How Do You Change the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Adjusting the time on your Fitbit watch might seem like a small detail, but it’s essential for keeping your fitness tracking accurate and ensuring your daily routines stay on schedule. Whether you’ve recently traveled across time zones, experienced a daylight saving time change, or simply noticed your Fitbit displaying the wrong time, knowing how to update it quickly can make a big difference in your user experience. Getting your watch’s time right helps maintain the precision of your activity logs, sleep tracking, and notifications.

Many Fitbit users assume that the time on their device updates automatically, but there are occasions when manual adjustments become necessary. Understanding the relationship between your Fitbit and its companion app, as well as how syncing affects time settings, is key to mastering this process. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your Fitbit watch reflects the correct time, allowing you to rely confidently on the data it provides.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential methods to change the time on your Fitbit watch, whether through your smartphone app or directly on the device. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your Fitbit perfectly in sync with your daily life.

Adjusting the Time Manually on Your Fitbit Device

If your Fitbit device does not automatically update to the correct time, you can manually adjust the time settings through the Fitbit app or directly on some Fitbit models. However, it is important to note that most Fitbit watches rely on the smartphone or computer to sync time settings, so manual adjustment options on the device itself may be limited.

To change the time manually using the Fitbit app, follow these steps:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap on your profile picture or icon located in the upper-left corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down to find the **Advanced Settings** option.
  • Tap on **Time Zone**.
  • Disable the **Set Automatically** toggle if it is enabled.
  • Choose your preferred time zone from the list.
  • Sync your Fitbit device by tapping **Sync Now** or by allowing the app to sync automatically.

Once synchronized, your Fitbit watch will display the updated time according to the selected time zone.

For Fitbit models that allow manual time setting on the watch itself (such as some older or specific models), consult the device’s user manual for precise button combinations or menu navigation steps. Typically, you can access settings by:

  • Pressing and holding the side button to open the menu.
  • Navigating to **Settings** > Time or Clock.
  • Selecting the option to manually set the time.
  • Adjusting the hours and minutes using the touchscreen or buttons.
  • Confirming the changes before exiting the menu.

Keep in mind that manual time changes on the device may be overridden the next time it syncs with the Fitbit app.

Understanding Time Zone Settings and Daylight Saving Time

Proper time zone configuration is crucial for accurate tracking of daily activity, sleep patterns, and exercise metrics. Fitbit devices automatically adjust for daylight saving time (DST) when the time zone is set correctly in the app.

Key points regarding time zone and DST include:

  • When Set Automatically is enabled, the Fitbit app detects your phone’s current time zone and applies it to your device.
  • If you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit watch should update its time automatically upon syncing.
  • Disabling automatic time zone settings requires manual selection, which prevents automatic DST adjustments.
  • Some Fitbit devices may show incorrect time if the phone’s time zone settings are inaccurate or if the device is not syncing regularly.

To avoid time discrepancies, it is recommended to keep your smartphone’s time zone settings accurate and enable automatic time settings in the Fitbit app.

Troubleshooting Common Time Sync Issues

If your Fitbit watch is not displaying the correct time despite syncing, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure Bluetooth Connectivity: Confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and that the Fitbit device is connected.
  • Force Sync: Open the Fitbit app and manually initiate a sync to update the time.
  • Restart Your Fitbit Device: Power off and then power on your Fitbit watch to reset internal settings.
  • Update Fitbit App and Firmware: Verify that you have the latest version of the Fitbit app installed and that your device firmware is up to date.
  • Check Phone Time Settings: Ensure your smartphone’s date, time, and time zone settings are correct.
  • Reinstall Fitbit App: Uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app if persistent syncing problems occur.
  • Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Fitbit device, but be aware this will erase all stored data.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Incorrect time after syncing Phone time zone inaccurate or manual time zone enabled Verify phone time zone and enable automatic time zone in Fitbit app
Time not updating on Fitbit device Bluetooth connection lost or sync failed Check Bluetooth, force sync, restart device
Daylight saving time not applied Manual time zone set or outdated firmware Enable automatic time zone and update device firmware

By addressing these common issues, you can ensure that your Fitbit watch consistently displays the accurate time and provides reliable data for your fitness tracking needs.

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Fitbit devices do not allow manual time changes directly on the watch. Instead, the time displayed on your Fitbit is synchronized automatically with the time zone settings of the smartphone or computer to which it is paired. To change the time on your Fitbit watch, you must adjust the time zone settings in the Fitbit app or your device settings.

Changing Time Zone Using the Fitbit App

Follow these steps to update the time zone for your Fitbit watch through the Fitbit app:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your paired smartphone or tablet.
  • Tap on your profile picture or icon in the top-left corner to access your account settings.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list of connected devices.
  • Scroll down and tap on Time Zone.
  • If the Set Automatically option is enabled, your Fitbit will sync the time zone based on your phone’s location. To manually set the time zone, disable this option.
  • Choose your correct time zone from the provided list.
  • Sync your Fitbit device by tapping Sync Now or by manually syncing through the app.

