Change the time through the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit mobile app. Your phone's time syncs automatically with your tracker when you open the app and let it connect — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You do not need to dig into settings or manually enter numbers.

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Find your device name in the list and tap it. The app will connect to your tracker. Once the connection is complete, your Fitbit will pull the time from your phone and update itself. Check your tracker's display to confirm the time has changed.

This method works on both iPhone and Android. If your phone's time is wrong, fix that first — your Fitbit will copy whatever time your phone is showing.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app syncs your phone's time to your tracker automatically when you open the app and let it connect.
  • You can also change the time manually in the Fitbit app by going to your device settings and toggling off automatic time zone detection.
  • If you change time zones while traveling, turn off automatic time zone detection in the app so your Fitbit does not reset the time on its own.
  • Manual time entry is rarely necessary — the automatic sync through the app handles most time changes.

Manually set the time in the Fitbit app settings

If automatic syncing does not work or you need to set a time that differs from your phone, you can enter it manually. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, and select your device. Scroll down and tap "Time Zone" or "Set Time" (the exact label varies by Fitbit model).

Toggle off the switch next to "Automatic Time Zone" or "Set Automatically." Once you turn this off, you will see options to choose your time zone manually or enter a specific time. Select your time zone from the list, or if your model allows it, tap the time display and use the plus and minus buttons to adjust hours and minutes.

After you save your changes, your Fitbit will update within a few seconds. The manual method is useful if you are in a location where your phone's time is set differently than your actual local time, or if you want your tracker to show a time that does not match your phone.

What to do if your Fitbit time keeps resetting

If your tracker's time changes back to the wrong time after you set it, automatic time zone detection is likely turning back on. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for "Automatic Time Zone," "Set Time Automatically," or similar language. Make sure this toggle is off if you want to keep a manual time setting.

If automatic detection is already off and the time still resets, try disconnecting and reconnecting your Fitbit to the app. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, tap your device, scroll to the bottom, and select "Forget This Device." Then set up your Fitbit again from scratch by tapping the plus icon and following the pairing steps. This usually clears any sync problems that cause time drift.

If the time still will not stick after reconnecting, your Fitbit's battery may be low. Charge your tracker for at least 30 minutes and try again. A low battery can prevent the device from holding time settings.

Changing time zones when you travel

When you cross time zones, your Fitbit can handle the change two ways. If you leave automatic time zone detection on, your tracker will update the time on its own as soon as your phone detects the new location — usually within a few minutes of landing or arriving. You do not have to do anything.

If you turn automatic detection off before traveling, your Fitbit will keep showing the old time zone until you manually change it. This is useful if you are traveling for only a day or two and want your activity log to stay in your home time zone. To update it manually, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and select the new time zone from the list.

Most travelers leave automatic detection on so their step count and sleep tracking align with local time. If you prefer manual control, turn it off before you leave home — that way you will remember to adjust it when you arrive.

Common reasons the time display looks wrong

Your Fitbit's time might appear incorrect even after you have set it. The most common cause is that your phone's time is wrong. Check your phone's clock against a reliable source like a wall clock or your car's dashboard. If your phone is off, your Fitbit will copy that incorrect time.

Another reason is that your Fitbit is showing time in 24-hour format (military time) when you expected 12-hour format, or vice versa. Some Fitbit models let you toggle between these in the app settings under "Time Format." Look for a setting labeled "12-Hour" or "24-Hour" and switch it to match your preference.

If the time looks right but is off by exactly one hour, daylight saving time may be the culprit. When daylight saving time begins or ends, your phone usually updates automatically, but your Fitbit may lag behind by a few hours. Let the app sync again, or manually update the time zone in your device settings.

Fitbit models with different time-setting steps

Most Fitbit trackers — including Charge, Inspire, Versa, and Sense models — use the same app-based method described above. However, some older models like the Fitbit One or Zip had slightly different processes. If you own an older tracker, the app may show different menu labels or options.

Regardless of your model, the core principle is the same: open the Fitbit app, find your device in settings, and look for time or time zone controls. If you cannot find these options, check the model-specific help section in the Fitbit app by tapping the question mark icon, or search your model number on the Fitbit website for a user manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change the time manually every time I travel?

No. If you leave automatic time zone detection on in the Fitbit app, your tracker will update the time on its own when your phone detects a new location. You only need to change it manually if you have turned off automatic detection or if you want your Fitbit to show a time different from your phone's.

Why is my Fitbit showing a time that is one hour off?

This usually happens during daylight saving time transitions. Your phone may update automatically, but your Fitbit can lag behind. Open the Fitbit app and let it sync with your tracker for 30 seconds. If the time still does not update, manually toggle your time zone off and back on in the device settings.

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

Yes. Turn off automatic time zone detection in the Fitbit app settings, then manually select a different time zone or enter a specific time. Your Fitbit will keep that time until you change it again or turn automatic detection back on.

What if the Fitbit app will not connect to my tracker to sync the time?

Make sure Bluetooth is on on your phone and your Fitbit is charged. Close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it. If it still will not connect, forget the device in the app (go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Forget This Device"), then pair it again by tapping the plus icon and following the setup steps.

Does changing the time affect my activity history or step count?

Changing the time zone will shift when your activity appears in your history, but it does not change the total number of steps or calories recorded. If you change the time manually to a time that is very different from the actual time, your activity log may appear out of order until you correct it.