Yes, most Fitbits display the time, but the feature depends on your model

Most current Fitbit models show the time on their screen, but not all of them do. Fitbits with a display—like the Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Versa, and Fitbit Inspire—will show the time whenever you glance at your wrist or tap the screen. Fitbits without a display, like the Fitbit One or Fitbit Zip, cannot show the time at all because they have no screen to display it on.

The time appears automatically on your Fitbit's home screen or clock face. You do not need to do anything special to turn this feature on—it syncs with your phone's time when you first set up your device. If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, it usually means the time on your paired phone is incorrect, or your device has not synced recently.

Key Takeaways

  • Fitbits with screens (Sense, Versa, Inspire, Charge) display the time automatically without any setup required.
  • Fitbits without screens (One, Zip, Flex) cannot show the time because they have no display.
  • Your Fitbit gets its time from your paired smartphone, so the phone's time must be correct for the watch to show the right time.
  • You can customize the clock face or time format on most Fitbit models through the Fitbit app on your phone.

Which Fitbit models have a time display

Fitbits with screens that show the time include the Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Sense 2, Fitbit Versa 3, Fitbit Versa 4, Fitbit Inspire 2, Fitbit Inspire 3, Fitbit Charge 5, and Fitbit Charge 6. All of these models have a display large enough to show the time clearly. The time is visible on the main clock face or home screen, and you can usually customize which information appears alongside it.

Fitbits without screens include the Fitbit One, Fitbit Zip, Fitbit Flex, Fitbit Flex 2, and Fitbit Alta. These older or simpler models use only LED lights or vibrations to communicate with you—they track your activity but cannot display text or numbers. If you own one of these models, you will need to check your phone or a separate watch to see the time.

How to customize the time display on your Fitbit

If your Fitbit has a screen, you can change how the time looks by selecting a different clock face. Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap your profile picture, select your device, and look for "Clock Face" or "Watch Face" in the settings. The app will show you available clock faces—some are straightforward digital displays, others are analog, and some show the time alongside your heart rate, steps, or other stats.

To change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour (or vice versa), go to the Fitbit app settings and look for "Time Format" or "Time Display." The exact location varies by Fitbit model, but it is always in the device settings section of the app. Once you make a change, it syncs to your Fitbit within a few seconds if your device is nearby and connected to your phone.

Why your Fitbit might show the wrong time

Your Fitbit gets its time from your paired smartphone, not from a cellular network or GPS. If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, the first thing to check is whether your phone's time is correct. Go to your phone's settings and confirm the date and time are accurate. If your phone is correct but your Fitbit is not, the two devices may not have synced recently.

To force a sync, open the Fitbit app on your phone and pull down to refresh. Make sure your Fitbit is nearby and has Bluetooth turned on. If the time still does not update after a few minutes, try restarting your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo. After it restarts, open the app again and sync. This usually fixes time display problems.

Using your Fitbit as a watch replacement

If you are thinking about using your Fitbit as your main watch, a model with a time display will work for that purpose. The Fitbit Sense and Versa lines are the most watch-like, with large screens and always-on display options on some models. The Inspire and Charge lines are smaller and more fitness-focused, but they still show the time clearly enough to read at a glance.

Keep in mind that your Fitbit's battery will drain faster if you use the always-on display feature, since the screen stays lit all the time. Most Fitbits with screens last 5 to 7 days on a single charge with the always-on display off, but only 2 to 3 days with it on. If you plan to wear your Fitbit as your primary timepiece, budget for charging it every few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the time without tapping my Fitbit screen?

Yes, if your Fitbit model supports an always-on display. The Fitbit Sense 2, Versa 4, and Charge 6 have this feature, which keeps the time visible at all times without draining the battery as much as older always-on displays did. You can turn this setting on or off in the Fitbit app under device settings.

What if I have an older Fitbit without a screen?

Older Fitbits like the Flex, Zip, or One cannot display the time. You will need to check your phone, a separate watch, or a wall clock to see what time it is. These models focus on tracking activity rather than displaying information.

Does my Fitbit show time if my phone is not nearby?

Yes. Once your Fitbit syncs with your phone and gets the correct time, it will keep displaying that time even if your phone is not nearby. However, if the time on your Fitbit drifts or becomes incorrect, it will not update until your device syncs with your phone again.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit?

Your Fitbit automatically uses the time zone from your paired phone. If you travel to a different time zone and your phone updates automatically, your Fitbit will update too once it syncs. If your phone does not update automatically, you will need to change the time zone in your phone's settings, and your Fitbit will follow.