The quickest way to set the time on your Fitbit
The time on your Fitbit updates automatically if your phone is nearby and your Fitbit app is open. If the time is wrong, the fastest fix is to open the Fitbit app on your phone, go to your device settings, and toggle the automatic time zone setting off and back on. This forces a sync and corrects the time in seconds.
If automatic sync does not work, you can set the time manually through the Fitbit app on any Fitbit model. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have an Ionic, Versa, Sense, Inspire, or Charge model, but the principle is the same: you change the time in the app, and it pushes the change to your device.
Key Takeaways
- Most Fitbits sync the time automatically from your phone when the app is open and your devices are connected.
- If the time is wrong, toggle automatic time zone off and on in the Fitbit app to force an when ready sync.
- You can manually set the time in the Fitbit app under device settings, and the change will appear on your Fitbit within seconds.
- Time zone changes (like traveling across time zones) usually update automatically, but you can force a manual update if needed.
How to sync the time automatically on your Fitbit
Your Fitbit is designed to pull the correct time from your phone automatically. This happens when your phone and Fitbit are paired and the Fitbit app is running in the background. You do not need to do anything—the sync happens on its own, usually within a few minutes of opening the app.
If you notice the time on your Fitbit is off by an hour or more, the automatic sync may have failed. The most common reason is that your phone and Fitbit lost connection. Open the Fitbit app on your phone, make sure your Fitbit appears as "connected" at the top of the screen, and wait 30 seconds. The time should correct itself. If it does not, move to the manual method below.
Manually set the time in the Fitbit app
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select your device from the list. Scroll down and tap "Time Zone" or "Clock" (the exact label depends on your Fitbit model). You will see a list of time zones. Tap the one that matches your location.
Once you select the time zone, the app sends the change to your Fitbit when ready. Look at your Fitbit's screen within 10 seconds—the time should update. If it does not, close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it, then check your device again.
Some older Fitbit models (like the original Charge and Charge HR) do not have a time zone setting in the app. If you cannot find the time zone option, your device may require you to set the time directly on the watch itself. Look for a settings menu on your Fitbit's screen, navigate to "Time," and use the buttons to adjust the hours and minutes.
What to do if your Fitbit time is wrong after traveling
When you travel across time zones, your Fitbit should update automatically if you have the Fitbit app open on your phone. The app detects your phone's new time zone and sends that information to your device. This usually happens within a few minutes of landing and opening the app.
If you arrive in a new time zone and your Fitbit still shows the old time after an hour, manually toggle the time zone setting. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and switch the time zone to your new location. Then switch it back to the correct zone. This forces the app to resync and corrects the time on your Fitbit.
Common reasons your Fitbit time keeps resetting
If your Fitbit time changes on its own or keeps reverting to the wrong time, your phone and Fitbit may be losing connection regularly. Check that Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that your Fitbit is within 30 feet of your phone. If Bluetooth is on and they are close together, try unpairing and repairing your devices.
Another cause is conflicting time zone settings. If your phone's automatic time zone is off but your Fitbit app's automatic time zone is on, they may disagree about what time it should be. Open your phone's settings, go to Date and Time, and make sure "Automatic time zone" or "Set time automatically" is turned on. Then check the Fitbit app and confirm the same setting is on there too.
How to unpair and repair your Fitbit if time syncing fails
If toggling the time zone and checking your connection do not fix the problem, unpairing and repairing your devices often resolves sync issues. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and scroll to the bottom. Tap "Unpair This Device" and confirm. Your Fitbit will return to its factory state.
Next, open the Fitbit app and tap the plus icon to add a new device. Follow the on-screen steps to pair your Fitbit again. When the pairing is complete, the app will sync the correct time to your device automatically. This process takes about five minutes and solves most persistent time problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?
Your Fitbit and phone may have lost Bluetooth connection, so the sync did not happen. Open the Fitbit app and wait 30 seconds for them to reconnect. If the time still does not match, manually toggle the time zone setting in the app off and on to force a resync.
Can I set the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?
Most newer Fitbit models (Versa, Sense, Ionic, Inspire, Charge 4 and later) require you to use the app to change the time. Older models like the original Charge and Charge HR have a settings menu on the device itself where you can adjust the time manually using the buttons.
Does my Fitbit automatically update for daylight saving time?
Yes, if your phone's automatic time zone setting is on and your Fitbit is synced with the app. Your phone detects the daylight saving change and sends the updated time to your Fitbit automatically. You do not need to do anything.
What if my Fitbit time is still wrong after I changed the time zone?
Close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it. If that does not work, restart your phone and open the app again. If the problem continues, unpair your Fitbit and repair it. This resets the connection and usually fixes persistent time issues.