How Do You Change the Time on a Samsung Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Changing the time on a Samsung watch might seem like a simple task, but for many users, it can be surprisingly tricky given the variety of models and settings involved. Whether you’ve just traveled across time zones, noticed your watch displaying the wrong time, or simply want to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, knowing how to adjust your Samsung watch’s time settings is essential. Getting this right ensures your device remains a reliable companion throughout your day.

Samsung watches, with their sleek designs and smart features, often sync time automatically via your connected smartphone. However, there are situations where manual adjustments become necessary—such as when you’re offline, using the watch independently, or encountering syncing issues. Understanding the basic principles behind these settings will empower you to customize your watch’s time display effortlessly.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the various ways you can change the time on your Samsung watch, covering different models and software versions. Whether you prefer navigating through the watch’s interface or using your paired phone’s app, you’ll find clear guidance to help you keep your device perfectly in sync with your schedule.

Changing the Time Manually on Your Samsung Watch

If your Samsung watch is not syncing the correct time automatically, you may need to adjust the time manually. This process varies slightly depending on the model and operating system version, but the core steps remain consistent.

To manually change the time on your Samsung watch:

  • Wake your watch and access the Settings menu by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
  • Scroll to and select General or System settings.
  • Look for Date and Time options.
  • Disable the Automatic Date and Time or Automatic Time Zone setting if it is enabled.
  • Manually set the current time by selecting Set Time or Time.
  • Use the on-screen controls to adjust the hour and minute.
  • Confirm your changes and exit the settings.

This method is particularly useful if you are traveling to regions with no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, or if your watch is not paired with a phone.

Adjusting Time Settings via the Galaxy Wearable App

For many Samsung watches, the easiest way to ensure accurate time is through the Galaxy Wearable app on your paired smartphone. The app communicates directly with the watch and syncs settings automatically.

To adjust time settings via the app:

  • Open the **Galaxy Wearable** app on your phone.
  • Tap on **Watch settings** or the specific device name.
  • Navigate to **General** > Date and Time.
  • Enable or disable Automatic Date and Time depending on your preference.
  • If disabling automatic time, set the time manually through the app interface.
  • The changes will sync immediately to your watch.

Using the app also allows you to adjust additional settings such as the time zone and daylight saving time, ensuring your watch’s time remains accurate.

Understanding Time Zone and Daylight Saving Settings

Samsung watches often manage time through automatic time zone detection and daylight saving adjustments. These settings help maintain correct local time as you travel or when seasonal time changes occur.

Key points to consider:

  • Automatic Time Zone: When enabled, your watch detects your location and adjusts the time zone accordingly.
  • Daylight Saving Time (DST): If your region observes DST, the watch will automatically adjust the clock forward or backward.
  • If you experience incorrect time displays, confirm that your watch’s time zone matches your current location.
  • Manually selecting a time zone is recommended if automatic detection fails.
Setting Description Recommended Use
Automatic Date and Time Syncs time with paired device or network Recommended for most users for accuracy
Manual Time Setting Allows user to set time manually Useful when no internet or phone connection
Automatic Time Zone Detects and adjusts time zone based on location Ideal for frequent travelers
Daylight Saving Time Adjustment Automatically changes time for DST Important for regions that observe DST

Changing the Time on a Samsung Watch Manually

Samsung watches typically sync their time automatically via a connected smartphone, but manual adjustment is possible when needed, such as when traveling or during troubleshooting. Follow these steps to change the time manually on your Samsung watch:

  • Wake the watch by pressing the Home or Power button.
  • Swipe down from the top of the watch face to access the Quick Settings panel.
  • Tap the Settings gear icon.
  • Scroll down and select General.
  • Tap Date and time.
  • If the option Automatic date and time is enabled, disable it to allow manual settings.
  • Tap Set time.
  • Use the rotating bezel or swipe gestures to adjust the hour and minute.
  • Confirm by tapping Done or the checkmark icon.

This process varies slightly depending on the watch model and Wear OS or Tizen OS version, but the general pathway through Settings remains consistent.

Adjusting Time Zone and Format Settings

Time zone and format settings help ensure the displayed time aligns with your location and preferences:

  • Navigate to **Settings > General > Date and time**.
  • To change the time zone:
  • Disable Automatic time zone if enabled.
  • Tap Select time zone.
  • Scroll through the list and select the desired time zone.
  • To switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats:
  • Locate Use 24-hour format toggle.
  • Enable or disable according to your preference.

Adjusting these settings manually is essential when the watch does not sync automatically with a phone or when traveling across time zones without your phone.

