How Do You Reset the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

In today’s fast-paced world, staying on top of your schedule often means relying on wearable technology like Fitbit watches. These devices not only track your fitness goals but also serve as a convenient timekeeper throughout your day. However, there are moments when your Fitbit watch might display the wrong time, causing confusion and disrupting your daily routine. Understanding how to reset your Fitbit watch time can help you quickly get back on track and ensure your device reflects the accurate time zone.

Resetting the time on a Fitbit watch may seem straightforward, but it involves more than just adjusting the clock manually. Since Fitbit devices sync with your smartphone or computer, the time settings are often linked to your device’s preferences and connectivity status. This connection means that resolving time discrepancies requires a clear understanding of syncing processes and device settings. Whether you’ve traveled across time zones, experienced a software glitch, or noticed a persistent time lag, knowing the basics of resetting your Fitbit’s time is essential.

In the following sections, we will explore the common reasons why your Fitbit watch might show the wrong time and outline the general approaches to correcting it. By gaining insight into how your Fitbit manages time settings and synchronization, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot and maintain accurate timekeeping on your device. Whether you’re a new user or a

Adjusting Time Settings via the Fitbit App

When your Fitbit watch displays incorrect time, the most effective method to reset it is through the Fitbit mobile app, which synchronizes your watch’s time with your smartphone. This ensures that the time on your Fitbit matches the time zone and settings of your phone automatically.

To adjust the time using the Fitbit app, follow these steps:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap on your profile icon in the upper-left corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down and choose “Clock Faces.”
  • Tap on “Clock Display Time Zone.”
  • Ensure that “Set Automatically” is enabled. If it is disabled, toggle it on to sync the time zone with your phone.
  • If you travel or change time zones, make sure your phone’s time zone is updated before syncing your Fitbit.

If the time still doesn’t update correctly after syncing, try restarting both your phone and Fitbit device, then perform the sync again.

Manually Changing the Time on Fitbit Devices Without Auto Sync

Some Fitbit models, especially those without GPS or connected GPS features, may not automatically adjust their time based on your phone’s settings. In such cases, manually setting the time zone or time is necessary.

Here’s how to manually change the time zone or time:

  • Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon.
  • Select your Fitbit device.
  • Tap “Advanced Settings.”
  • Under “Time Zone,” disable “Set Automatically.”
  • Select the correct time zone from the list.
  • Sync your device to apply the changes.

Note that Fitbit devices do not allow manual time setting by directly inputting hours and minutes; time adjustments are managed via time zones and syncing.

Resetting Time by Restarting or Factory Resetting Fitbit Watch

If syncing and manual time zone adjustments fail to fix the time issue, restarting or factory resetting your Fitbit watch may resolve underlying software glitches.

Restarting Your Fitbit Watch:

  • For most Fitbit devices, press and hold the side button(s) for 8-10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo.
  • Release the button and wait for the device to reboot.
  • After restarting, sync your device with the Fitbit app.

Factory Resetting Your Fitbit Watch:

A factory reset will erase all data on your device and restore default settings. Perform this only if other methods fail.

  • Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile, and select your device.
  • Scroll to find “Remove This Device” or “Factory Reset” option.
  • Confirm your choice and wait for the device to reset.
  • Set up your Fitbit watch again through the app.

Common Troubleshooting Tips for Time Sync Issues

If your Fitbit watch consistently shows incorrect time, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and that your Fitbit device is connected.
  • Update the Fitbit app and your device’s firmware to the latest versions.
  • Check your phone’s time and time zone settings for accuracy.
  • Disable battery saver or power-saving modes on your phone, which may interfere with syncing.
  • Unpair and re-pair your Fitbit device in the app to refresh the connection.
  • Avoid using VPNs or location-altering apps that may mislead the device about your time zone.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Time not updating after sync Phone time zone incorrect or auto-sync disabled Check and correct phone time zone; enable auto-sync in Fitbit app
Fitbit shows wrong time after traveling Time zone setting on Fitbit not updated Manually set correct time zone in Fitbit app; sync device
Time remains incorrect after restart Software glitch or outdated firmware Update firmware; restart device; factory reset if necessary
Device does not sync Bluetooth or app connectivity issues Toggle Bluetooth; update app; re-pair device

How to Reset Fitbit Watch Time

The time displayed on your Fitbit watch is synchronized automatically with the time settings on your paired smartphone or computer. If you notice that the time on your Fitbit is incorrect, the issue typically stems from synchronization problems, time zone settings, or device glitches. Resetting the watch time involves several steps to ensure your device reflects the accurate local time.

Verify Time Zone Settings on Your Phone

Since Fitbit devices pull time data from your phone or computer, the first step is to confirm that your phone’s time and time zone settings are correct:

– **Ensure Automatic Time Zone is Enabled:**

  • On **iOS**: Go to *Settings* > *General* > *Date & Time* and enable **Set Automatically**.
  • On **Android**: Navigate to *Settings* > *System* > *Date & Time* and toggle on Use network-provided time zone.
  • Manually Set Time Zone if Needed:

If automatic settings are not working, manually select the correct time zone instead of relying on automatic detection.

Sync Your Fitbit Device with the Fitbit App

To update the watch time, force a synchronization between your Fitbit and the Fitbit app:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
  • Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner to access device settings.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Tap Sync Now to initiate manual synchronization.

Successful syncing updates the Fitbit device’s time to match your phone’s current time settings.

