How Do You Change the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Setting the correct time on your Fitbit watch is essential for accurately tracking your daily activities, workouts, and sleep patterns. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new device, traveled across time zones, or noticed your watch displaying the wrong time, knowing how to adjust it ensures you get the most out of your fitness companion. While it might seem like a simple task, the process can vary slightly depending on your Fitbit model and the syncing settings with your smartphone or computer.

Understanding how your Fitbit manages time settings can help you avoid confusion and keep your device perfectly aligned with your schedule. Many users assume the time updates automatically, but factors like manual adjustments, time zone changes, or syncing issues can affect the displayed time. By exploring the basics of time management on your Fitbit, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot and customize your watch to fit your lifestyle seamlessly.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and tips to change the time on your Fitbit watch efficiently. Whether you prefer using the Fitbit app or adjusting settings directly on your device, you’ll learn how to keep your watch’s clock accurate and reliable, so you can focus on reaching your fitness goals without missing a beat.

Adjusting Time Settings Through the Fitbit Mobile App

To ensure the time on your Fitbit watch is accurate, it is typically synced with the time settings on your smartphone via the Fitbit mobile app. This method allows for automatic updates, including adjustments for daylight saving time and time zone changes.

First, open the Fitbit app on your smartphone and ensure your Fitbit device is connected via Bluetooth. The app syncs the time data from your phone directly to your Fitbit watch during each synchronization session.

To manually update or correct the time:

  • Open the Fitbit app and tap on your profile icon.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll to find the “Device Settings” option.
  • Tap on “Clock Display” or “Time Zone,” depending on your app version.
  • If available, disable the “Set Automatically” option to manually select your time zone.
  • Choose the correct time zone from the list or set the time manually if your device supports it.
  • Save the changes and sync your device by tapping “Sync Now” on the device’s settings page.

It is important to note that some Fitbit models do not allow manual time setting and rely entirely on the phone’s time for accuracy.

Changing Time Settings Directly on the Fitbit Watch

Certain Fitbit models provide limited functionality to adjust the time directly on the watch itself. This option is usually found in the settings menu on the device.

To change the time on the watch:

  • Wake your Fitbit by pressing the side button or tapping the screen.
  • Swipe or navigate to the “Settings” app or gear icon.
  • Look for “Time” or “Clock” settings.
  • If available, select the option to set the time manually.
  • Adjust the hours and minutes using the touchscreen or buttons.
  • Confirm and save your settings.

Keep in mind, manual time setting on the watch may override automatic syncing, and some features may not update correctly until the next sync with the Fitbit app.

Understanding Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time Adjustments

Fitbit devices generally manage time zones and daylight saving time (DST) changes by syncing with the smartphone’s clock settings. However, manual adjustments might be necessary in cases where automatic updates fail or when traveling internationally.

Key points to consider:

  • The Fitbit app uses your phone’s location services to detect time zone changes automatically.
  • If automatic time zone detection is off, you must manually select the correct time zone in the app.
  • Daylight saving time adjustments are applied automatically if your phone and Fitbit app settings are correct.
  • When traveling across time zones, syncing your Fitbit with the phone will update the watch’s time accordingly.
Scenario Recommended Action Notes
Time is incorrect after traveling Sync Fitbit with phone; verify phone time zone settings Ensure phone location services are enabled
Daylight Saving Time not updated Check app settings; disable and re-enable auto time zone if needed Manual time setting may be required if auto update fails
Manual time change desired Use Fitbit app or watch settings if supported Some models do not support manual changes

Tips for Ensuring Accurate Time on Your Fitbit

To maintain accurate time on your Fitbit watch, follow these expert recommendations:

  • Regularly sync your Fitbit device with the Fitbit app to update time and other data.
  • Keep your smartphone’s operating system and Fitbit app updated to the latest version.
  • Enable location services on your phone for automatic time zone detection.
  • Restart your Fitbit device if the time appears incorrect after syncing.
  • Verify that your phone’s time settings are accurate, especially after traveling or changing time zones.
  • Avoid manually setting the time unless necessary, as this can cause inconsistencies in your fitness tracking data.

By adhering to these practices, your Fitbit watch will consistently display the correct time, enhancing your overall user experience.

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch via the Fitbit App

The time displayed on your Fitbit device is typically synced automatically with the time settings on your smartphone through the Fitbit app. To ensure your Fitbit shows the correct time, follow these expert steps to adjust and verify your time settings via the app:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your paired smartphone or tablet.
  • Access your account settings by tapping your profile picture or icon in the upper-right corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list of connected devices.
  • Scroll down and locate the “Clock Display” or “Time Zone” setting.
  • Choose the appropriate time zone manually if the automatic time zone detection is incorrect or disabled:

    • Turn off “Set Automatically” if available.
    • Manually select the correct time zone from the dropdown or list.
  • Sync your device by tapping the sync icon or pulling down the app screen to refresh. This ensures the updated time zone settings are applied to your Fitbit watch.

Note that your Fitbit watch will update its time during this synchronization process, so keeping your phone’s time accurate and your app updated is crucial for precise time display.

