How Do You Change the Time on a Garmin Watch?

Changing the time on your Garmin watch might seem like a simple task, but for many users, it can be surprisingly tricky without the right guidance. Whether you’ve traveled across time zones, experienced daylight saving changes, or simply need to adjust your watch’s settings, knowing how to update the time accurately ensures your device stays reliable and useful. Garmin watches are packed with features, and understanding how to manage basic settings like time can enhance your overall experience.

Garmin devices often sync time automatically via GPS or your connected smartphone, but there are occasions when manual adjustments become necessary. Different models may have varied methods for changing the time, reflecting their unique interfaces and functionalities. Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s helpful to grasp why and when you might need to take control of your watch’s time settings yourself.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential ways to change the time on your Garmin watch, covering both automatic and manual options. Whether you own a fitness-focused Forerunner, an outdoor-ready Fenix, or another Garmin model, you’ll find clear, straightforward guidance to keep your watch perfectly in sync with your schedule.

Adjusting Time Settings Manually on Your Garmin Watch

To manually change the time on your Garmin watch, you need to access the settings menu, which varies slightly depending on the model but generally follows a similar process. Begin by pressing the menu button, often represented by three horizontal lines or a gear icon, to open the main settings. Navigate to the System or Settings submenu where you will find options related to time and date.

Once inside the time settings, you will typically see options such as:

Set Time: Allows you to manually enter the current time.
Time Format: Choose between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats.
Set Date: Adjust the date if necessary.
Time Zone: Select the correct time zone manually if your device does not update this automatically.

To update the time manually:

Select Set Time.
Use the watch’s buttons or touchscreen to adjust the hour and minutes.
Confirm the changes by pressing the appropriate button, often labeled as “Start” or “OK”.

Some Garmin watches allow you to toggle between automatic and manual time settings. When set to manual, the watch will not update the time based on GPS or smartphone synchronization.

Using GPS and Smartphone Synchronization for Automatic Time Updates

Many Garmin watches support automatic time synchronization either through GPS signals or via connection to a smartphone. This feature ensures your watch always displays the correct time without requiring manual adjustments.

GPS Time Synchronization

Garmin watches with GPS capability can automatically update the time based on satellite data. This is particularly useful when traveling across time zones. To enable GPS time synchronization:

Access the System settings.
Locate the Time or Set Time option.
Select GPS or Auto to allow the watch to fetch time data directly from satellites.
Ensure the GPS is active to receive accurate time information.

Smartphone Synchronization

When paired with the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone, the watch can synchronize its time settings automatically. The watch will use the phone’s time, which is typically set by the network provider.

To enable this feature:

Open the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
Navigate to the device settings.
Ensure the option to synchronize time with the phone is enabled.
Keep Bluetooth enabled on both devices to maintain connection.

This synchronization method is advantageous because it also updates your watch’s time zone and daylight saving changes without user intervention.

Common Troubleshooting Tips for Time Issues

If your Garmin watch is displaying incorrect time despite following the adjustment steps, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

Restart the Watch: Sometimes a simple reboot resolves software glitches affecting time display.
Check for Firmware Updates: Outdated software can cause syncing issues. Update your watch through Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect app.
Verify GPS Signal: If using GPS for time, ensure you are in an open area with a clear view of the sky.
Reset Time Settings: Try toggling between manual and automatic time settings to refresh the system.
Unpair and Re-pair with Smartphone: For watches syncing with a phone, disconnect and reconnect via Bluetooth to restore synchronization.

Issue	Possible Cause	Recommended Solution
Time not updating automatically	Auto time sync disabled or GPS signal weak	Enable auto time sync; move to an open area for GPS signal
Watch shows incorrect time zone	Manual time zone setting or phone time zone mismatch	Adjust time zone manually or ensure smartphone time zone is correct
Time resets after restart	Firmware issue or corrupted settings	Update firmware; perform factory reset if necessary
Bluetooth syncing fails	Connection issues between watch and phone	Restart devices; re-pair via Garmin Connect app

Adjusting the Time Manually on Your Garmin Watch

Most Garmin watches automatically sync their time using GPS signals or a connected smartphone, but there are occasions when you may need to manually set or adjust the time. This is particularly useful if your watch is not connecting to GPS or your phone, or if you prefer to set a specific time zone manually.

To change the time manually on a Garmin watch, follow these general steps, noting that specific menu names may vary slightly depending on the model:

Access the Settings Menu: Press the button designated for settings or hold the main button until the menu appears.
Navigate to System Settings: Scroll through the options and select “System” or “Settings.”
Select Time: Find the “Time” option in the system settings menu.
Set Time Mode: Change the time mode from “Auto” to “Manual” if your watch allows this option. This disables automatic GPS or phone synchronization.
Adjust the Time: Use the watch buttons or touchscreen to set the correct hour, minutes, and AM/PM if applicable.
Confirm and Exit: Save the changes and exit the settings menu.

Step	Action	Typical Button/Interaction
1	Open Settings	Press and hold the middle or bottom-left button (varies by model)
2	Select System	Scroll with up/down buttons or swipe touchscreen
3	Choose Time	Press enter/select button or tap
4	Switch Time Mode to Manual	Toggle using buttons or touchscreen
5	Set Time	Adjust hour and minutes, confirm changes

Setting Time Automatically via GPS or Smartphone

Garmin watches commonly rely on GPS signals or Bluetooth-connected smartphones to set the time automatically. This method ensures accurate timekeeping based on your location and daylight saving changes without manual intervention.

