The basic steps depend on your car's dashboard type

Most car clocks are changed through the dashboard display or a dedicated clock button, but the exact method depends on whether you have an analog clock face, a digital display, or a touchscreen. Some older cars have a small knob you pull and turn; newer ones use buttons or menu navigation. The process usually takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

The first step is always to locate your clock. On most dashboards it sits in the center or upper right of the instrument cluster. If you cannot find a visible clock, check whether it displays on your infotainment screen — the larger display that also shows radio, navigation, or phone functions.

Key Takeaways

  • Analog clocks with a small knob require you to pull the knob outward and rotate it to move the hands forward or backward.
  • Digital clocks usually have dedicated buttons labeled "Hour" and "Minute" or "Set" that you press to cycle through the numbers.
  • Touchscreen and modern infotainment systems require you to enter the settings menu, find "Time" or "Clock," and adjust using on-screen buttons.
  • Some cars automatically update the time through GPS or cellular connection, so check whether your clock is set to sync before manually changing it.
  • Daylight saving time changes happen twice a year, and many modern cars adjust automatically if syncing is enabled.

Changing an analog clock with a knob

If your dashboard has a round clock face with hands, look for a small knob at the 3 o'clock or 6 o'clock position on the clock itself. Pull the knob straight toward you — it should come out about a quarter inch without resistance.

Once the knob is pulled out, rotate it clockwise to move the hour hand forward or counterclockwise to move it backward. The minute hand will follow. Rotate slowly and watch the hands move until they show the correct time. Push the knob back in when you are finished. The clock should now display the time you set.

Changing a digital clock on the dashboard

Digital clocks built into the instrument cluster usually have two or three buttons nearby labeled "Hour," "Minute," "Set," or with up and down arrows. The exact labels vary by manufacturer. Look on either side of the clock display or just below it.

Press and hold the "Set" or "Hour" button until the hour digits begin to flash or highlight. Use the up and down buttons (or press "Hour" repeatedly) to cycle through the hours until the correct hour appears. Then press "Minute" or the next button to move to the minutes, and repeat the process. Press "Set" again or wait a few seconds for the display to lock in your changes.

Changing the time on your infotainment screen

Newer cars display the clock on the center touchscreen or digital display rather than on the instrument cluster. To change it, tap the "Settings" or "Setup" icon — usually a gear symbol — on the home screen of your infotainment system.

Look for an option labeled "Time," "Date and Time," "System Settings," or "Clock." Tap it to open the time adjustment menu. You should see fields for hours and minutes. Tap the hour field and use the on-screen number pad or up and down arrows to set the correct hour. Tap the minute field and do the same. Some systems also show a 12-hour or 24-hour toggle; select whichever format you prefer. Tap "Save" or "Done" to confirm.

Checking whether your car syncs time automatically

Many modern cars update the time automatically through GPS, cellular data, or a connected smartphone. If your car has this feature enabled, manually changing the time may not stick — the system will override your change the next time it syncs.

To check, look in your infotainment settings for an option labeled "Auto Time," "Sync Time," "GPS Time," or "Network Time." If this toggle is turned on, you can either turn it off before changing the time manually, or you can leave it on and let the car update itself. If you turn it off, remember to turn it back on after daylight saving time changes so the car updates automatically in the future.

Daylight saving time and automatic updates

In the United States, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. If your car has automatic time syncing enabled, it should adjust on these dates without any action from you.

If you manually change your clock and forget to account for daylight saving time, you will need to adjust it again when the change occurs. Many drivers find it easier to leave automatic syncing on so the car handles the adjustment. If your car does not have this feature, you will need to manually change the time twice a year on the dates above.

What to do if you cannot find the clock or change button

Some cars hide the clock in unexpected places. Check your owner's manual — search for "clock" in the index — to find the exact location and adjustment method for your specific model. The manual will also tell you whether your car has automatic time syncing and how to enable or disable it.

If you have lost your physical manual, most manufacturers post them online. Search "[Your car make and year] owner's manual PDF" to find it. You can also contact your car's dealership service department; they can tell you where the clock is and how to adjust it, usually at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn the car on to change the clock?

For analog and dedicated digital clocks, no — you can change them with the car off. For infotainment screens, yes, the car must be on or in accessory mode so the system has power. Accessory mode is usually one position before the engine starts when you turn the key, or you can press the start button once without pressing the brake.

What if the clock keeps resetting to the wrong time?

This usually means automatic time syncing is turned on and overriding your manual change. Go into your infotainment settings and look for "Auto Time" or "Sync Time." Turn it off, then manually set the time again. If the problem persists, your car's GPS or cellular connection may not be working properly — contact your dealership.

Can I change the clock while driving?

Technically yes for most cars, but it is not safe. Adjusting an infotainment screen or reaching for dashboard buttons takes your attention off the road. Pull over safely before making any changes to your clock.

Why does my car clock show a different time than my phone?

Your phone and car may be syncing to different time sources, or one may be set to a different time zone. Check that both devices are set to the same time zone. If your car has automatic syncing, it may be using GPS time, which can differ slightly from cellular time. The difference is usually only a few seconds and corrects itself over time.