Changing Time Zone on Fitbit Via Fitbit.com Dashboard

If you prefer to adjust settings through a web browser, use the Fitbit.com dashboard:

  1. Log in to your Fitbit account at fitbit.com.
  2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.
  3. Navigate to the Personal Info tab.
  4. Scroll down to the Time Zone section.
  5. Uncheck the Set Automatically box if it is checked.
  6. Select your correct time zone from the dropdown menu.
  7. Click Save to apply the changes.
  8. Perform a manual sync on your Fitbit device via the app to update the time.

Additional Tips for Time Settings on Fitbit Watches

Issue Solution
Time not updating after changing time zone Ensure the Fitbit device is connected and synced properly with the app; restart the Fitbit watch if necessary.
Device shows incorrect time despite correct app settings Check that the paired smartphone or tablet has the correct system time and time zone settings.
Daylight Saving Time adjustments Keep Set Automatically enabled to allow the Fitbit to update automatically for daylight saving changes.
Unable to change time zone in app Update the Fitbit app to the latest version or reinstall it if the option is missing or unresponsive.

Synchronizing the Fitbit Watch to Update Time

After adjusting the time zone settings, syncing your Fitbit watch is essential to apply the changes immediately:

  • Open the Fitbit app and tap the device icon at the top of the dashboard.
  • Tap Sync Now to begin manual synchronization.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone or tablet during the sync process.
  • Wait for the sync to complete; the time on your Fitbit should now reflect the updated time zone.

If syncing does not update the time, try restarting the Fitbit device by following the manufacturer’s recommended reset procedure for your specific model.

Changing Time Format on Fitbit Watches

You can also change the time display format (12-hour or 24-hour) via the Fitbit app:

  • Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon.
  • Select your device and scroll to Clock Display Time or similar settings.
  • Choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format.
  • Sync your Fitbit watch to apply the new time format.

This setting affects only how the time appears on your Fitbit and does not influence the actual time or time zone.

Summary of Key Steps to Change Time on Fitbit Watches

Step Action
1 Open Fitbit app or Fitbit.com dashboard
2 Navigate to device settings and locate time zone options
3 Disable automatic time zone if manual selection is preferred
4 Select the correct time zone
5 Sync the Fitbit device to update the time

Expert Insights on Changing Time Settings on a Fitbit Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Adjusting the time on a Fitbit watch is typically managed through the Fitbit app rather than the device itself. Since the watch syncs with your smartphone, ensuring your phone’s time and time zone settings are accurate will automatically update the watch. For manual adjustments, users should verify their app settings and sync the device to reflect the correct time.

Michael Torres (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Gadget Review Weekly). Many Fitbit models do not allow direct time changes on the watch interface, emphasizing the importance of the companion app. If the time appears incorrect, users should check for app updates or re-sync their device. In cases where the watch shows the wrong time after travel, adjusting the phone’s time zone and forcing a sync usually resolves the issue efficiently.

Sara Patel (User Experience Designer, Fitbit Product Team). From a user experience perspective, Fitbit’s design prioritizes seamless syncing to reduce manual input errors. We recommend users keep their Fitbit app updated and enable automatic time zone settings on their phones. If discrepancies occur, restarting both the watch and the phone before re-syncing often helps to recalibrate the time display accurately.

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, update the time settings on your paired phone or Fitbit app.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
The time may be incorrect if your Fitbit is not syncing properly with your phone or if your phone’s time settings are inaccurate. Ensure your phone’s time zone is set correctly and sync your Fitbit device through the app.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, the time zone updates automatically based on your phone’s location if location permissions are enabled. Alternatively, you can manually set the time zone in the Fitbit app under Account Settings > Advanced Settings.

How often does my Fitbit watch update its time?
Your Fitbit watch updates its time each time it syncs with the Fitbit app. Regular syncing ensures your device displays the correct time and time zone.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
After traveling, open the Fitbit app and sync your device while connected to the internet. Verify that the time zone in the app matches your current location or manually adjust it if necessary.

Is it possible to change the time format on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, you can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats in the Fitbit app under Account Settings > Advanced Settings. The change will reflect on your Fitbit device after syncing.
Changing the time on a Fitbit watch primarily involves syncing the device with the Fitbit app, as the watch automatically updates its time based on the smartphone’s settings. Direct manual time adjustment on the watch itself is generally not supported, making it essential to ensure that the connected phone’s time and time zone settings are accurate. For users who travel across time zones, the Fitbit app provides an option to update the time zone automatically or manually, ensuring the watch reflects the correct local time.

In cases where the time does not update correctly, troubleshooting steps such as restarting the Fitbit device, verifying the phone’s time settings, and ensuring the Fitbit app is up to date are recommended. Additionally, checking for software updates on the Fitbit device can resolve synchronization issues related to time display. Understanding these processes helps maintain accurate timekeeping, which is crucial for tracking fitness data and maintaining daily schedules.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that Fitbit watches rely on their companion app and connected devices for time accuracy. Users should focus on maintaining proper synchronization and keeping their app and device software current. By following these guidelines, users can ensure their Fitbit watch consistently displays the correct time, enhancing the overall user experience and reliability of 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.