Clocks change back on the first Sunday in November

In the United States, you set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. In 2024, that is November 3. In 2025, it is November 2. The change happens at the same moment across each time zone — Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific all shift at their local 2 a.m.

When the clock hits 2 a.m., it moves backward to 1 a.m., giving you an extra hour of sleep that night. This marks the end of Daylight Saving Time and the return to Standard Time, which most of the country uses for the rest of the year.

Not every state observes this change. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not shift their clocks. Some U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam, also stay on Standard Time year-round. If you live in one of these places, your clocks do not change in November.

Key Takeaways

  • Clocks move back one hour at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November each year.
  • The backward shift gives you one extra hour that night and marks the end of Daylight Saving Time.
  • Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories do not observe the time change.
  • You should change clocks on devices that do not update automatically, such as car dashboards, ovens, and wall clocks.

Which devices update automatically and which ones do not

Smartphones, computers, and most modern televisions update the time automatically if you have connected them to the internet or enabled automatic time updates in settings. You do not need to touch these devices. However, many household items still require manual adjustment.

Car dashboards, microwave ovens, wall clocks, alarm clocks, and smartwatches often do not update on their own. Older car models especially may require you to change the time through the infotainment system or by pressing buttons on the dashboard. Check your car's manual if you are unsure how to adjust it. Ovens and microwaves usually have a button or menu option for time adjustment — the exact method varies by brand.

Thermostats, especially programmable ones, may or may not update automatically depending on whether they are connected to WiFi and have that feature enabled. Check your thermostat's manual or settings before the change date to see whether you need to adjust it yourself.

What to do the night before the change

The easiest approach is to change your clocks before you go to bed on Saturday night, the night before the change. This way you wake up to the correct time and avoid confusion on Sunday morning. Make a list of which devices need manual adjustment — your car, kitchen appliances, bedside alarm clock, and any wall clocks in your home.

If you have a smartwatch or fitness tracker that does not update automatically, change it at the same time as your other devices. Some smartwatches sync to your phone's time automatically, so check whether yours does before you adjust it manually.

Why the time changes in November

Daylight Saving Time runs from March through early November. The idea behind it is to shift daylight hours to match when most people are awake and active, which can reduce energy use. In November, the country returns to Standard Time, which aligns with the sun's natural position and is used for the winter months.

The exact dates are set by federal law. Congress established the current schedule in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which moved the start and end dates to give more weeks of Daylight Saving Time than the previous system. Individual states can choose to stay on Standard Time year-round, but they cannot stay on Daylight Saving Time permanently without federal approval.

How the time change affects your schedule

Because you gain an extra hour of sleep, most people find the November change easier to adjust to than the spring change. However, some people still experience disrupted sleep or feel groggy for a day or two as their body adjusts to the new schedule.

The change can affect your work schedule, school start times, and appointment times if those are tied to clock time rather than sunrise and sunset. If you have a regular 9 a.m. meeting, it will still happen at 9 a.m. on your clock, but the sun will rise and set earlier in the day than it did the week before.

Planning ahead for devices you rarely use

Some devices sit unused for months and you may forget they exist until you need them. Outdoor clocks, garage clocks, and clocks in storage areas should be adjusted along with your main household clocks. If you have a backup generator, a safe with a digital lock, or other equipment with built-in clocks, check whether they need adjustment.

Medication reminders that are set to specific times may need to be reset if you use a device that does not update automatically. If you take medication at 8 a.m. and your pill organizer or reminder app is on a device that did not shift, you may need to adjust when you take your dose or update the reminder time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my phone's clock?

No. Smartphones update automatically if you have internet access and automatic time updates turned on in your settings. Check your phone's settings to confirm this feature is enabled, but you should not need to manually change the time.

What time do clocks change back in my state?

Clocks change at 2 a.m. local time on the first Sunday in November in all states that observe Daylight Saving Time. If you live in Hawaii, most of Arizona, or a U.S. territory, your clocks do not change at all.

If I forget to change my car clock, will it cause a problem?

An incorrect car clock will not damage your vehicle or cause mechanical problems. However, you may be confused about the actual time while driving. It is worth changing it when you remember, but there is no urgent reason to do it when ready on the change date.

Do I change my clock forward or backward in November?

You change your clock backward one hour in November. The phrase is "fall back" — clocks move back to 1 a.m. when they reach 2 a.m. This is the opposite of the spring change, when you move clocks forward.

Can I change my clocks at any time on Sunday, or does it have to be 2 a.m.?

You can change your clocks at any time on Sunday for practical purposes — the official change happens at 2 a.m., but changing them in the evening on Saturday or at any point on Sunday will get you to the correct time. Changing them before bed on Saturday is usually the most convenient approach.