Change the time on your Apple Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone

The fastest way to change the time on your Apple Watch is through the Watch app on your paired iPhone. Open the Watch app, tap the Clock tab at the bottom, then tap Edit in the Time Zone section. Select your new time zone, and the watch updates automatically within seconds. If you need to set a specific time rather than change time zones, you can also do this through the watch face settings.

Your Apple Watch normally syncs time with your iPhone and updates automatically when you cross time zones or when daylight saving time changes. Manual time changes are rare, but you may need one if your watch displays an incorrect time after a software update or if you want to set a specific time for testing purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap Clock, then tap Edit to change your time zone, which updates your watch automatically.
  • If you need to set a specific time on the watch itself, go to Settings > General > Date & Time on the watch and toggle off Set Automatically, then tap the time to adjust it.
  • Your Apple Watch syncs with your iPhone's time, so changing the time on your iPhone also changes it on your watch.
  • Time zone changes take effect within seconds, but the watch may take a few minutes to update if it is not actively connected to your iPhone.

Change time zone using the Watch app on your iPhone

This is the standard method and works for all Apple Watch models. Unlock your iPhone and open the Watch app (the icon shows a small watch face). Tap the Clock tab at the bottom of the screen—it looks like a clock face. You will see a Time Zone section showing your current time zone.

Tap Edit in the upper right corner of the Time Zone section. A list of time zones appears, organized by region and city. Scroll to find your new time zone and tap it. The watch updates when ready. If you are traveling and want to return to your home time zone, follow the same steps and select your original time zone.

Set a specific time directly on the Apple Watch

If you need to set an exact time on the watch itself rather than change time zones, you can do this through the watch settings. On your Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown (the button on the side) to open the app grid, then tap Settings (the gear icon). Scroll down and tap General, then tap Date & Time.

You will see a toggle for Set Automatically. Tap it to turn it off—this allows you to set a custom time. After you turn off Set Automatically, tap the time display below it. A time picker appears. Use the Digital Crown to scroll through hours and minutes, then press the Digital Crown again to confirm. Once you have set your custom time, you can turn Set Automatically back on if you want the watch to sync with your iPhone again.

Sync time between your iPhone and Apple Watch

Your Apple Watch and iPhone share the same time by default. If you change the time on your iPhone, the watch updates automatically as long as Set Automatically is turned on in the watch's Date & Time settings. This is why the Watch app method (changing time zone through your iPhone) is usually the easiest route—you only need to make the change once.

If your watch and iPhone show different times, make sure both devices are connected to each other. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and check the top of the screen—you should see a green checkmark next to your watch name if they are paired and connected. If the connection is lost, unpair the watch and pair it again, which will resync the time.

What to do if the time will not update

If you have changed the time zone or set a new time but the watch still shows the wrong time, first check that your iPhone and watch are connected. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and look at the top of the screen. If you see a red exclamation mark or no connection status, the devices are not paired.

If they are connected, restart both devices. On your iPhone, press and hold the side button and volume button together, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then press and hold the side button again to turn it back on. On your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until you see the power-off screen, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds and press and hold the side button again to turn it back on. Once both devices restart, the time should sync correctly.

Daylight saving time and automatic updates

Your Apple Watch handles daylight saving time automatically if Set Automatically is turned on. When daylight saving time begins or ends in your region, your watch updates the time on its own without any action from you. This happens because your watch receives the update from your iPhone, which gets it from your cellular carrier or Wi-Fi network.

If you turn off Set Automatically to set a custom time, you will need to manually adjust the time when daylight saving time changes. Most people leave Set Automatically on for this reason—it saves you from having to remember to change the time twice a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the time on my Apple Watch without an iPhone?

No. Apple Watch requires an iPhone to set up and manage time settings. You cannot change the time zone or date through the watch alone without first pairing it with an iPhone. If your watch is not paired with an iPhone, you will not be able to change the time.

Why does my Apple Watch show a different time than my iPhone?

This usually means the devices are not connected. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and check the connection status at the top. If disconnected, move the devices closer together and wait a few seconds for them to reconnect. If they still do not sync, restart both devices.

Do I need to change the time manually when I travel?

No. If Set Automatically is turned on, your Apple Watch updates the time automatically when you arrive in a new time zone. Your iPhone detects the new location and updates both devices. You only need to manually change the time if you turn off Set Automatically.

What happens to my Apple Watch time if I turn off my iPhone?

Your watch keeps the last time it synced with your iPhone. If your iPhone is off for a long time, the watch may fall behind slightly, but it will resync as soon as your iPhone turns back on and they reconnect.

Can I set my Apple Watch to a different time zone than my iPhone?

No. Your Apple Watch always matches your iPhone's time zone. If you need the watch to show a different time, you would need to change the time zone on your iPhone itself, which affects both devices.