Where to find the time settings on your tablet

The time on your tablet is controlled through the system settings, not through a clock app. On most tablets, you access this through a Settings app that lives on your home screen or in your app drawer. The exact path depends on whether you have an iPad or an Android tablet, but both take less than a minute once you know where to look.

On an iPad, open Settings, then tap General, then Date & Time. On an Android tablet, open Settings, scroll down to System (or About tablet on older models), then tap Date and Time. If you cannot find Settings, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel and look for a gear icon or the word "Settings" — tapping that will take you to the main settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad time settings are in Settings > General > Date & Time; Android tablets are in Settings > System > Date and Time.
  • Turning on "Set Automatically" lets your tablet update the time from the internet, which is the easiest option for most people.
  • If you turn off automatic time, you can manually enter the hour, minute, and sometimes the second by tapping the time field.
  • Your tablet may also have a separate setting for the time zone, which you should check if the time is correct but off by several hours.
  • Some tablets let you choose between 12-hour and 24-hour time format in the same menu.

Using automatic time to keep your tablet current

The simplest way to keep your tablet's time correct is to let it set itself. In the Date & Time settings, look for a toggle or checkbox labeled "Set Automatically," "Automatic Date & Time," or "Use Network-Provided Time." When this is turned on, your tablet connects to a time server on the internet and updates itself whenever the time changes — including when daylight saving time begins or ends.

This automatic setting is on by default on most tablets. If your time has been wrong, turning this on will fix it within a few seconds. You do not need to do anything else; your tablet will stay accurate as long as it has an internet connection and this setting remains on.

Manually setting the time when automatic is off

If you turn off automatic time, you can set the time yourself. Tap the time field — it usually shows the current hour and minute — and a keyboard or number picker will appear. On iPad, you see a dial where you spin the hour and minute separately. On Android, you often see a text field where you type the numbers directly, or a similar dial interface.

Enter the hour first, then the minute. If your tablet shows a seconds field and you need to set that too, tap it and enter the seconds. After you finish, tap Done, Confirm, or OK — the button name varies by tablet model. Your new time will take effect when ready.

Be aware that if you set the time manually and then turn automatic time back on, your tablet will override your manual entry and return to the network time. This is normal behavior and prevents your time from drifting out of sync.

Checking and changing your time zone

If your tablet shows the correct time but it is off by several hours, the problem is usually your time zone setting, not the time itself. In the same Date & Time menu, look for a Time Zone field. Tap it and you will see a list of time zones, usually organized by region or city.

Scroll through the list and select the time zone where you are located. If you see a search field, you can type your city name to find it faster. Once you select your time zone, the displayed time will shift to match. If automatic time is on, your tablet will also use this zone to set itself correctly going forward.

Time zone confusion is especially common if you have traveled with your tablet or if your tablet was set up in a different location. Changing the zone is the fastest fix.

Switching between 12-hour and 24-hour time format

Some tablets let you choose how the time is displayed — either as 12-hour time (with AM and PM) or 24-hour time (military time, where 1 PM is shown as 13:00). This setting is usually in the same Date & Time menu, though on some Android tablets it may be under Language & Input or Display settings.

Look for an option labeled "Use 24-Hour Format," "Time Format," or "12/24 Hour." Toggle it on or off depending on which format you prefer. This changes only how the time appears on your screen; it does not affect how your tablet keeps time internally.

What to do if the time keeps changing back

If you set the time manually but it keeps reverting to a different time, automatic time is likely still on. Return to Date & Time settings and confirm that "Set Automatically" is toggled off. If it is already off and the time is still changing, your tablet may be connecting to a time server despite the setting being disabled — this happens on some Android tablets with a delay.

Restart your tablet by holding the power button until you see a shutdown menu, then tap Power Off or Restart. After it restarts, check the time again. If the problem persists, try turning off Wi-Fi and cellular data to disconnect from the internet, then check whether the time stays stable. If it does, the issue is automatic time syncing; if it does not, your tablet's internal clock may need service.

Troubleshooting when you cannot find the time settings

On very old tablets or custom versions of Android, the Date & Time menu may be in a different location. Try these steps: open Settings, then look for a System section at the bottom of the menu. If you do not see System, try About Tablet or Device Information. From there, look for Date & Time or Date Settings.

If you still cannot find it, try searching within Settings. Many tablets have a search field at the top of the Settings app — type "date" or "time" and the relevant setting should appear. If your tablet has no search and you cannot locate the menu after checking these paths, the time setting may be locked by a device administrator or parental control, and you may need to contact the person who set up the tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tablet show the wrong time even though I set it correctly?

If automatic time is on, your tablet will override any manual time you set and sync to the internet instead. Check that "Set Automatically" is off if you want to keep a manual time. If automatic is off and the time is still wrong, your time zone may be incorrect — check that setting and adjust it to your location.

Can I set a different time on my tablet than what my phone shows?

Yes. Each device has its own time settings and they do not sync to each other. You can set your tablet to any time you want by turning off automatic time and entering the time manually. However, if automatic time is on, your tablet will always match the network time, regardless of what your phone displays.

What happens to my tablet's time if I travel to a different country?

If automatic time is on, your tablet will detect your new location through the internet and update the time zone automatically — usually within a few minutes of connecting to Wi-Fi. If automatic time is off, you will need to manually change the time zone in Date & Time settings to see the correct local time.

Does changing the time on my tablet affect my calendar or reminders?

Changing the time can cause calendar events and reminders to appear at the wrong time or trigger at unexpected moments. It is best to keep automatic time on so your tablet stays synchronized. If you must change the time manually, update it back to the correct time as soon as possible to avoid missed appointments.

Why is there a time zone setting if I have automatic time on?

The time zone setting tells your tablet which region you are in, so automatic time knows what the correct local time should be. Even with automatic time on, you should set your time zone to your current location. If you travel, updating the time zone ensures your tablet displays the right time for where you are.