The fastest way to change your tablet's time

The quickest method is to let your tablet set the time automatically. On most tablets, this happens through the Settings app under Date & Time, where you toggle on "Automatic date and time" or "Set automatically." Your tablet then syncs with your network's time server and updates itself. This takes seconds and works whether you have an Android tablet, iPad, or Fire tablet.

If you need to set the time manually — because automatic sync is off, your network time is wrong, or you want a specific time zone — the process is nearly identical across all tablet types. You go to Settings, find Date & Time, turn off the automatic toggle, and then tap or type in the time and time zone you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Automatic time sync is the default on most tablets and updates your time without any action on your part.
  • Manual time changes happen in Settings under Date & Time, and you must turn off automatic sync first.
  • Time zone changes are separate from the clock time itself and are also found in the same Settings menu.
  • If your tablet's time keeps resetting or changing on its own, automatic sync is likely turned on.

How to change the time on an iPad

Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Date & Time. You will see a toggle for "Set Automatically." If it is on (the toggle is green), your iPad is syncing with Apple's time servers and you cannot manually change the time — turn the toggle off first.

Once "Set Automatically" is off, two new options appear: Time Zone and a field showing the current time. Tap Time Zone to choose your region. Then tap the time field to enter the hour and minute manually using the number pad that appears. When you are done, tap outside the field or press Done to save the change.

How to change the time on an Android tablet

Open Settings and look for System or About Tablet (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap Date & Time. You will see a toggle labeled "Automatic date and time" or "Use network-provided time." If it is on, turn it off to unlock manual controls.

After turning off automatic sync, tap Time Zone to select your region. Then tap Time to open a clock interface where you can set the hour and minute by tapping the numbers or using plus and minus buttons. Some Android tablets also show a separate toggle for "Automatic time zone" — turn this off if you want to set the time zone manually as well. Tap Save or OK when finished.

How to change the time on a Fire tablet

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings. Tap the Settings gear icon. Scroll down and tap Date & Time. You will see "Automatic date and time" toggled on by default.

Turn off "Automatic date and time" to reveal manual options. Tap Time Zone and select your region from the list. Then tap Time to enter the hour and minute using the on-screen number pad. When you finish, tap Set or Done. Your Fire tablet will save the change when ready.

Why your tablet's time might be wrong

The most common reason is that automatic time sync is turned off. If you disabled it to set a custom time and then forgot about it, your tablet will not update when you cross time zones or when daylight saving time changes. Turning automatic sync back on solves this.

A second reason is that your tablet's internal battery — the small coin-cell battery that keeps the clock running when the device is off — may be failing. If your tablet loses the correct time every time you power it off, or if the time is wildly incorrect even after you set it, the battery may need replacement. This is a hardware issue and requires service.

Network problems can also cause sync failures. If automatic time is on but your tablet is not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, it cannot reach the time server. Connect to a network and wait a few seconds for the sync to complete.

When to use manual time versus automatic time

Use automatic time in daily life. It requires no action, updates itself when you travel, and adjusts for daylight saving time automatically. There is no downside to leaving it on.

Use manual time only if you have a specific reason: you are testing an app that depends on a certain date, you want to set a time that differs from your actual location, or you are troubleshooting a problem that requires a time change. Once you finish, turn automatic sync back on so your tablet stays accurate without your involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I change the time on my tablet?

Automatic date and time is almost certainly on. Go to Settings, find Date & Time, and look for the toggle that says "Set Automatically" or "Automatic date and time." Turn it off, and the manual time controls will appear. If the toggle is already off and you still cannot change the time, restart your tablet and try again.

Will changing the time affect my apps or data?

Changing the time will not delete anything. Some apps that depend on accurate time — like banking apps, email, or calendar — may behave oddly if the time is far off from reality, but they will return to normal once you set the correct time. Apps do not store data based on what time you set manually.

Do I need to change the time zone separately from the time?

Yes. Time zone and clock time are separate settings. You can have the correct time but the wrong time zone, or vice versa. Both are in the Date & Time menu, so change both when you move to a new region or want a different setting.

What happens if I turn off automatic time and never turn it back on?

Your tablet's clock will drift slowly over weeks or months, and it will not adjust for daylight saving time. You will have to manually update it each time you travel or when the time changes. It is easier to leave automatic sync on and only turn it off when you have a specific reason.