The method depends on what device you're changing

Clock-changing steps are different for every device. A smartphone clock updates automatically in most cases. A microwave clock, wall clock, car dashboard, or smart speaker each have their own process. The first step is identifying what you're changing — then finding the button, menu, or setting that controls the time.

Most devices fall into three categories: those with automatic updates (phones, computers, smart devices), those with physical buttons (microwaves, ovens, car dashboards), and those with menu-based settings (smart speakers, some appliances). Knowing which type you have narrows down what to do next.

Key Takeaways

  • Smartphones and computers usually update the time automatically through your internet connection, so manual changes are rarely needed.
  • Microwaves, ovens, and car dashboards typically use dedicated buttons or a combination of buttons to enter time-setting mode.
  • Smart speakers and connected devices usually require accessing a companion app or voice command to change the time.
  • Wall clocks and battery-powered devices may need a small button on the back or side, or hands that you turn manually.
  • If a device shows the wrong time after you change it, the automatic update setting may have overridden your manual change.

Changing the time on a smartphone or computer

On most smartphones and computers, the time updates automatically through your internet connection. You do not need to change it manually. If the time is wrong, the device is usually disconnected from the internet or has the wrong time zone selected.

To check or change the time zone on an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Turn on "Set Automatically" if it is off. On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time and turn on "Automatic date and time." On Windows, right-click the clock in the bottom right corner, select "Adjust date and time," and make sure "Set time automatically" is on. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Date & Time and check "Set date and time automatically."

If you need to set the time manually (which is rare), you can turn off automatic updates in these same menus and enter the time by hand. However, the automatic setting will usually override your change the next time the device connects to the internet.

Changing the time on a microwave or oven

Microwaves and ovens use dedicated buttons to set the time. Most have a button labeled "Clock," "Time," or "Set." Press and hold this button for two to three seconds until the display starts flashing. Use the number pad to enter the time in the format your device uses (usually 12-hour or 24-hour). Press "Start," "Enter," or "Clock" again to confirm.

Some older microwaves use arrow buttons instead of a number pad. In these cases, press the Clock button, then use the up and down arrows to cycle through the hours and minutes. The exact steps vary by brand — if you are unsure, check the manual or look for a label inside the microwave door that shows the steps.

If your microwave or oven loses the time when you unplug it, it does not have a battery backup. You will need to reset the time after a power outage. If it keeps the time when unplugged, it has a backup battery that may need replacement if the time no longer holds.

Changing the time on a car dashboard

Car clocks are usually changed through the dashboard menu or with dedicated buttons on the steering wheel or center console. Look for a button labeled "Clock," "Time," or "Settings." On many cars, you press this button until the hours or minutes start flashing, then use arrow buttons or a dial to adjust.

Some newer cars require you to access the time setting through the main infotainment screen. Go to Settings or System Settings, find Date & Time, and follow the on-screen prompts. Consult your owner's manual if you cannot find the time setting — the location and method vary widely by manufacturer and model year.

If your car has a connected system (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a built-in navigation system), the time may update automatically. Check whether automatic time updates are turned on before you try to change it manually.

Changing the time on a smart speaker or connected device

Smart speakers like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod usually set the time automatically based on your location. If the time is wrong, check that the device knows your correct time zone. On an Echo, open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select your speaker, tap Settings, and check the time zone under Device Location. On Google Home, open the Google Home app, select your device, tap Settings, and verify the time zone. On HomePod, open the Home app, select your device, and check the time zone in settings.

If you need to change the time manually, most smart speakers do not allow this — they rely on automatic updates. If the time is persistently wrong after you have confirmed the time zone, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Changing the time on a wall clock or battery-powered clock

Analog wall clocks (with hands) usually have a small knob or dial on the back. Turn this knob clockwise to move the hands forward. Some clocks have a button on the back that you press to enter time-setting mode, then use the knob to adjust. Digital wall clocks often have buttons on the back or side labeled "Set," "Time," or with arrow symbols. Press and hold the Set button until the display flashes, then use the arrow buttons to change the hours and minutes.

Battery-powered clocks may lose time if the battery is weak or dead. If a clock keeps losing time or stops working, replace the battery first before assuming the clock itself is broken. Most use AA or AAA batteries — check the battery compartment on the back or bottom to see what size is needed.

Changing the time on a smart watch or fitness tracker

Smart watches and fitness trackers update the time automatically through their paired smartphone. If the time is wrong on your watch, the issue is usually that it has lost connection to your phone. Restart the watch by holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, then turn it back on. Open the companion app on your phone (such as Wear OS, Fitbit, or Apple Watch app) and make sure Bluetooth is on and the devices are paired.

If the watch still shows the wrong time after reconnecting, check that your phone's time is correct. The watch syncs to your phone's time, not directly to the internet. Once your phone's time is right and the devices are connected, the watch should update within a few minutes.

What to do if the time keeps reverting to the wrong setting

If you change the time manually but it reverts to the wrong time, an automatic update setting is likely overriding your change. On smartphones and computers, turn off "Set automatically" or "Automatic date and time" in the date and time settings, make your manual change, and then turn the automatic setting back on if you want it. The device should now use your manual time until the next automatic update.

On appliances like microwaves or ovens, if the time keeps resetting after a power outage, the device may not have a battery backup. This is normal — you will need to reset the time after each outage. If the time resets even without a power outage, the device may have a hardware problem or a low backup battery.

For smart devices, check that you have selected the correct time zone. An incorrect time zone setting will cause the device to show the wrong time even if automatic updates are on. Changing the time zone is usually faster than trying to override the automatic update.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your phone has automatic time updates turned on. Go to Settings > Date & Time (or equivalent on your device) and turn off "Set Automatically" before you change the time. If you want automatic updates back on, turn the setting back on after your manual change takes effect.

How do I change the time on a device with no buttons?

Some devices require you to access settings through a companion app or web interface instead of physical buttons. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. Smart speakers and some connected appliances work this way.

What if I cannot find the time-setting button on my device?

Check the manual that came with the device, or search the manufacturer's website for your model number. Many devices hide the time-setting function in a menu accessed by holding down a button for several seconds, or by pressing multiple buttons in sequence.

Does changing the time on my device affect anything else?

On smartphones and computers, changing the time zone can affect when alarms and scheduled tasks trigger. On appliances, changing the time does not affect how they operate — it only changes what time they display. Smart devices may have scheduling features that depend on the correct time.

Why does my car clock show the wrong time after daylight saving time?

Some car clocks update automatically for daylight saving time, and some do not. Check your owner's manual to see whether your model updates automatically. If it does not, you will need to change the time manually twice a year when daylight saving time begins and ends.