Manually Setting the Time on Fitbit Devices Without Auto-Sync

While most Fitbit devices rely on the Fitbit app for time synchronization, some older models or specific scenarios may require manual time adjustment. To manually set the time on such Fitbit watches, follow these guidelines:

  • Check device compatibility: Confirm if your Fitbit model supports manual time setting. Devices like Fitbit Ionic and Versa series generally sync time automatically, but Fitbit Charge 2 and earlier may require manual adjustments.
  • Access device settings directly: On your Fitbit watch, navigate to the Settings menu by swiping or pressing the physical buttons.
  • Locate the time or clock settings: Look for options labeled “Time,” “Clock,” or “Set Time.”
  • Adjust hours and minutes: Use the touchscreen or buttons to change the hour and minute values to the correct local time.
  • Confirm and save changes: After setting the correct time, ensure you save the changes before exiting the menu to apply the new time setting.
Fitbit Model Time Setting Method Notes
Fitbit Versa / Versa 2 / Versa 3 Automatic via Fitbit app sync No manual time setting available
Fitbit Charge 2 / Charge 3 Automatic via app; manual adjustment possible on device for Charge 2 Charge 3 prefers app sync; limited manual options
Fitbit Ionic Automatic via app sync Manual time change not supported
Fitbit Alta / Alta HR Manual on device Manual time setting required if app sync fails

Troubleshooting Time Sync Issues on Fitbit Watches

If your Fitbit watch is not displaying the correct time despite following the standard syncing process, consider these expert troubleshooting techniques to resolve time discrepancies:

  • Verify phone time accuracy: Ensure your smartphone’s time and time zone settings are correct and set to update automatically.
  • Restart your Fitbit device: Power cycling the watch can resolve minor software glitches affecting time display.
  • Force sync the Fitbit app: Open the app, pull down to refresh, and wait for the sync to complete successfully.
  • Update the Fitbit app: Confirm that you are running the latest version of the Fitbit app to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Check Bluetooth connection: Ensure your Fitbit is properly connected to your phone via Bluetooth, as a weak or dropped connection can prevent time syncing.
  • Reinstall the Fitbit app: Uninstall and reinstall the app if persistent syncing issues continue.
  • Contact Fitbit Support: If none of the above resolve the issue, reach out to Fitbit customer support for advanced troubleshooting or device replacement options.

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time Settings for Fitbit Watches

Dr. Melissa Grant (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). “To accurately change the time on a Fitbit watch, it is essential to understand that the device primarily syncs its time settings from the connected smartphone or computer. Users should ensure their phone’s time is set correctly and that the Fitbit app is updated and properly synced. Manual time adjustments on the watch itself are limited, so maintaining synchronization with the app is the most reliable method.”

James Liu (Product Manager, Fitbit User Experience Team). “When changing the time on a Fitbit watch, the key step is to verify the time zone settings within the Fitbit app. Users should navigate to the app’s settings, select ‘Time Zone,’ and either enable automatic time zone detection or set it manually. This ensures that the watch reflects the correct local time, especially when traveling across time zones.”

Sara Thompson (Consumer Electronics Trainer, Digital Wellness Institute). “For users struggling with time discrepancies on their Fitbit watch, a practical approach involves restarting both the Fitbit device and the smartphone, then performing a fresh sync via the Fitbit app. This process often resolves syncing issues that cause incorrect time displays, ensuring the watch updates accurately without requiring manual intervention.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the time on my Fitbit watch?
To change the time on your Fitbit watch, sync it with the Fitbit app on your smartphone. The watch automatically updates its time based on the time zone set on your phone.

Can I manually set the time on my Fitbit device?
No, Fitbit devices do not allow manual time setting. The time is synchronized automatically through the Fitbit app to ensure accuracy.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time?
Ensure your smartphone’s time zone settings are correct and then sync your Fitbit device with the app. Restarting both devices can also resolve syncing issues.

Does Fitbit adjust the time automatically for daylight saving?
Yes, Fitbit devices automatically adjust for daylight saving time when synced with your smartphone’s updated time zone settings.

Why is my Fitbit watch displaying a different time than my phone?
This discrepancy usually occurs if the Fitbit app has not been synced recently or if the phone’s time zone settings are incorrect. Perform a manual sync and verify your phone’s time zone.

Will changing the time zone on my phone update my Fitbit watch time?
Yes, changing the time zone on your phone will update the time on your Fitbit watch after the next sync with the Fitbit app.
Changing the time on a Fitbit watch is a straightforward process primarily managed through the Fitbit app rather than directly on the device. Since Fitbit devices automatically sync their time settings based on the time zone configured in the connected smartphone or computer, users need to ensure their phone’s time and time zone settings are accurate. This synchronization ensures that the Fitbit watch displays the correct time without requiring manual adjustments on the device itself.

To effectively change the time on a Fitbit watch, users should first verify that their Fitbit app is updated and that the device is properly connected via Bluetooth. Adjusting the time zone within the app or on the smartphone will prompt the Fitbit watch to update accordingly during its next sync. In cases where the time does not update automatically, restarting the Fitbit device or performing a manual sync can resolve the issue.

Understanding that Fitbit watches rely on the companion app for time management highlights the importance of maintaining accurate settings on the smartphone or computer. This approach not only simplifies the time adjustment process but also ensures that other features dependent on accurate time, such as sleep tracking and exercise logging, function correctly. Following these guidelines will help users maintain precise time settings on their Fitbit devices with minimal effort.

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.