How Do You Set the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Setting the correct time on your Fitbit watch is essential for tracking your daily activities accurately and staying on schedule with your fitness goals. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new device or noticed your watch displaying the wrong time, knowing how to set the time properly ensures that your Fitbit functions seamlessly alongside your lifestyle. With its sleek design and smart features, your Fitbit is more than just a fitness tracker—it’s a personal companion that keeps you connected and motivated throughout the day.

While it might seem straightforward, adjusting the time on a Fitbit watch involves syncing with your smartphone or computer rather than manually changing it on the device itself. This approach helps maintain consistency across your apps and devices, ensuring your health data is always aligned with the correct time zone. Understanding this process can save you time and prevent confusion, especially if you travel frequently or switch between time zones.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the simple steps and tips needed to set the time on your Fitbit watch correctly. Whether you’re a new user or just need a quick refresher, this guide will help you keep your device perfectly in sync with your daily routine.

Adjusting Time Settings via the Fitbit App

The most efficient way to set the time on your Fitbit watch is through the Fitbit mobile app, which syncs the device with your smartphone’s time settings. This method ensures that your watch automatically updates for time zone changes, daylight saving adjustments, and maintains accuracy without requiring manual intervention.

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

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner to access device settings.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down to find “Clock Display” or “Time Zone” settings.
  • Ensure the “Set Automatically” option is enabled to sync the time based on your phone’s location.
  • If you prefer a manual setting, disable automatic time zone, then select your preferred time zone or adjust the time manually.

This approach leverages the app’s synchronization capabilities, minimizing discrepancies and ensuring your Fitbit watch reflects the correct time consistently.

Manually Setting Time on Fitbit Watches Without Smartphone Sync

Certain Fitbit models, especially older versions or those with limited connectivity, require manual time setting directly on the device. This process varies slightly depending on the specific model but generally follows a pattern involving the device’s physical buttons or touchscreen interface.

For manual time adjustment:

  • Access the Settings menu on your Fitbit watch.
  • Navigate to the “Time” or “Clock” option.
  • Select “Set Time” or “Manual Time.”
  • Use the buttons or touchscreen to adjust hours and minutes.
  • Confirm and save the settings.

Keep in mind that manually setting the time means your device won’t automatically adjust for daylight savings or time zone changes, so periodic updates may be necessary.

Common Troubleshooting Tips for Time Sync Issues

If your Fitbit watch is not displaying the correct time despite synchronization attempts, consider the following troubleshooting steps to resolve common issues:

  • Ensure Bluetooth Connectivity: Verify that your watch is properly connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
  • Sync Frequency: Manually sync your device by opening the Fitbit app and pulling down on the dashboard to initiate a sync.
  • Check Time Zone Settings: Confirm that the time zone settings on both the Fitbit app and your smartphone are accurate and match your current location.
  • Restart Devices: Sometimes, restarting both your Fitbit watch and smartphone can resolve syncing glitches.
  • Update Firmware: Make sure your Fitbit device has the latest firmware installed by checking for updates in the app.
  • Reinstall Fitbit App: If problems persist, uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app to refresh its configuration.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Incorrect time display Time zone mismatch Check and update time zone settings in the app
Time not updating Bluetooth disconnected Reconnect Bluetooth and sync manually
Time resets after reboot Firmware bug Update device firmware
Manual time setting unavailable Model limitation Use Fitbit app for automatic sync

Setting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

The time displayed on a Fitbit watch is primarily synchronized with the device’s companion app, rather than being manually adjusted on the watch itself. To ensure accurate time settings on your Fitbit, follow these professional guidelines:

Fitbit devices automatically update their time based on the time zone and clock settings of the smartphone or tablet paired with the Fitbit app. Therefore, the key to setting the time accurately is managing the settings within the Fitbit app and your mobile device.

Steps to Set or Adjust Time Using the Fitbit App

  • Open the Fitbit app: Launch the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet that is paired with your Fitbit watch.
  • Access your account: Tap the profile icon or account avatar located at the top-left or top-right corner of the screen.
  • Select your device: Choose your Fitbit watch from the list of connected devices.
  • Open device settings: Scroll down to find and select the “Advanced Settings” or “Clock” option, depending on your device model.
  • Set the time zone:
    • If the time is incorrect, disable the “Set Automatically” option for the time zone.
    • Manually select the correct time zone from the list.
  • Sync your Fitbit: Return to the main device screen and manually sync your Fitbit by tapping the sync button or pulling down to refresh.

