The quickest way to update your Fitbit's time

Your Fitbit updates its time automatically when it syncs with your phone or computer, so in most cases you do not need to do anything. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time and you cannot wait for the next sync, you can force an when ready sync through the Fitbit app, which takes about 30 seconds. If you are traveling across time zones or your device has drifted significantly, syncing will correct it to match your phone's time.

The Fitbit itself does not have a manual time-setting feature the way a traditional watch does. Instead, it pulls the correct time from your paired device. This means the time on your Fitbit will always match the time on your phone or computer, as long as that device is set correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • Fitbit devices do not have a manual time-setting option; they sync time automatically from your paired phone or computer.
  • To force an when ready time update, open the Fitbit app and tap the sync button, which usually appears as a circular arrow icon.
  • If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, check that your phone's time and time zone are set correctly in your phone's settings.
  • When traveling across time zones, your Fitbit will update to the new time zone automatically once your phone updates and syncs.

How to sync your Fitbit to update the time

Open the Fitbit app on your phone or computer. On the home screen, look for the sync button—it is usually a circular arrow icon in the top corner or bottom of the screen, depending on which app version you have. Tap or click it once.

Your Fitbit will communicate with the app and pull the current time from your device. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Once the sync completes, your Fitbit's time should match your phone's time. If you do not see a sync button, swipe down on the home screen—many versions of the app hide the sync control until you pull down.

What to check if the time is still wrong after syncing

If your Fitbit still shows incorrect time after you sync, the problem is usually on your phone, not your Fitbit. Check your phone's time and time zone settings first. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time and toggle "Automatic date and time" to on.

If your phone's time is correct but your Fitbit is still off, try unpairing and re-pairing the device. In the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and choose "Remove This Device." Then restart the app and pair your Fitbit again from scratch. This forces a fresh connection and usually resolves time sync problems.

Traveling across time zones

When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit will not update when ready. It will update once your phone's time zone changes and you sync the Fitbit app. Most phones update their time zone automatically when you cross into a new one, but you can speed this up by turning off airplane mode if you have it on, or by manually changing your phone's time zone in settings.

Once your phone shows the correct local time, open the Fitbit app and sync. Your Fitbit will then display the new time zone. If you are traveling but want your Fitbit to stay on your home time zone for tracking purposes, you can manually change your time zone in the Fitbit app settings under your profile, though this is uncommon and most people let it update automatically.

Why your Fitbit's time drifts over time

Fitbit devices do not have their own internal clock that keeps perfect time the way a phone does. Instead, they rely on syncing with your phone to stay accurate. If you do not sync your Fitbit regularly—usually at least once a week—the time can drift by a few minutes. This is normal and not a sign of a problem.

Syncing your Fitbit every few days through normal use (the app syncs automatically when you open it) will keep the time accurate. If you notice your Fitbit is consistently off by more than a few minutes even after syncing, the device may have a deeper connection issue, and you should contact Fitbit support.

Fitbit models with always-on displays

Some Fitbit models, like the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3, have always-on display options that show the time constantly. These models still sync time the same way—through your paired phone—but because you see the time more often, you may notice drift more quickly. The solution is the same: sync through the Fitbit app to pull the correct time from your device.

If you have an older Fitbit model with a display that only lights up when you raise your wrist or tap it, the time still syncs the same way, but you see it less frequently so drift is less noticeable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?

Your Fitbit pulls time from your phone during sync, so if they differ, your phone's time is likely wrong or your Fitbit has not synced recently. Check your phone's date and time settings, then open the Fitbit app and tap the sync button. They should match within a minute.

Can I manually set the time on my Fitbit?

No. Fitbit devices do not have a manual time-setting menu. Time is always pulled from your paired phone or computer during sync. If you need to change the time, change it on your phone first, then sync your Fitbit.

How often should I sync my Fitbit to keep the time accurate?

Syncing once a week is usually enough to keep time accurate within a minute or two. Most people sync more often without thinking about it, because the Fitbit app syncs automatically when you open it. If you use your Fitbit daily, you will sync at least that often.

Does my Fitbit update automatically when I travel to a new time zone?

Your Fitbit will update once your phone's time zone changes and you sync the app. Most phones update time zones automatically, but you can speed it up by manually changing your phone's time zone in settings, then opening the Fitbit app to sync.