Enable GPS Time Sync: Ensure GPS is active on your watch. When GPS is locked, the watch updates the time based on satellite data.
Pair with Garmin Connect App: Connect your Garmin watch to the Garmin Connect mobile app via Bluetooth. The app syncs the correct time and time zone information to your device.
Check Time Settings Mode: In your watch’s settings under “Time,” confirm the mode is set to “Auto” or “GPS.” This allows the watch to update the time automatically.
Allow Time Sync: After connection, give the watch a few moments to synchronize time with the GPS satellites or phone.

Automatic Time Sync Method	Requirements	Typical Use Case
GPS Time Sync	GPS enabled, clear sky view	Outdoor use, no phone connection
Smartphone Sync	Bluetooth connection to Garmin Connect app	Indoor or outdoor with phone nearby

Troubleshooting Common Time Setting Issues

If your Garmin watch is not displaying the correct time, or manual adjustments do not appear to save, these troubleshooting steps can help resolve common problems:

Verify Time Zone Settings: Ensure the watch is set to the correct time zone or set it to automatic to allow GPS or phone sync to update it.
Check for Firmware Updates: Outdated firmware can cause syncing issues. Use Garmin Express or Garmin Connect app to update your watch.
Restart the Device: A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches affecting time display.
Re-pair with Garmin Connect: Unpair and then re-pair your watch with the smartphone to re-establish connection and sync time correctly.
Reset to Factory Defaults: As a last resort, resetting the watch to factory settings can clear corrupted data interfering with time settings. Back up your data before doing this.

Expert Guidance on Changing Time Settings on Garmin Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Insights). Adjusting the time on a Garmin watch typically involves accessing the device settings through the main menu, then selecting the system or clock settings. Most Garmin models sync automatically with GPS signals for accurate timekeeping, but manual adjustment is available for those in areas with limited GPS access or when traveling across time zones.

Michael Nguyen (Senior Product Trainer, Garmin Inc.). When changing the time on a Garmin watch, users should first ensure their device firmware is up to date to access the latest features and settings. For manual time changes, navigating to the ‘Set Time’ option under system settings allows users to input the correct time. It is important to note that some Garmin watches offer a ‘Time Zone’ setting that can automatically update time based on location data.

Sophia Martinez (Fitness Technology Consultant, WearTech Advisors). For athletes relying on Garmin watches, accurate time settings are crucial for tracking performance. I recommend using the GPS sync feature whenever possible to maintain precision. However, if manual adjustment is necessary, users should follow the step-by-step instructions in the user manual or Garmin Connect app, which often provides an intuitive interface for time and date changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually change the time on my Garmin watch?
To manually change the time, access the settings menu on your Garmin watch, select “System,” then “Time,” and choose the option to set the time manually. Adjust the hours and minutes as needed and save your changes.

Can my Garmin watch automatically update the time based on my location?
Yes, most Garmin watches can automatically update the time by syncing with GPS satellites or your paired smartphone. Ensure that GPS is enabled or your watch is connected to your phone for automatic time updates.

Why is the time on my Garmin watch incorrect after traveling?
If your watch does not update automatically, it may not have acquired a GPS signal or synced with your phone. Manually refresh GPS or reconnect your device to update the time zone and time.

How do I change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour on my Garmin watch?
Navigate to “Settings,” then “System,” followed by “Time.” Here, you can select your preferred time format, choosing between 12-hour or 24-hour display.

Will changing the time on my Garmin watch affect activity tracking data?
Adjusting the time manually may impact the accuracy of activity timestamps. It is recommended to use automatic time settings to ensure precise tracking and data consistency.

How can I sync my Garmin watch time with my smartphone?
Connect your Garmin watch to the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth. Once paired, the watch will automatically sync its time with the smartphone’s time settings.
Changing the time on a Garmin watch is a straightforward process that can be accomplished either manually or automatically, depending on the model and user preferences. Most Garmin watches synchronize time through GPS signals or via connection to a smartphone using the Garmin Connect app, ensuring accurate and up-to-date time settings. For users who prefer manual adjustments, the watch settings menu typically offers options to set the time zone, adjust the time format, and input the correct time directly.

It is important to understand the specific steps for your Garmin watch model, as the interface and available options may vary. Utilizing the Garmin Connect app not only simplifies the time-setting process but also ensures that the watch stays synchronized with your phone’s time, especially when traveling across time zones. Manual time setting remains useful in scenarios where GPS signals are unavailable or when the user desires a fixed time setting independent of automatic updates.

In summary, whether you rely on automatic synchronization or manual input, Garmin provides flexible options to ensure your watch displays the correct time. Familiarizing yourself with your device’s settings and connectivity features will enhance your overall experience and ensure accurate timekeeping at all times.

Author Profile

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.

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Issue	Likely Cause	Recommended Action
Time not updating automatically	GPS disabled or no phone connection	Enable GPS or Bluetooth, reconnect to phone
Manual time changes not saving	Time mode set to Auto	Switch time mode to Manual before editing