After syncing, your Fitbit watch will update to reflect the new time settings. This process ensures that your device is aligned with the correct local time, including adjustments for daylight saving time where applicable.

Additional Considerations for Accurate Time Display

Factor Details
Automatic Time Zone Ensure your mobile device’s time zone is set correctly, preferably using automatic time zone settings provided by your carrier or internet connection.
Manual Time Zone Override Disable auto time zone in the Fitbit app if traveling or if the time is not updating correctly; manually select the appropriate time zone.
Firmware Updates Keep your Fitbit watch’s firmware up to date by regularly checking for updates within the Fitbit app to avoid syncing issues.
Device Restart If time does not update properly after syncing, try restarting your Fitbit watch to refresh system settings.

Setting Time Format (12-hour or 24-hour)

Fitbit devices allow you to choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military) time formats. This setting is controlled through the Fitbit app:

  • Open the Fitbit app and go to your account.
  • Select your Fitbit watch under devices.
  • Locate the “Clock” or “Time Format” option.
  • Choose between 12-hour or 24-hour time format.
  • Sync your device to apply the changes.

Adjusting the time format does not affect the actual time but changes how it is displayed on the watch face.

Troubleshooting Time Sync Issues

  • Ensure Bluetooth Connectivity: Your Fitbit watch must be connected to the paired device via Bluetooth during syncing.
  • Check App Permissions: Allow the Fitbit app the necessary permissions, including location access, which may be required for accurate time zone detection.
  • Restart Devices: If syncing fails repeatedly, restart both your Fitbit watch and smartphone or tablet.
  • Reinstall Fitbit App: As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app to resolve any software-related issues.

Expert Guidance on Setting Time in Fitbit Watches

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Setting the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through synchronization with the Fitbit app, which automatically updates the device based on your smartphone’s time zone. For manual adjustments, users should ensure their app is updated and that the watch firmware is current, as this guarantees accurate timekeeping and smooth device performance.

Michael Torres (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Gear Review). When configuring the time on a Fitbit watch, it’s important to understand that direct manual time setting is limited; instead, the device relies on the paired phone’s system clock. Users experiencing discrepancies should check their phone’s time zone settings and ensure automatic date and time are enabled to prevent sync issues.

Sophia Patel (User Experience Designer, Fitbit User Support). From a user experience perspective, the seamless time update process via the Fitbit app reduces complexity for the end user. However, for travelers crossing time zones, it’s advisable to open the app and allow the watch to sync after arrival to reflect the correct local time, ensuring all fitness data is accurately timestamped.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually set the time on my Fitbit watch?
Fitbit watches automatically sync time from your connected smartphone or computer. Manual time setting is not supported directly on the device. Ensure your phone’s time and time zone are correct for accurate syncing.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time?
Verify that your Fitbit app and device are synced. Check your phone’s time and time zone settings, then perform a sync to update your Fitbit watch’s time.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Yes. Change the time zone on your smartphone or Fitbit app settings, then sync your device. Fitbit automatically adjusts the watch time based on the updated time zone.

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

What if my Fitbit watch does not update the time after syncing?
Restart your Fitbit device and ensure the Fitbit app is up to date. If the issue persists, try unpairing and re-pairing the device with your phone.

Is it necessary to connect my Fitbit watch to the internet to update the time?
No direct internet connection is required on the watch. However, the connected smartphone must have internet access to update time zone information and sync with Fitbit servers.
Setting the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through synchronization with the Fitbit app on a connected smartphone or device. The watch automatically updates its time based on the time zone and settings configured within the app, ensuring accuracy without manual adjustments on the device itself. Users should ensure their Fitbit app is updated and that their device has a stable internet connection to facilitate proper time syncing.

For users who travel across time zones, the Fitbit watch typically adjusts the time automatically when the app detects a change in location. However, manual adjustments to the time zone can be made within the Fitbit app settings if automatic updates do not occur as expected. This feature helps maintain accurate tracking of activity and sleep data regardless of geographic location.

In summary, the key to setting and maintaining the correct time on a Fitbit watch lies in proper app synchronization and configuration. Understanding this process allows users to optimize their device’s functionality and ensures that all time-dependent features operate correctly. Regularly updating the Fitbit app and monitoring device settings can prevent common issues related to time inaccuracies.

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.