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 reach these settings by swiping down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel, then tapping the settings icon (usually a gear symbol). On some older models, you may need to swipe down twice or look for a "Settings" option in your app drawer instead.

Once you open Settings, look for an option called "Date and Time" or "Date & Time." This is usually in the main settings menu, though on some tablets it may be nested under "System" or "About tablet." The exact location varies by manufacturer and operating system version, but it is always in the system settings rather than in any app you read.

Key Takeaways

  • Access time settings by opening your tablet's Settings app, then finding the "Date and Time" option in the main menu.
  • Most tablets automatically sync time from the internet when "Set automatically" or "Use network-provided time" is turned on, so manual changes are rarely needed.
  • If you manually change the time, you must turn off automatic time sync first, or the tablet will override your change within seconds.
  • Time zone changes are separate from the time itself — adjust your time zone first if you have traveled or moved to a different region.
  • Restarting your tablet after a time change helps may support apps and scheduled tasks recognize the new time correctly.

Turning off automatic time sync before making changes

Most tablets are set to update the time automatically using the internet. This is why manual time changes often do not stick — the tablet when ready overrides them. Before you change the time manually, you must turn off the automatic sync feature.

In the Date and Time settings, look for a toggle or checkbox labeled "Set automatically," "Use network-provided time," "Automatic date and time," or similar wording. Tap it to turn it off. The exact name depends on your tablet's operating system, but the function is the same: disabling this toggle stops the tablet from pulling time from the internet and allows you to set it yourself.

Manually setting the time and date

Once automatic sync is off, you will see fields where you can tap to change the time and date. Tap the time field first. A clock interface or number pad will appear — the style depends on your tablet model. If you see a clock face with hour and minute hands, drag the hands to the correct time. If you see number fields, tap each one and type or scroll to the correct hour, minute, and second.

After setting the time, tap the date field and follow the same process. You will usually see month, day, and year fields. Tap each one and adjust it to match the current date. Some tablets let you scroll through a calendar instead of typing numbers — use whichever method your tablet offers. Once both are correct, look for a "Done," "OK," or "Confirm" button and tap it to save your changes.

Changing your time zone

If you have traveled or moved to a different region, you may need to change your time zone separately from the time itself. In the Date and Time settings, look for a "Time zone" option. Tap it to see a list of available time zones, usually organized by region or city.

Scroll through the list and select the time zone that matches your current location. If automatic time sync is turned on, changing the time zone will automatically adjust your tablet's time to match. If you have turned off automatic sync, the time zone change will not affect the time you manually set — you will need to adjust the time separately if needed.

What to do if the time keeps resetting

If you set the time manually but it reverts to the wrong time within seconds or minutes, automatic time sync is still on. Return to Date and Time settings and confirm that the automatic sync toggle is fully off. On some tablets, this toggle is straightforward to miss or may be labeled differently than expected.

Another common cause is that your tablet lost internet connection after you turned off automatic sync. If your tablet reconnects to WiFi or mobile data, it may re-enable automatic sync and pull the time from the network again. If this happens repeatedly, you can turn off WiFi and mobile data before changing the time, then turn them back on afterward. Alternatively, if you need the time to stay manual, leave automatic sync off and check the setting periodically to make sure it has not been re-enabled.

Restarting your tablet after changing the time

After you change the time, restart your tablet to may support all apps and system functions recognize the new time. This is especially important if you changed the time by more than a few minutes, because some apps use timestamps for scheduling, reminders, and background tasks.

To restart, hold the power button until a menu appears with options like "Power off" or "Shut down." Tap that option and wait for the tablet to turn off completely. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Once it finishes starting up, open the Date and Time settings one more time to confirm the time is still correct — this verifies that your change was saved and not overridden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tablet keep showing the wrong time even after I change it?

Automatic time sync is almost certainly still on. Go back to Date and Time settings and look for "Set automatically" or "Use network-provided time." Make sure the toggle is completely off. If it is already off, check whether your tablet has reconnected to WiFi or mobile data, which can re-enable automatic sync.

Can I change just the time without changing the date?

Yes. In the Date and Time settings, tap only the time field and leave the date field alone. The date will not change unless you tap and modify it. However, if automatic time sync is on, any change you make will be overridden within seconds.

What is the difference between time and time zone?

Time is the actual hour and minute (for example, 3:45 PM). Time zone is the region you are in, which determines what time it should be (for example, Eastern Time or Pacific Time). If you move to a different time zone, change the time zone setting first, and automatic sync will adjust the time for you.

Do I need to change the time manually, or can I just change the time zone?

If automatic time sync is on, changing the time zone alone is enough — your tablet will automatically update the time to match the new zone. If automatic sync is off, you must change both the time zone and the time manually.

Will changing the time affect my alarms or reminders?

Yes. If you set an alarm for 7:00 AM and then change the time backward by two hours, the alarm will go off at what is now 5:00 AM on the clock. Restart your tablet after changing the time to help it recalculate when alarms and reminders should trigger.