The quickest way to update your Fitbit's time
Your Fitbit updates its time automatically when you sync it to your phone, so the fastest fix is to open the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon, select your device, and tap "Sync Now." The watch or band will pull the correct time from your phone within seconds. If that does not work, you can set the time manually in the app settings for your specific device.
Most people never need to manually adjust the time because the automatic sync handles it. But if your Fitbit is showing the wrong time after syncing, or if you are in a new time zone and the app has not caught up, a manual change takes less than a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Syncing your Fitbit to the Fitbit app on your phone updates the time automatically in most cases.
- Manual time changes happen inside the Fitbit app under device settings, not on the device itself.
- If you travel across time zones, sync your phone first so it shows the correct time, then sync your Fitbit.
- Some older Fitbit models do not allow manual time changes and rely entirely on automatic sync.
How to sync your Fitbit to update the time automatically
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, then select your Fitbit device from the list. Tap "Sync Now" at the top of the screen. Your device will connect to your phone and pull the current time from it.
The sync usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You will see a checkmark or confirmation message when it is complete. After that, your Fitbit should display the correct time. This method works for Fitbit Charge, Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Versa, Fitbit Inspire, and most other current models.
Manual time adjustment in the Fitbit app
If syncing does not fix the time, open the Fitbit app and go to your profile. Select your device, then scroll down to find "Time Zone" or "Time" in the settings. Tap it and choose your time zone from the list, or manually enter the hour and minute if your model offers that option. Save the change and sync again.
Not all Fitbit models have a manual time setting. Older devices like the Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip do not allow you to change the time manually — they only sync with your phone. If you do not see a time option in your device settings, your model relies on automatic sync only.
What to do when you travel to a different time zone
Before you travel, make sure your phone's time zone is set to your destination. Open your phone's settings, find Date & Time, and turn on "Automatic" or "Set automatically" so it updates based on your location. Once your phone shows the correct time, open the Fitbit app and sync your device. Your Fitbit will pull the new time from your phone.
If your phone does not automatically update to the new time zone, manually change it in your phone's settings first, then sync your Fitbit. This prevents your Fitbit from being off by several hours when you land.
Why your Fitbit time keeps changing or staying wrong
If your Fitbit time keeps reverting to the wrong time after you set it, Bluetooth may be disconnecting between your phone and device. Check that Bluetooth is on and that your phone and Fitbit are within 30 feet of each other. Close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it, then sync again.
If the time is still wrong after syncing, restart your Fitbit. For most models, hold the button on the side or back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo, then release. Wait for it to restart, then open the app and sync. If the problem continues, the device may have a software issue and may need a factory reset through the app settings.
Fitbit models with limited or no manual time control
Fitbit Inspire, Inspire HR, and Inspire 2 rely entirely on automatic sync and do not have a manual time setting. Fitbit Charge 4 and Charge 5 have a time zone setting but not a manual hour-and-minute adjustment. Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense allow you to set the time zone manually and will adjust automatically when you cross time zones if location services are on.
Check your device's user manual or the Fitbit support website for your specific model number if you are unsure whether manual time adjustment is available. The model name is usually printed on the back of the device or listed in the Fitbit app under device details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I synced it?
Your phone's time may be wrong. Check your phone's date and time settings and make sure they are set to automatic. If your phone shows the correct time but your Fitbit does not, try restarting your Fitbit and syncing again. If the problem persists, restart the Fitbit app or reinstall it.
Can I change the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?
No. Fitbit devices do not have a built-in time adjustment feature on the device itself. All time changes happen through the Fitbit app on your phone. Some models do not allow manual time changes at all and update only through automatic sync.
What if my Fitbit and phone are showing different times?
Your phone's time is the source of truth. Make sure your phone's time is correct, then open the Fitbit app and tap "Sync Now." If they still differ after syncing, restart both devices and sync again. If the problem continues, your Fitbit may need a factory reset.
Does my Fitbit automatically update when I travel across time zones?
It depends on your model and phone settings. If your phone has location services and automatic time zone detection on, your Fitbit will usually update when you sync. If your phone's time zone does not change automatically, you will need to manually update it before syncing your Fitbit.