The quickest way to fix the time on your Fitbit

Your Fitbit syncs its time automatically when you open the Fitbit app on your phone, so the fastest fix is usually to open the app and let it connect to your device for a few seconds. If that does not work, you can manually adjust the time in the app settings, and the change will push to your device within moments. The method depends on which Fitbit model you own — some devices let you change the time directly on the watch itself, while others require the app.

Most time problems happen after a time zone change, a dead battery, or when your phone and Fitbit have drifted out of sync. The good news is that resetting the time takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Opening the Fitbit app and letting it sync usually fixes the time automatically without any manual steps.
  • If automatic sync does not work, you can manually change the time in the Fitbit app under Settings, then Account, then your device name.
  • Some Fitbit models (Sense, Versa, Ionic) let you adjust the time directly on the device by swiping to Settings and tapping the clock icon.
  • The time will not sync correctly if your phone's time is wrong, so check your phone's clock first.
  • After you change the time, give the device 10 to 15 seconds to update before checking the display.

Syncing your Fitbit to fix the time automatically

The easiest method is to let your Fitbit pull the correct time from your phone. Open the Fitbit app on your phone and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Hold your Fitbit close to your phone and wait 10 to 15 seconds — the app will sync automatically in the background, and your device time should update to match your phone's time.

If the time still does not match after syncing, check your phone's clock first. Your Fitbit can only sync to the time your phone is showing, so if your phone is set to the wrong time zone or has drifted, your Fitbit will too. Once your phone shows the correct time, open the Fitbit app again and let it sync.

Manually changing the time in the Fitbit app

If syncing does not fix it, you can change the time manually through the app. Open the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon in the top left corner, then select your device name from the list. Scroll down to find "Time Zone" or "Time" (the exact label varies by app version) and tap it. Select your correct time zone from the list, then tap Save or Confirm.

The app will send this change to your device within a few seconds. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for the update to complete. If you are traveling and need to change time zones, this is the same process: select the new time zone, save, and your Fitbit will adjust automatically.

Adjusting the time directly on your device

Some Fitbit models (Sense, Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, Ionic, and Charge 5) let you change the time without opening the app. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, then look for a clock or settings icon. Tap it, and you should see options to adjust the hour and minute. Use the plus and minus buttons to set the correct time, then tap Save or Done.

Fitbit trackers with smaller screens (like the Charge 4 or Inspire series) do not have this option — you must use the app to change the time on those models. If you cannot find a clock icon in your device settings, the app method is your only choice.

What to do if the time keeps changing back

If you set the time correctly but it reverts to the wrong time after a few hours or days, your Fitbit is probably re-syncing to your phone's time. Check your phone's clock again — it may have switched time zones or drifted without you noticing. Some phones automatically adjust time zones when they detect a location change, so if you have traveled recently, your phone may have updated itself.

You can also turn off automatic time zone adjustment on your phone if you want to control the time manually. On Android, go to Settings, then Date and Time, and toggle off "Automatic date and time." On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then Date and Time, and turn off "Set Automatically." After that, your Fitbit will keep whatever time you set until you change it again.

Restarting your Fitbit if the time display is frozen

If the time on your Fitbit display is frozen or stuck and will not update even after syncing, try restarting the device. The restart method depends on your model. For most Fitbit watches (Sense, Versa series, Ionic), hold the back button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, then release. For Charge models, plug the device into its charger and hold the button for 10 seconds.

After the restart completes, open the Fitbit app and let it sync again. The time should now pull from your phone and display correctly. If the time is still wrong after a restart and sync, your device may have a deeper software issue — contact Fitbit support for further help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit time change when I travel?

Your Fitbit syncs to your phone's time, and most phones automatically detect your location and switch time zones. When your phone changes time zones, your Fitbit follows. If you want to keep your Fitbit on your home time zone while traveling, turn off automatic time zone adjustment on your phone before you leave.

Can I set a different time on my Fitbit than on my phone?

No. Your Fitbit will always sync to your phone's time whenever the two devices connect via Bluetooth. If you need a different time for some reason, you would have to change your phone's time, which affects all your phone's apps and functions.

What if my Fitbit and phone are not connecting?

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your phone, then close and reopen the Fitbit app. If they still will not connect, restart your phone and your Fitbit device. After both restart, open the app again and hold your Fitbit close to your phone for 15 seconds to let them sync.

Does resetting the time erase my activity data?

No. Changing the time or time zone does not delete any of your steps, heart rate, sleep data, or other information stored on your device. Your data stays intact — only the clock display updates.