How Do You Set 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 or noticed your watch displaying the wrong time, knowing how to adjust it ensures your fitness data stays reliable and meaningful. Fortunately, syncing your Fitbit’s time is a straightforward process that aligns your device with your preferred time zone and schedule.

Fitbit watches are designed to seamlessly integrate with your smartphone or computer, automatically updating the time based on your device’s settings. However, there are occasions—such as traveling across time zones or encountering syncing issues—when manual adjustments become necessary. Understanding how your Fitbit manages time and how to control these settings empowers you to maintain accurate tracking without hassle.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key steps and tips to help you set the time on your Fitbit watch correctly. Whether you’re a new user or looking to troubleshoot, this guide will prepare you to keep your device perfectly in sync with your lifestyle.

Adjusting Time Settings via the Fitbit App

The Fitbit watch automatically syncs its time with the mobile device it is paired with, making the Fitbit app the primary tool for adjusting the watch’s time settings. To ensure your Fitbit displays the correct time, it is essential that your smartphone’s time settings are accurate.

Begin by opening the Fitbit app on your smartphone. Navigate to the account section by tapping the profile icon, then select your Fitbit device from the list. Within the device settings, locate the option labeled “Clock Display” or “Time Zone.” Here you can choose between a 12-hour or 24-hour clock format based on personal preference.

If your Fitbit watch is showing an incorrect time, it may be due to a mismatch between the phone’s time zone settings and your current location. The app allows you to either manually set the time zone or enable automatic time zone detection. Enabling automatic detection is recommended for frequent travelers, as it adjusts the time zone based on the phone’s GPS location.

After making any changes, ensure your Fitbit watch syncs with the app to apply the new settings. This can be done by pulling down on the app’s dashboard to initiate a manual sync or by waiting for the automatic sync process.

Manually Setting Time on Fitbit Devices Without Automatic Sync

Some Fitbit models, particularly those without full smartphone integration or in cases where syncing is unavailable, require manual time setting. This process varies depending on the device model but generally involves the following steps:

  • Access the device’s Settings menu.
  • Find the “Time” or “Clock” option.
  • Select the option to manually set the time.
  • Use the device’s buttons or touchscreen to adjust hours and minutes.
  • Save the settings and exit the menu.

For Fitbit devices without a dedicated manual time-setting feature, time adjustments must be made through the Fitbit Connect software on a computer. This software syncs the device with the computer’s system time.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Time Sync

When the Fitbit watch time does not update correctly, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the device is within range of the paired smartphone.
  • Confirm that the Fitbit app is updated to the latest version.
  • Restart both the Fitbit watch and the smartphone to resolve minor connectivity issues.
  • Verify that the phone’s time and time zone settings are correct and set to update automatically.
  • Perform a manual sync in the Fitbit app to force the time update.
  • Check for any firmware updates for the Fitbit device and install them as needed.

If problems persist, unpairing and then re-pairing the Fitbit watch with the smartphone often resolves synchronization issues.

Summary of Time Setting Methods by Fitbit Model

Different Fitbit models offer varying capabilities for time setting. The table below summarizes the most common methods:

Fitbit Model Time Setting Method Manual Time Setting Available Sync Requirement
Fitbit Versa Series Via Fitbit App (automatic sync) No Required for time updates
Fitbit Charge Series Via Fitbit App (automatic sync) No Required for time updates
Fitbit Inspire Series Via Fitbit App (automatic sync) No Required for time updates
Fitbit Ionic Via Fitbit App (automatic sync) No Required for time updates
Older Fitbit Models (e.g., Fitbit One) Via Fitbit Connect on PC Yes, through software Sync with PC required

Setting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch Automatically

Fitbit devices are designed to sync their time settings automatically through the Fitbit app, which pulls the correct time based on your phone’s or computer’s time zone. To ensure your Fitbit watch displays the accurate time automatically, follow these steps:

  • Sync Your Fitbit Device: Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet, and make sure your Fitbit watch is nearby. Tap the device icon and select “Sync Now” to update the watch with the latest time and settings.
  • Check Time Zone Settings on Your Phone: Ensure your smartphone’s time zone is set correctly under the device’s date and time settings. Fitbit relies on this to maintain accurate time.
  • Enable Automatic Time Zone on Fitbit App:
    • Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile picture.
    • Select your device from the list.
    • Scroll down to find the “Time Zone” option.
    • Toggle “Set Automatically” to ON to allow the app to update the time zone based on your phone’s location.
  • Restart Your Fitbit Watch: If the time does not update after syncing, restart your device to refresh its settings.

By following these steps, your Fitbit watch should display the correct time automatically without requiring manual intervention.

