How to Change the Time on a Samsung Tablet

Open Settings and Find the Date and Time Menu

To change the time on your Samsung tablet, start by opening the Settings app. You'll find it on your home screen or in the app drawer — it looks like a gear icon. Tap it to open.

Once Settings is open, scroll down until you see General Management or System (the exact name depends on your tablet model and Android version). Tap that option, then look for Date and Time. Tap it to open the time settings.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, then General Management or System, then Date and Time to reach the clock controls.
Turn off the automatic time setting first if you want to set the time manually instead of letting your tablet sync with the network.
Once automatic time is off, you can tap the hour and minute fields to type in the exact time you want.
You can also change the time zone, 12-hour or 24-hour format, and date from the same menu.

Turn Off Automatic Time if You Want to Set It Manually

By default, most Samsung tablets have Automatic Date and Time turned on. This means your tablet syncs the time with your mobile network or internet connection. If you want to set a custom time instead, you need to turn this off first.

Look for the toggle switch next to "Automatic Date and Time" or "Set Time Automatically" and tap it to turn it off. The switch will change color (usually from blue to gray) to show it's now off. Once it's off, the time fields below it will become active and you can edit them.

Set the Hour and Minute

After you turn off automatic time, you'll see fields for the hour and minute. Tap the hour field first. A keyboard or number pad will appear on your screen. Type the hour you want (use 00 to 23 if your tablet is set to 24-hour format, or 01 to 12 for 12-hour format).

Next, tap the minute field and type the minutes (00 to 59). If your tablet is in 12-hour format, you'll also see an AM/PM selector — tap it to choose whether your time is in the morning or afternoon. Once you've entered all the numbers, tap outside the fields or press the back button to save your changes.

Adjust the Date if Needed

While you're in the Date and Time menu, you can also change the date. Look for a Date field above or below the time settings. Tap it to open a calendar picker. Scroll through the months and years using the arrows, then tap the day you want.

Some tablets let you type the date directly instead of using a calendar. If you see a date field with numbers, tap it and type the date in the format shown (usually MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY depending on your region).

Change Your Time Zone

If you've moved to a different time zone or want your tablet to show a different time zone, you can change that in the same menu. Look for Time Zone and tap it. A list of time zones will appear, usually organized by region and city.

Scroll through the list to find your time zone, then tap it to select it. Your tablet will update the displayed time automatically based on the zone you choose. If automatic time is still on, your tablet will use the time zone to sync with the network time.

Switch Between 12-Hour and 24-Hour Format

Samsung tablets let you choose whether the clock displays time in 12-hour format (with AM/PM) or 24-hour format (military time). In the Date and Time menu, look for Use 24-Hour Format or a similar option. Tap the toggle to turn it on for 24-hour time, or turn it off to go back to 12-hour time.

This change affects how the time appears on your lock screen, in notifications, and throughout the system. It does not change how you set the time — you still enter the numbers the same way.

Turn Automatic Time Back On

If you manually set the time but later want your tablet to sync automatically again, go back to Settings > General Management (or System) > Date and Time. Find the Automatic Date and Time toggle and turn it back on. Your tablet will when ready sync with the network and update to the correct time.

Turning automatic time back on is useful if you travel or if your tablet's clock drifts over time. Most tablets keep better time when automatic sync is on, so you only need to turn it off if you have a specific reason to set a custom time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tablet keep changing the time back after I set it?

Your automatic time setting is probably still on. Go back to Settings > General Management > Date and Time and make sure the "Automatic Date and Time" toggle is off. If it's on, your tablet will override any manual time you set and sync with the network instead.

What if I don't see a Date and Time option in Settings?

The menu location varies by Samsung model and Android version. Try looking under System Settings, Advanced Settings, or About Device instead. You can also use the search bar at the top of Settings and type "date" or "time" to find it faster.

Can I set the time without turning off automatic time?

No. When automatic time is on, your tablet ignores any manual time you try to enter and syncs with the network instead. You must turn off the automatic time toggle first, then set the time manually.

Does changing the time zone change what time my tablet shows?

Yes. If automatic time is on, changing the time zone will update the displayed time to match that zone. If automatic time is off, the time zone setting does not affect the time you manually entered — it's just stored as reference information.

Will changing the time affect my alarms or scheduled tasks?

Yes. If you set the time to a different hour, alarms and reminders scheduled for specific times may go off at unexpected moments or not at all until the actual time catches up. Only change the time if you have a specific reason to do so.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.