Changing the Time via the Samsung Galaxy Wearable App

Most Samsung watches rely on synchronization with a smartphone via the Galaxy Wearable app, which manages time settings automatically. To ensure your watch displays the correct time through the app:

  1. Open the **Galaxy Wearable** app on your connected smartphone.
  2. Tap on your connected watch’s name to access its settings.
  3. Navigate to **Watch settings > General > Date and time**.
  4. Ensure Automatic date and time and Automatic time zone are toggled on for automatic syncing.
  5. If needed, toggle off automatic options to manually adjust the time or time zone within the app.

Using the app ensures the watch’s time remains accurate by pulling from your phone’s network time, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Troubleshooting Time Sync Issues on Samsung Watches

If your Samsung watch displays the wrong time despite following standard procedures, consider these troubleshooting steps:

Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Time not updating automatically Bluetooth connection problem Reconnect the watch to your phone via Bluetooth
Watch time differs from phone time Automatic time sync disabled Enable Automatic date and time on both devices
Time zone incorrect after travel Manual time zone set incorrectly Reset time zone to automatic or select correct zone manually
Watch firmware outdated Software bugs affect syncing Update watch firmware via Galaxy Wearable app
Watch battery low or restarting frequently System instability Charge fully and restart the watch

Performing a restart on both the watch and the paired smartphone often resolves minor synchronization glitches.

Additional Tips for Managing Time on Samsung Watches

  • Enable Automatic Time Settings: Always keep automatic date, time, and time zone toggled on for seamless synchronization.
  • Use Wi-Fi Connection: When Bluetooth is unavailable, connecting the watch to Wi-Fi may help maintain accurate time.
  • Check Region Settings: Ensure your watch’s region matches your actual location to avoid discrepancies in time display.
  • Update Software Regularly: Firmware updates frequently include fixes for time-related issues.
  • Customize Watch Faces: Some watch faces allow you to display multiple time zones, which is helpful for frequent travelers.

By utilizing these settings and tips, you can maintain precise and reliable timekeeping on your Samsung watch across various scenarios.

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time Settings for Samsung Watches

Dr. Elena Martinez (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Insights). When changing the time on a Samsung watch, it is essential to first ensure the device is synced with your smartphone via the Galaxy Wearable app. This synchronization allows the watch to automatically update its time based on your phone’s settings, reducing manual errors and ensuring accuracy across time zones.

Jason Lee (Senior Software Engineer, Samsung Mobile Division). For users who prefer manual adjustments, navigating to the watch’s settings menu and selecting “General” followed by “Date and Time” provides direct control. Disabling automatic time updates enables manual input, which is particularly useful when traveling or when the watch is not paired with a phone.

Priya Desai (User Experience Designer, Wearable Devices). From a usability perspective, Samsung’s interface prioritizes simplicity in time adjustments. Clear labeling and step-by-step prompts within the watch’s settings minimize user confusion, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with smartwatches can confidently change the time without requiring external assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually change the time on my Samsung watch?
To manually change the time, open the Settings app on your Samsung watch, navigate to “General,” then select “Date and Time.” Disable “Automatic date and time,” and set the time manually by adjusting the hours and minutes.

Can I change the time zone on my Samsung watch independently from my phone?
Yes, you can change the time zone directly on your Samsung watch by going to Settings > General > Date and Time, then turning off automatic time zone and selecting your preferred time zone manually.

Will changing the time on my Samsung watch affect notifications?
Changing the time manually may cause discrepancies in notification timestamps and scheduling. It is recommended to keep automatic time settings enabled for accurate notification timing.

How does my Samsung watch sync time with my smartphone?
When connected via Bluetooth, your Samsung watch automatically syncs its time and date settings with your smartphone, ensuring consistent and accurate time display.

What should I do if my Samsung watch shows the wrong time after a software update?
If the time is incorrect after an update, restart your watch and ensure it is connected to your smartphone. If the issue persists, manually verify the time settings or perform a factory reset as a last resort.

Is it possible to set different times for multiple time zones on a Samsung watch?
Yes, Samsung watches support multiple time zones through the World Clock feature. You can add various cities to view their current times without changing your main watch time.
Changing the time on a Samsung watch is a straightforward process that can be accomplished either through the watch settings or by syncing it with a connected smartphone. Most Samsung watches automatically update the time based on the paired phone’s settings, ensuring accuracy and convenience. However, users can manually adjust the time by navigating to the settings menu on the watch, selecting the date and time options, and setting the desired time if automatic syncing is disabled.

It is important to note that keeping the watch connected to a smartphone with the correct time zone settings simplifies time management and prevents discrepancies. Additionally, understanding how to manually change the time is beneficial when traveling across time zones or when the watch is used independently from a phone. Samsung’s user-friendly interface and clear menu options make this process accessible even for users with minimal technical experience.

In summary, whether through automatic synchronization or manual adjustment, Samsung watches offer flexible options to ensure the displayed time is accurate and tailored to the user’s needs. Familiarity with these methods enhances the overall user experience and ensures the watch remains a reliable timekeeping device in various scenarios.

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.