device through the app to reset the sync process.
  • Check for any firmware updates available for your Fitbit watch via the app.

If problems persist, consult Fitbit’s support resources or community forums for device-specific guidance.

Comparison of Time Setting Methods Across Fitbit Models

Different Fitbit models offer varying options for time adjustments. The following table summarizes the common methods available based on device capabilities:

Fitbit Model Automatic Time Sync via App Manual Time Setting on Device Time Zone Selection in App
Fitbit Charge Series Yes No Yes
Fitbit Versa Series Yes Limited (some models) Yes
Fitbit Inspire Series Yes No Yes
Fitbit Ace Series Yes No Yes
Fitbit Ionic Yes Yes Yes

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch via the Fitbit App

Fitbit watches automatically sync their time settings based on the time zone configured in the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet. To change the time displayed on your Fitbit device, you must adjust the time zone settings within the app, as the watch does not support manual time changes directly from its interface.

Follow these steps to update the time on your Fitbit watch:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your paired smartphone or tablet.
  • Tap your profile picture or icon in the top-left corner to access your account settings.
  • Select the Fitbit device you want to adjust from the list under “Devices.”
  • Scroll down and tap on Sync Now to ensure the latest data is up to date.
  • Navigate back to the main app screen, then tap the Today tab.
  • Tap your profile picture again, then select App Settings or Device Settings depending on your app version.
  • Locate the Time Zone option. If the “Set Automatically” option is enabled, disable it to manually select your time zone.
  • Choose the correct time zone from the list that matches your current location.
  • After selecting the new time zone, return to the device screen and perform another sync to update your Fitbit watch.

Once synchronization is complete, your Fitbit watch will display the updated time. This change applies whether you have traveled to a new time zone or need to correct an inaccurate time display.

Changing Time Settings on Fitbit Devices Without a Smartphone

Most Fitbit devices rely on the companion app for time synchronization, but if you do not have access to a smartphone, you can adjust the time by connecting the Fitbit watch to a computer with the Fitbit desktop software (if supported) or by using other compatible methods.

To update the time without a smartphone:

  • Download and install the Fitbit Connect desktop application from the Fitbit website.
  • Log in with your Fitbit account credentials.
  • Connect your Fitbit watch to your computer using the provided USB dongle or via Bluetooth, depending on your device model.
  • Open Fitbit Connect and select the option to Sync Now to synchronize your device with the time settings stored in your Fitbit account.
  • Ensure that your Fitbit account settings have the correct time zone configured by visiting your Fitbit dashboard on the web and checking your personal settings.

After syncing, your Fitbit watch will update its time automatically. It is essential to maintain accurate time zone settings within your Fitbit account to ensure the watch displays the correct time.

Additional Tips for Time Accuracy on Fitbit Watches

Tip Description
Enable Automatic Time Zone Allow the Fitbit app to set your time zone based on your device’s GPS or phone settings to avoid manual errors.
Regular Syncing Sync your Fitbit watch regularly with the app to ensure time and other data are up to date.
Check for Firmware Updates Keep your Fitbit watch updated with the latest firmware to fix any bugs related to time display.
Restart Your Device If the time does not update after syncing, try restarting your Fitbit watch to refresh its system.

Handling Daylight Saving Time Changes

Fitbit devices automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time (DST) when the time zone is set correctly. To ensure the time changes appropriately:

  • Confirm that your Fitbit app or account time zone matches your current location.
  • Verify that the “Set Automatically” option for time zone is enabled in the Fitbit app settings.
  • Sync your Fitbit device after DST changes to prompt the time update.

If your Fitbit watch does not adjust automatically for DST, manually changing the time zone off and back on again in the app can sometimes trigger the update.

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time Settings in Fitbit Watches

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). “To change the time on a Fitbit watch, users should primarily rely on syncing their device with the Fitbit app, as the watch automatically updates its time based on the smartphone’s settings. Manual adjustments are generally unnecessary unless there is a syncing issue. In such cases, restarting the device or reinstalling the app often resolves time discrepancies effectively.”

Michael Torres (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Trends Review). “Fitbit watches do not allow direct manual time changes on the device itself. Instead, the correct time is maintained through the connected smartphone or computer. Ensuring your phone’s time zone and clock are accurate is critical, as this synchronization process is the backbone for the Fitbit’s time display accuracy.”

Sara Patel (User Experience Designer, Fitbit Inc.). “From a user experience perspective, it’s important to keep your Fitbit app updated to the latest version to avoid any time sync issues. If you travel across time zones, the Fitbit watch should automatically adjust once it reconnects to your phone. For manual overrides, some Fitbit models allow setting a specific time zone within the app’s settings, which can be helpful when automatic updates fail.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually change the time on my Fitbit watch?
Fitbit watches automatically sync time with your smartphone or computer. Manual time changes are not supported directly on the device. To adjust the time, change the time zone or time settings on your connected phone or Fitbit app.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
The time on your Fitbit watch may be incorrect if it is not syncing properly with your phone or if the time zone settings in the Fitbit app are incorrect. Ensure your device is connected and the app’s time zone matches your location.

Can I set a different time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, you can change the time zone through the Fitbit app. Go to your profile, select your device, then adjust the time zone settings. The watch will update the time after syncing.

How often does my Fitbit watch update the time?
Your Fitbit watch updates the time each time it syncs with the Fitbit app on your smartphone or computer. Regular syncing ensures the time remains accurate.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
After traveling, open the Fitbit app and manually update the time zone to your current location. Then sync your device to update the watch’s time accordingly.

Is it possible to disable automatic time syncing on a Fitbit watch?
No, Fitbit devices do not offer an option to disable automatic time syncing. The time is always synced from the Fitbit app to maintain accuracy.
Changing the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through the Fitbit app, as the device syncs its time settings automatically based on the time zone configured on the connected smartphone or tablet. Users should ensure their Fitbit device is properly synced with the app to reflect accurate time changes. Manual time adjustments directly on the watch are generally not supported, making the app the central hub for time management.

In cases where the time displayed on the Fitbit watch is incorrect, verifying the time zone settings within the Fitbit app and the smartphone’s system settings is essential. Enabling automatic time zone detection or manually selecting the correct time zone in the app can resolve most discrepancies. Additionally, ensuring that the Fitbit app and device firmware are up to date helps maintain synchronization accuracy and overall device performance.

Overall, understanding that the Fitbit watch relies on its companion app for time settings simplifies the process of changing or correcting the time. Users should focus on maintaining proper synchronization, updating software, and checking time zone configurations to ensure their Fitbit watch displays the correct time consistently. This approach guarantees optimal functionality and an enhanced user experience with the device.

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.