Change the time in the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit app on your smartphone. Open the app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, select your device, and scroll down to find "Time Zone." Choose your current time zone from the list. Your Fitbit will sync with your phone within a few minutes and display the correct time.

This method works for all Fitbit models — watches, bands, and clip trackers. The app automatically detects your phone's time, so you only need to confirm your time zone. If you travel and cross time zones, repeat this step and select the new time zone. Your device will update the next time it connects to your phone via Bluetooth.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app on your phone is the main way to change your device's time — open the app, go to your profile, select your device, and change the time zone setting.
  • Your Fitbit syncs with your phone's time automatically once you set the correct time zone, so you do not need to enter the time manually.
  • If you travel across time zones, update your time zone in the app and your Fitbit will adjust within a few minutes of the next sync.
  • Some older Fitbit models allow you to adjust time directly on the device itself using the buttons, though the app method is more reliable.

Update the time zone before traveling

If you are traveling to a different time zone, change your time zone in the Fitbit app before you leave or as soon as you arrive. Open the app, go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Time Zone." Scroll to find your destination's time zone and select it. Your Fitbit will update within minutes once it syncs with your phone.

Changing the time zone early prevents your Fitbit from logging activity at the wrong time. If you forget and your Fitbit shows the wrong time for a day or two, the activity data is still recorded — it will just appear under the wrong date in your history. You can correct it by updating the time zone, and the app will reorganize your data once it syncs.

Sync your Fitbit after changing the time

After you change the time zone in the app, your Fitbit needs to connect to your phone to receive the update. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and your phone is nearby. Open the Fitbit app and swipe down from the top of the screen to manually trigger a sync, or straightforward wait a few minutes — most devices sync automatically every 15 to 30 minutes when Bluetooth is active.

You will know the sync is complete when the time on your Fitbit's screen matches your phone's time. If the time still does not match after 10 minutes, turn Bluetooth off and back on, close the Fitbit app completely, and reopen it. Then swipe down to sync again. This usually resolves any connection delays.

Adjust time on older Fitbit models using device buttons

Some older Fitbit models — particularly the Fitbit Charge, Fitbit Flex, and Fitbit One — allow you to adjust the time directly on the device using its buttons. To do this, hold down the button on your device for three to five seconds until you see a menu appear. Look for a "Settings" or "Time" option and use the buttons to navigate and select it. Then use the buttons to change the hour and minute to match your current time.

This method is slower and more error-prone than using the app, so use the app whenever possible. If your device does not have a visible menu when you hold the button, it does not support manual time adjustment — use the app instead. Newer Fitbit models removed this feature entirely because the app method is more reliable and requires fewer steps.

What to do if the time keeps resetting

If your Fitbit's time keeps reverting to an old time zone even after you change it in the app, the device may not be syncing properly. First, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that your Fitbit is within 30 feet of your phone. Then open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Forget This Device." Restart your phone, reopen the Fitbit app, and set up your device again by following the pairing prompts.

If the time still resets after re-pairing, your Fitbit may have a software issue. Check the Fitbit app for any available updates — tap your profile icon, select your device, and look for an "Update" button. If an update is available, connect your Fitbit to a charger and keep it near your phone while the update installs. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After the update completes, change your time zone again and the problem should be resolved.

Daylight saving time adjustments

When daylight saving time begins or ends, your Fitbit will update automatically if you have the correct time zone selected in the app. You do not need to manually adjust anything — the app handles the one-hour shift for you. This happens because the Fitbit app uses your phone's time zone data, which includes daylight saving rules for your location.

If your Fitbit does not adjust when daylight saving time changes, double-check that your phone's time zone is set correctly. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap "General," select "Date & Time," and make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. On Android, open Settings, tap "System," select "Date & Time," and turn on "Automatic Date & Time." Once your phone is correct, open the Fitbit app and sync your device — it will update within minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though I changed it in the app?

Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone yet. Make sure Bluetooth is on, open the Fitbit app, and swipe down to manually sync. Wait a few minutes for the connection to complete. If the time is still wrong after syncing, check that you selected the correct time zone in the app — scroll through the list carefully, as similar time zones can be straightforward to confuse.

Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?

Newer Fitbit models require the app to change the time. Older models like the Fitbit Charge and Fitbit One have buttons on the device that let you adjust the time manually, but this method is slower and more prone to mistakes. The app is the recommended way for all current Fitbit devices.

What happens to my activity data if I change the time zone?

Your activity data stays the same — only the date and time labels change. If you change your time zone after logging activity, the app may reorganize your data under a different date, but no steps or calories are lost. The data is still there; it just appears under the correct time.

How often does my Fitbit sync with the app?

Your Fitbit syncs automatically every 15 to 30 minutes when Bluetooth is on and your phone is nearby. You can also manually sync by opening the Fitbit app and swiping down from the top of the screen. If you need the time to update when ready, manually sync right after changing the time zone.