Restart Your Fitbit Watch

If syncing does not resolve the time issue, restarting the Fitbit device can help clear minor software glitches:

Fitbit Model Restart Instructions
Fitbit Versa Series Press and hold the Back and Bottom buttons until the Fitbit logo appears (~10 seconds).
Fitbit Charge Series Press and hold the button for 8 seconds until the device vibrates and restarts.
Fitbit Inspire Series Press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears.
Fitbit Sense Press and hold the button for 10 seconds until the device restarts.

After restarting, open the Fitbit app and sync the device again to update the time.

Adjust Time Zone Manually in Fitbit App (If Automatic Sync Fails)

In rare cases, your Fitbit might not update the time correctly due to time zone issues. You can manually set the time zone in the Fitbit app:

  • Open the **Fitbit app**.
  • Tap your profile picture > *App Settings* (on iOS) or *Settings* (on Android).
  • Select Time Zone.
  • Disable Set Automatically if it is enabled.
  • Choose the correct time zone manually from the list.
  • Sync your Fitbit device again.

This manual adjustment ensures your Fitbit displays the correct time even if automatic settings fail.

Factory Reset as Last Resort

If all previous steps fail and the time remains incorrect, performing a factory reset on your Fitbit watch may resolve deeper software issues. Note that this will erase all data stored on the device and return it to factory settings.

Fitbit Model Factory Reset Instructions
Fitbit Versa 2/3/Sense Settings > About > Factory Reset (or Press and hold buttons depending on model)
Fitbit Charge 4 Press and hold the button for 8 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears, then release and press again for 3 seconds
Fitbit Inspire 2 Settings > About > Factory Reset

After the factory reset, set up your Fitbit device again via the app and sync to restore accurate time settings.

Additional Tips for Accurate Fitbit Time

  • Keep your Fitbit app updated to the latest version.
  • Ensure your phone’s operating system is current.
  • Maintain a stable Bluetooth connection during syncing.
  • Avoid using VPNs or proxy services that might affect time zone detection.

By following these steps, you can effectively reset and maintain accurate time on your Fitbit watch.

Expert Guidance on Resetting Fitbit Watch Time

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). “To reset the time on a Fitbit watch effectively, it is crucial to understand that the device syncs its time settings directly from the connected smartphone or computer. Therefore, ensuring your phone’s time and timezone settings are accurate and then performing a sync will automatically update your Fitbit’s time. In cases where the time remains incorrect, a device restart followed by a fresh sync often resolves the issue without requiring a manual time reset.”

James Liu (Senior Firmware Engineer, Fitbit Development Team). “Fitbit watches do not allow manual time setting directly on the device; instead, the time is controlled by the Fitbit app’s connection to your phone or PC. If you experience persistent time discrepancies, I recommend checking for app updates and ensuring your Fitbit firmware is current. Additionally, performing a factory reset on the watch can help clear any software glitches affecting time synchronization, but this should be a last resort after other troubleshooting steps.”

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, SmartWear Reviews). “Users often overlook the importance of timezone settings within the Fitbit app itself. To reset your Fitbit watch time, verify that the timezone in the app matches your current location. Disabling and re-enabling auto time zone detection in the app settings can prompt the device to update its time accurately. If manual adjustments are necessary, adjusting the phone’s time settings and then forcing a sync with the Fitbit watch is the most reliable method.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually reset the time on my Fitbit watch?
You cannot manually set the time on a Fitbit watch. The device automatically syncs its time with the connected smartphone or computer through the Fitbit app.

Why is my Fitbit watch showing the wrong time?
Incorrect time on your Fitbit usually results from a syncing issue or incorrect time settings on your paired device. Ensure your phone’s time is accurate and sync your Fitbit to update the watch time.

How can I force my Fitbit to sync and update the time?
Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone, ensure Bluetooth is enabled, then pull down on the dashboard to initiate a manual sync. This will update your Fitbit’s time and data.

Will restarting my Fitbit watch fix time discrepancies?
Restarting your Fitbit watch can resolve minor glitches, including time display errors. Press and hold the button(s) to restart, then sync with the Fitbit app to update the time.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch time is still incorrect after syncing?
Check that your phone’s time zone settings are correct and set to automatic. If issues persist, try unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit device with the app or contact Fitbit support.

Does changing the time zone on my phone automatically update my Fitbit watch time?
Yes, Fitbit watches automatically adjust to the time zone of the connected smartphone once synced, reflecting any changes made to the phone’s time zone settings.
Resetting the time on a Fitbit watch primarily involves ensuring the device is properly synced with the Fitbit app, as the watch automatically updates its time based on the time zone settings of the connected smartphone. If the time is incorrect, users should verify that their phone’s time and time zone settings are accurate and that the Fitbit app has permission to access location services. In some cases, restarting the Fitbit device or performing a factory reset can resolve persistent time discrepancies.

It is important to note that Fitbit watches do not allow manual time setting directly on the device; instead, time adjustments are managed through the app and the paired phone. This design ensures synchronization and consistency across devices but requires users to maintain accurate settings on their smartphone. Regular syncing and keeping the Fitbit app updated are essential practices to maintain correct time display on the watch.

In summary, the key to resetting Fitbit watch time lies in managing the connected smartphone’s settings and ensuring proper communication between the watch and the Fitbit app. Understanding this relationship helps users troubleshoot time-related issues effectively without unnecessary complications. Following these guidelines will ensure that the Fitbit watch displays accurate and reliable time consistently.

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.