The fastest way to set the correct time on your Fitbit
Your Fitbit syncs its time automatically from your phone or computer when you open the Fitbit app, so the quickest fix is usually to open the app and let it update. If that does not work, you can manually set the time in the app settings for your specific device. The exact steps depend on whether you have an Ionic, Versa, Charge, Inspire, or Flex model, but the process takes less than a minute in all cases.
Most time problems happen because your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit has not synced recently, or the app lost connection to your device. Before you change anything on the Fitbit itself, check that your phone shows the correct time and date.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Fitbit app on your phone and let it sync with your device — this usually fixes the time automatically.
- If automatic sync does not work, go to your device settings in the app and manually adjust the time and date.
- Make sure your phone's time is correct first, because Fitbit pulls the time from your phone during setup and sync.
- Smartwatch models like Ionic and Versa let you change the time directly on the device itself if the app method fails.
- If the time keeps reverting after you fix it, your Fitbit may not be syncing properly — try unpairing and repairing the device.
Sync your Fitbit with the app first
The Fitbit app syncs your device every time you open it, and that sync includes the current time from your phone. Open the Fitbit app on your phone and wait for the sync to complete — you will see a spinning icon or a "syncing" message. Once the sync finishes, check your Fitbit's display to see if the time has updated.
If you have not opened the app in several days, or if your phone and Fitbit were not in range of each other, the time can drift. A fresh sync usually corrects this without any manual work on your part.
Manually set the time in the Fitbit app
If syncing did not fix the time, open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Find your device in the list and tap it to open device settings. Look for a "Time" or "Date & Time" option — the exact name varies by model.
Tap that option and you will see fields for the time and date. Enter the correct time in 12-hour or 24-hour format, depending on your preference, and the correct date. Tap save or confirm, and the app will send the update to your Fitbit on the next sync. The time should update within a few seconds if your device is nearby and connected.
Some older Fitbit models do not have a time setting in the app. If you cannot find the option after checking device settings, your model may require you to set the time directly on the device itself.
Set the time directly on your Fitbit device
Smartwatch models like the Ionic, Versa, and Versa 2 have their own settings menu on the device. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, then look for a gear icon or "Settings" option. Tap it and scroll to find "Time" or "Date & Time."
Use the on-screen buttons or touchscreen to adjust the hours and minutes, then confirm your changes. The device will save the time when ready. Fitness tracker models like the Charge or Inspire do not have on-device menus, so you must use the app to change the time.
Check your phone's time and time zone
Your Fitbit gets its time from your phone during the initial setup and every time the two devices sync. If your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. Go to your phone's settings and check that the date and time are correct.
Also check your time zone setting. If your phone is set to the wrong time zone, your Fitbit will show the wrong time even if the phone's clock is accurate. Most phones have an option to set the time zone automatically based on your location — turning this on prevents the problem from happening again.
Repair your Fitbit if the time keeps changing
If you fix the time but it reverts to the wrong time a few hours later, your Fitbit is not syncing properly with the app. The device may be trying to sync but failing, or it may have lost its pairing with your phone.
Try unpairing your Fitbit from the app and then pairing it again. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and look for an "Unpair" or "Remove Device" option. Tap it, then go through the pairing process again as if you were setting up a new device. During setup, the app will send the correct time to your Fitbit, and the two should stay in sync afterward.
If the time problem continues after repairing, your Fitbit may have a hardware issue. Contact Fitbit support through their website — they can walk you through additional troubleshooting or discuss a replacement if your device is still under warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though my phone is correct?
Your Fitbit has not synced with the app recently, or the sync failed. Open the Fitbit app and wait for a complete sync. If that does not work, manually set the time in the app's device settings and sync again.
Can I change the time on my Fitbit without using the app?
Smartwatch models like Ionic and Versa have on-device settings where you can change the time directly. Fitness trackers like Charge and Inspire do not have on-device menus, so you must use the app. Check your device manual to see which type you have.
My Fitbit time is correct but shows the wrong time zone — how do I fix that?
Go to your device settings in the Fitbit app and look for a "Time Zone" or "Time Format" option. Select your correct time zone from the list. If you do not see this option, check that your phone's time zone is set correctly — Fitbit pulls the time zone from your phone during sync.
What if my Fitbit still shows the wrong time after I set it manually?
Unpair your Fitbit from the app and pair it again. This forces a fresh sync and usually fixes persistent time problems. If the time is still wrong after repairing, contact Fitbit support — your device may have a hardware issue.