Where to find the date and time settings on Samsung

Your Samsung phone displays the date and time in several places by default — the lock screen, the status bar at the top, and the always-on display if your model has one. But you can customize what information shows and where. The main controls live in Settings, under Lock Screen and Display.

The exact path depends on your Samsung model and Android version, but the process is similar across recent phones. Start by opening Settings from your home screen or app drawer, then look for Lock Screen or Display. From there, you can turn widgets on or off, choose clock styles, and decide whether the date appears alongside the time.

Key Takeaways

  • The lock screen clock is controlled in Settings > Lock Screen, where you can choose between analog, digital, and other clock styles.
  • The date appears on your lock screen by default, but you can hide it or change its position depending on your clock style choice.
  • The always-on display (AOD) on newer Samsung phones has its own time and date settings separate from the main lock screen.
  • The status bar at the top of your home screen always shows the time; you cannot hide it, but you can change the time format in Settings > General Management > Date and Time.

Changing the clock style on your lock screen

Open Settings and go to Lock Screen. Tap Clock Style or Clock (the name varies by model). You will see options like Digital, Analog, Curved, or Stacked. Each style displays the time differently — some show the date below the time, others do not.

Select the style you prefer. The preview on the screen will show you how it looks. Some styles let you customize the color or size of the text. After you choose, go back and check your lock screen by pressing the power button to see the result.

Showing or hiding the date on your lock screen

The date usually appears below the time on your lock screen, but not all clock styles include it. If you want to hide the date, switch to a clock style that does not display it — try the Analog or Minimal options.

If your current clock style does show the date and you want to keep it, there is no separate toggle to hide it without changing the entire clock style. The date format (like "Monday, January 15" or "1/15/2024") is controlled in Settings > General Management > Date and Time, where you can choose how it appears.

Setting up the always-on display to show time and date

If your Samsung phone has an always-on display (AOD) — a feature that shows information even when the screen is off — you can customize what appears there. Go to Settings > Lock Screen > Always On Display.

Tap Clock Style within the AOD menu to choose a design. You can also toggle Show Date on or off, depending on your preference. The AOD settings are separate from your main lock screen, so you can have different clock styles on each. Keep in mind that the always-on display uses battery power, so leaving it on all the time will drain your battery faster than keeping it off.

Adjusting time format and time zone

To change whether your phone shows time in 12-hour or 24-hour format, go to Settings > General Management > Date and Time. Toggle Use 24-hour format on or off. This change affects the time shown everywhere on your phone — the lock screen, status bar, and always-on display.

In the same menu, you can also set your time zone manually or let your phone detect it automatically. If your phone is set to the wrong time zone, the time will be incorrect even if the format is right. Make sure Automatic Date and Time is turned on so your phone updates when you travel or when daylight saving time changes.

Adding a clock widget to your home screen

If you want a larger, more prominent clock on your home screen, you can add a clock widget. Long-press an empty area of your home screen, then tap Widgets. Search for Clock and you will see options like Samsung Clock, Google Clock, or Weather Clock. Each widget displays the time and date in a different style.

Tap and hold a widget to add it to your home screen. You can resize it by dragging the corners. Some widgets also show the weather or let you set alarms directly from the home screen. If you do not like a widget, long-press it and tap Remove.

Troubleshooting when the time or date is wrong

If your lock screen or status bar shows the wrong time, first check that Automatic Date and Time is on. Go to Settings > General Management > Date and Time and make sure the toggle is enabled. If it is already on, turn it off and back on again to force your phone to sync with your carrier's time.

If the time is still wrong after that, restart your phone by holding the power button and selecting Restart. If you recently traveled across time zones, your phone may take a few minutes to update automatically. If the problem persists, check that your phone's date and time are not set to a fixed value — in the same menu, make sure you are not overriding the automatic setting with a manual one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide the time from my lock screen?

No. The time is a core part of the lock screen and cannot be completely hidden. However, you can choose a clock style that is smaller or less prominent, or you can use a custom lock screen wallpaper that makes the time less noticeable. The time will always appear somewhere on your lock screen.

Why does my lock screen show the wrong time?

Your phone is likely set to the wrong time zone or automatic time sync is off. Go to Settings > General Management > Date and Time and turn on Automatic Date and Time. If you recently traveled, your phone may take a few minutes to update. Restart your phone if the time is still incorrect after waiting.

Can I change the date format on my lock screen?

Yes. Go to Settings > General Management > Date and Time and tap Date Format. You will see options like "Monday, January 15" or "1/15/2024". Choose the format you prefer. This change applies to your entire phone, not just the lock screen.

Does the always-on display drain my battery?

Yes, leaving the always-on display on uses more battery than keeping it off, especially on older Samsung models. Newer phones with AMOLED screens use less power for AOD because the display only lights up the pixels it needs. If battery life is a concern, turn off the always-on display in Settings > Lock Screen > Always On Display.

How do I add a digital clock widget to my home screen?

Long-press an empty area of your home screen, tap Widgets, and search for Clock. Select a clock widget style you like and tap it. Drag it to your desired location and resize it by pulling the corners. You can add multiple clock widgets if you want to display different time zones.