The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time
The time on your Fitbit updates automatically if your device is synced to your phone and your phone's time is correct. If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, the quickest 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 resync and usually corrects the time within seconds.
If automatic sync does not work, you can manually set the time through the Fitbit app. The exact steps depend on which Fitbit model you own — trackers like the Charge and Inspire have different menu paths than smartwatches like the Sense or Versa — but the principle is the same: open the app, find your device settings, and look for a time or clock option.
Key Takeaways
- Most Fitbit devices sync time automatically from your phone, so checking that your phone's time is correct is the first step.
- Toggling the automatic time zone setting off and on in the Fitbit app forces a resync and fixes the time in most cases.
- If automatic sync fails, you can manually adjust the time in your device settings within the Fitbit app.
- Fitbit does not let you change the time directly on the device itself — all time changes go through the app.
Why your Fitbit time is wrong in the first place
Your Fitbit loses the correct time when it has not synced with your phone in a while, or when you travel across time zones and your phone does not automatically update. Some older Fitbit models also drift slightly over time, especially if the battery has been low for an extended period.
The device relies on your phone to know what time it is — Fitbit trackers and watches do not have their own GPS or internet connection. If your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit's time will be wrong too. Before you change anything on the Fitbit itself, open your phone's settings and confirm the time and time zone are correct.
Steps to sync your Fitbit's time automatically
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the top left corner. Select your device from the list. Scroll down to find the time zone or automatic time zone setting — the exact name varies by model, but it usually says something like "Set time zone automatically" or "Automatic time zone."
If that setting is already on, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This forces your Fitbit to request the current time from your phone. Your device should sync within a minute. If the time is still wrong after the resync, move to the manual method.
How to manually set the time on your Fitbit
Open the Fitbit app and go to your device settings. Look for an option labeled "Time," "Clock," or "Date and Time" — the wording depends on your model. Tap that option and you will see fields for the hour and minute.
Use the plus and minus buttons to set the correct time. Some models let you choose between 12-hour and 24-hour format here as well. Once you have entered the time, tap save or confirm. The change takes effect when ready on your device.
Time zone changes when you travel
If you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically as long as automatic time zone is turned on and your phone's time zone has changed. This usually happens within a few minutes of your phone connecting to the new time zone's network.
If your Fitbit does not update after an hour, manually toggle the automatic time zone setting off and on again. If you are in a place where your phone cannot detect the time zone automatically, you may need to manually set the time zone in the Fitbit app before the time will correct itself.
Older Fitbit models and time drift
Fitbit Flex, Flex 2, and One models do not display the time on the device itself, so there is nothing to change. Fitbit Charge HR and original Charge models have limited time adjustment options — they sync time from your phone but do not let you manually override it in the app. If the time is wrong on these older models, your only option is to may support your phone's time is correct and force a resync by opening the app and letting it sync.
If your older Fitbit consistently loses time or drifts by several minutes, the battery may be failing. Fitbit batteries typically last two to five years depending on the model. If your device is more than five years old and the time keeps drifting even after a fresh sync, a battery replacement or new device may be necessary.
What to do if your Fitbit will not sync
If your Fitbit is not syncing with your phone at all, the time cannot update. First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that your Fitbit is within 30 feet of your phone. Close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it — sometimes the app gets stuck and a fresh start fixes it.
If that does not work, unpair your Fitbit from your phone and pair it again. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, scroll to the bottom, and select "Unpair this device." Then follow the pairing steps as if you were setting up the device for the first time. Once it pairs again, the time should sync automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?
No. Fitbit does not allow you to adjust the time using the buttons or touchscreen on the device itself. All time changes must go through the Fitbit app on your phone. This design keeps the time in sync across your devices and prevents accidental changes.
Why does my Fitbit time change when I open the app?
When you open the Fitbit app, your device syncs with your phone and pulls the current time from it. If your phone's time is different from what your Fitbit was showing, the Fitbit updates to match. This is normal behavior and means your device is working correctly.
Does my Fitbit need internet to update the time?
No. Your Fitbit only needs to be paired with your phone via Bluetooth. It gets the time from your phone, not from the internet. As long as your phone has the correct time — whether from the internet or manual entry — your Fitbit will sync to it.
What if the automatic time zone setting is grayed out or missing?
Older Fitbit models do not have an automatic time zone option. If you cannot find it in your device settings, your model may not support it. In that case, you can only manually set the time through the app's time settings, or may support your phone's time is correct and force a sync by closing and reopening the app.