Where to find the time settings on your tablet

The time on your tablet updates automatically if you have internet connected and location services turned on. But if your tablet shows the wrong time, or you want to set it manually, you can change it in the Settings app. The exact path depends on whether you have an iPad or an Android tablet, but both take less than a minute.

On an iPad, open Settings, tap General, then tap Date & Time. On an Android tablet, open Settings, scroll down to System (or About tablet on some models), tap Date and Time, and you'll see your options there. The setting is in the same place whether you're using a Samsung, Amazon Fire, or another Android brand.

Key Takeaways

  • iPads store the time setting under Settings > General > Date & Time; Android tablets store it under Settings > System > Date and Time.
  • Turning on "Set Automatically" lets your tablet update the time from the internet, which is the easiest option if your tablet is connected.
  • If you turn off automatic time, you can type in the exact time and date yourself using the manual entry fields.
  • Your tablet's time zone setting is separate from the time itself, and changing one does not change the other.

Turning on automatic time updates

If your tablet is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, the simplest solution is to let it set the time automatically. On an iPad, look for the toggle next to "Set Automatically" and turn it on. Your tablet will then pull the correct time from Apple's servers based on your time zone.

On an Android tablet, the toggle is called "Automatic date and time" or sometimes "Use network-provided time." Turn it on, and your tablet will sync with your carrier or internet provider's time server. This method means you never have to think about it again—your tablet will stay correct even when you travel across time zones, as long as you have a connection.

Setting the time manually

If automatic time is turned off, or if you need to set a specific time right now, you can enter it by hand. On an iPad, tap the time field and use the scroll wheels to set the hours and minutes. On an Android tablet, tap the time field and either type the numbers directly or use the plus and minus buttons to adjust.

The same process works for the date. Tap the date field, and you'll see options to change the month, day, and year. Make sure you're setting it to the correct date in your time zone—some tablets show the date in MM/DD/YYYY format and others in DD/MM/YYYY depending on your region setting.

Changing your time zone

Your time zone setting tells your tablet which region you're in, and it's separate from the actual time. If you travel or move, you may need to update this. On an iPad, the time zone setting is in the same Date & Time menu—look for "Time Zone" and tap it to see a list of cities and regions.

On an Android tablet, scroll down in the Date and Time menu to find "Select time zone" or "Time zone." Tap it and search for your city or region. If you have automatic time turned on, your tablet may update the time zone on its own based on your location, but it's worth checking if you've just moved or traveled.

What to do if the time keeps changing

If you set the time manually but it keeps reverting to a different time, automatic time is probably still turned on. Go back to Date & Time settings and make sure the "Set Automatically" toggle is off. Once it's off, your manual time will stay put.

If the time changes even with automatic time off, restart your tablet. Hold down the power button until you see the shutdown screen, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. A restart clears temporary glitches that can interfere with settings. If the problem persists after a restart, your tablet's internal clock battery may be failing—this is rare, but a tablet repair technician can diagnose it.

Syncing time across your devices

If you use an iPad and an iPhone, or multiple Android devices, they should all stay synchronized as long as automatic time is on and they're signed into the same account. An iPad signed into your Apple ID will match your iPhone's time automatically. Android tablets and phones signed into the same Google account will do the same.

If one device is showing a different time than the others, check that automatic time is on for all of them, and that they're all connected to the internet. Sometimes a device that's been offline for a while will lag behind until it reconnects and syncs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tablet show the wrong time even though automatic time is on?

Your tablet may not have a strong internet connection, or it may not have updated recently. Try turning Wi-Fi off and back on, or moving closer to your router. If you've just traveled across time zones, wait a few minutes for your tablet to detect the new location and update. If it still shows the wrong time after that, restart your tablet.

Can I set my tablet to a different time zone than where I actually am?

Yes. Turn off automatic time, then manually set both the time and the time zone to wherever you want. This is useful if you're traveling but want your tablet to show your home time zone. Just remember to change it back when you return, or turn automatic time back on.

What's the difference between the time and the time zone?

The time is the actual hour and minute (3:45 PM). The time zone tells your tablet which region you're in (Eastern, Pacific, etc.), and it uses that to calculate what the local time should be. You can change one without changing the other.

Does changing the time affect my tablet's alarms or reminders?

If you change the time manually, alarms and reminders set for specific times may go off at the wrong moment until you correct the time. It's best to keep automatic time on so your alarms stay accurate. If you do need to change the time manually, check your alarms afterward to make sure they're still set for when you want them.