Setting the time on your Fitbit
Your Fitbit sets the time automatically when you first sync it with your phone or computer. The device pulls the correct time from your phone's clock, so if your phone shows the right time, your Fitbit will too. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time, the fastest fix is to open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and tap the option to sync—this usually corrects the time within seconds.
If syncing does not fix it, you can manually adjust the time in the Fitbit app itself. The steps differ slightly depending on which Fitbit model you own and whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but the process takes less than a minute either way.
Key Takeaways
- Your Fitbit syncs the time automatically from your phone when you first set it up, so the time is usually correct without any action from you.
- If the time is wrong, open the Fitbit app and tap the sync button—this refreshes the time from your phone's clock.
- Manual time adjustment is done in the Fitbit app under device settings, not on the Fitbit itself.
- Time zone changes happen automatically when you sync after traveling, as long as your phone's time zone is set correctly.
Why your Fitbit time might be wrong
The most common reason for incorrect time is that your Fitbit has not synced with your phone recently. Fitbits do not update the time on their own—they rely on syncing with the Fitbit app to pull the current time from your phone. If you have not opened the app in a few days, or if your phone and Fitbit lost their connection, the time can drift.
Another reason is that your phone's clock is set incorrectly. Your Fitbit will always match whatever time your phone is showing, so if your phone is wrong, your Fitbit will be too. Check your phone's settings first before assuming the Fitbit is the problem.
Time zone changes also cause mismatches. If you travel to a different time zone and your phone updates automatically, your Fitbit will not update until you sync the app again.
How to sync your Fitbit to fix the time
Syncing is the easiest way to correct the time. Open the Fitbit app on your phone and look for the sync button—it is usually a circular arrow icon at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on your phone type. Tap it and wait a few seconds while the app communicates with your Fitbit.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings before you sync. If Bluetooth is off, the app cannot reach your Fitbit. Once syncing is complete, check your Fitbit's display—the time should now match your phone.
If syncing does not work, try closing the Fitbit app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs a fresh start to reconnect properly.
Manually changing the time in the Fitbit app
If syncing does not fix the time, you can adjust it manually through the app. Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Find your device in the list and tap it to open device settings.
Look for an option labeled "Time" or "Clock" and tap it. You will see fields for the hour and minute. Use the plus and minus buttons to set the correct time, then save your changes. The next time you sync, this new time will transfer to your Fitbit.
The exact wording and location of these settings varies between Fitbit models—some older models may not have a manual time option at all. If you cannot find a time setting in your device options, syncing is your only way to update it.
Handling time zone changes when you travel
When you cross into a new time zone, your phone usually updates its clock automatically if you have location services enabled. Your Fitbit will not update until you sync the app again. Open the Fitbit app after you arrive at your destination and tap sync—your Fitbit will then show the local time.
If your phone does not update automatically, you will need to manually change your phone's time zone in its settings first. Then sync your Fitbit. This ensures both devices are showing the same time.
Some Fitbit models have a time zone setting within the device itself, but most rely entirely on syncing with your phone. Check your device settings in the app if you want to confirm whether your specific model has this option.
What to do if your Fitbit still shows the wrong time
If syncing and manual adjustment have not worked, restart your Fitbit. The restart process depends on your model—some require you to hold a button for 10 seconds, while others need you to remove and reinsert the battery. Check your device manual or the Fitbit support website for your specific model's restart steps.
After restarting, open the Fitbit app and sync again. A fresh restart often clears connection issues that prevent proper time syncing.
If the time is still incorrect after a restart and sync, the issue may be with the Fitbit app itself. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, then set up your device again. This is a last resort, but it resolves most persistent time problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Fitbit update the time automatically?
No. Your Fitbit only updates the time when you sync it with the Fitbit app on your phone. It does not update on its own, even if it is connected to Bluetooth. You need to open the app and tap the sync button to refresh the time.
Will my Fitbit time change automatically when I travel?
Not automatically. Your Fitbit will update to the new time zone only after you sync the app in your new location. Make sure your phone's time zone has updated first, then open the Fitbit app and sync.
Can I change the time directly on my Fitbit device?
Most Fitbit models do not have a time-setting option on the device itself. You must adjust the time through the Fitbit app on your phone. A few older models may have this feature, so check your device manual if you are unsure.
What if my Fitbit time is off by several hours?
This usually means your phone's time zone is set incorrectly, or your Fitbit has not synced in a long time. Check your phone's time and time zone settings first, then open the Fitbit app and sync. If that does not work, try restarting your Fitbit and syncing again.
Do I need to manually set the time when I first get a Fitbit?
No. When you set up a new Fitbit for the first time, the app automatically syncs the time from your phone. As long as your phone shows the correct time, your Fitbit will too from the start.