Manually Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

In some cases, especially when traveling or if automatic time updates are not working correctly, you may need to set the time manually. Fitbit devices do not allow direct manual time setting on most models; instead, the time is controlled through the Fitbit app or the connected device’s settings. Here’s how to adjust the time manually:

Fitbit Model Manual Time Setting Method Notes
Fitbit Versa, Sense, Charge Series Set time zone manually in Fitbit app settings Adjusting time zone changes displayed time accordingly
Fitbit Ionic Change time zone in Fitbit app or phone settings No direct manual time input; time follows time zone
Older Fitbit Models (e.g., Fitbit Blaze) Sync to device with correct time zone settings Manual override unavailable; time synced automatically
  • Adjusting Time Zone Manually: If your Fitbit watch is displaying the wrong time, open the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon, select your device, and then toggle off “Set Automatically” under the Time Zone section. Select the correct time zone manually.
  • Force a Sync After Changing Settings: After adjusting the time zone, sync your Fitbit watch again to apply the changes.
  • Restart Device: A restart of your Fitbit device may be necessary to finalize the time change.

Troubleshooting Common Time Display Issues on Fitbit Watches

If your Fitbit watch time is incorrect or not updating properly, several factors may be contributing to the issue. Consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Check Bluetooth Connection: Ensure your Fitbit watch is properly connected to your phone or computer via Bluetooth. A lost connection can prevent time syncing.
  • Update Fitbit App and Device Firmware: An outdated app or firmware can cause syncing issues. Verify that both are up to date through your device’s app store and the Fitbit app’s device settings.
  • Verify Phone Time Settings: Make sure the phone or tablet time and time zone are set correctly and not on manual mode if you want automatic syncing.
  • Clear Cache or Reinstall Fitbit App: Corrupted app data can interfere with syncing. Try clearing the app cache or reinstalling the Fitbit app.
  • Factory Reset Fitbit Watch: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Fitbit watch to resolve persistent issues. Be aware this will erase all stored data on the device.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Time not updating after travel Automatic time zone setting disabled Enable “Set Automatically” in Fitbit app time zone settings
Time off by several hours Incorrect time zone on phone or Fitbit app Manually select correct time zone in Fitbit app
Watch displays wrong time despite sync Outdated firmware or app version Update both firmware and Fitbit app
Sync fails repeatedly Bluetooth or app issues Restart devices, clear app cache, or reinstall app

Expert Guidance on How To Set Fitbit Watch Time

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Setting the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through synchronization with your smartphone or computer. Ensuring your device’s time zone settings are accurate in the Fitbit app is crucial, as the watch automatically updates its time based on this data. Manual time adjustments are rarely necessary unless you are troubleshooting connectivity issues or traveling across time zones without your paired device.

Jason Lee (Consumer Electronics Analyst, SmartGear Review). The most effective way to set your Fitbit watch time is by keeping your Fitbit app updated and allowing it to sync regularly. Fitbit devices rely on the app’s time settings, which pull from your phone’s system clock. If discrepancies occur, restarting both the watch and the app often resolves the issue. Users should avoid attempting to change the time directly on the watch, as this can cause synchronization conflicts.

Sara Nguyen (Digital Health Consultant, FitTech Solutions). For users needing to adjust Fitbit watch time manually, particularly in cases where the device is unpaired or offline, accessing the device settings through the Fitbit app is essential. Navigate to the clock settings and select the correct time zone or enable automatic time zone detection. Regular syncing with the Fitbit server ensures that your watch maintains accurate time, which is vital for tracking health metrics reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the time on my Fitbit watch?
The Fitbit watch automatically syncs its time with the connected smartphone or computer. To change the time, ensure your device’s clock is set correctly and sync your Fitbit using the Fitbit app.

Can I manually set the time on my Fitbit without syncing?
No, Fitbit devices do not allow manual time setting. The watch time updates only through syncing with the Fitbit app, which pulls the time from your phone or computer.

Why is my Fitbit watch showing the wrong time?
Incorrect time usually results from a sync issue or incorrect time settings on your phone or computer. Verify your device’s time zone and clock settings, then sync your Fitbit again.

How often does the Fitbit watch update its time?
The Fitbit updates its time each time it syncs with the Fitbit app. Regular syncing ensures the watch displays the correct and current time.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch time is off after traveling?
After traveling, open the Fitbit app and sync your device to update the time zone automatically. Ensure your phone’s time zone settings are correct for accurate syncing.

Does Fitbit support automatic daylight saving time adjustments?
Yes, Fitbit devices adjust automatically for daylight saving time when synced with a device that has the correct time zone and daylight saving settings.
Setting the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through synchronization with your smartphone or computer, as Fitbit devices automatically update their time based on the time zone and settings of the connected device. This seamless integration ensures that the watch displays accurate and current time without requiring manual adjustments. Users should ensure their Fitbit app and device firmware are up to date to maintain proper synchronization and functionality.

In cases where the time appears incorrect, it is advisable to check the time zone settings on the paired smartphone or Fitbit app, as discrepancies often arise from mismatched or disabled automatic time zone settings. Restarting the Fitbit device and re-syncing it with the app can also resolve most time-related issues. Manual time setting is generally not supported on Fitbit watches, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper device connectivity.

Overall, understanding that Fitbit watches rely on connected devices for time updates is crucial for effective time management on the device. By ensuring consistent synchronization and correct time zone settings on the paired device, users can enjoy accurate time display and enhanced functionality of their Fitbit watch without additional manual configuration.

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.