Change the time on Alexa through the Alexa app or by asking Alexa directly

The fastest way to fix the time on your Alexa device is to ask it out loud: say "Alexa, set the time to 3:45 p.m." and Alexa will update when ready. If you prefer to use the app, open the Alexa app on your phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Settings, select your device, and change the time zone or time manually. Most Alexa devices set their time automatically based on your Wi-Fi location, so you usually only need to change it if you travel, move, or the automatic setting is wrong.

Alexa syncs time across all your Echo devices at once, so changing it on one device updates them all. The process takes less than a minute either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Say "Alexa, set the time to [time]" out loud for the quickest change, and Alexa updates when ready without opening the app.
  • Use the Alexa app by going to Settings > your device name > time zone or time to change it manually if voice commands do not work.
  • Most Alexa devices pull the correct time automatically from your Wi-Fi network, so manual changes are usually only needed after moving or traveling.
  • Changing the time on one Echo device updates the time on all your other Alexa devices connected to the same account.
  • If Alexa still shows the wrong time after you change it, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Using voice commands to set the time

The voice command method works on any Alexa device with a microphone and requires no app. straightforward say "Alexa, set the time to" followed by the time you want. For example: "Alexa, set the time to 2:30 p.m." or "Alexa, set the time to 14:30." Alexa understands both 12-hour and 24-hour formats.

If you want to set the time to the current time in your location, you can also say "Alexa, what time is it?" first to hear what Alexa thinks the time is, then correct it if needed. The change takes effect when ready, and you will see the updated time on any Alexa device with a display (like an Echo Show or Echo Dot with a clock).

Changing the time through the Alexa app

Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings, then select the device you want to change. Look for the time zone or time setting — the exact name depends on your device model.

If you see a time zone option, tap it and select your region from the list. Alexa will automatically set the correct time for that zone. If you see a manual time option, tap it and use the plus and minus buttons or the number pad to set the exact time and date you want. After you finish, tap Save or Done. The change syncs to your device within a few seconds.

Why Alexa's time might be wrong

Alexa devices normally pull the time automatically from your Wi-Fi network and your Amazon account settings. The time goes wrong most often when you move to a new location and the device does not detect the new time zone, or when your internet connection drops and reconnects to a different network. Daylight saving time changes can also cause a brief mismatch if your device updates before your phone does.

If you recently set up your Alexa device, it may take a few minutes to sync the correct time from the internet. If the time is still wrong after waiting 10 minutes and checking your Wi-Fi connection, a manual change through voice or the app will fix it right away.

Restarting your device if the time does not update

If you change the time but Alexa keeps reverting to the wrong time, the device may need a restart. Unplug your Alexa device from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The device will restart and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, which usually fixes time sync problems.

After the restart, check the time on your device. If it is still wrong, try the voice command or app method again. If the problem persists after a second restart, your Wi-Fi connection may be unstable — try moving the device closer to your router or restarting your router as well.

Changing time zones when you travel

When you travel to a different time zone, Alexa should update automatically if your phone's location services are on and your device is connected to Wi-Fi. However, if Alexa does not update on its own, you can change the time zone manually through the app. Go to Settings > your device > time zone and select the new region.

If you are traveling with a portable Alexa device like an Echo Dot, the device may not detect the new location right away. In that case, use the voice command "Alexa, set the time to" and the local time where you are, and Alexa will update when ready. When you return home, the device will sync back to your home time zone once it reconnects to your home Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set Alexa to a different time than my phone?

Yes. Alexa's time is independent of your phone's time. You can set Alexa to any time you want through voice or the app, and it will stay at that time even if your phone shows something different. This is useful if you want Alexa to operate on a different schedule than your actual local time.

What if I do not know my time zone?

Search online for "time zone" plus your city name, or check your phone's Settings to see what time zone it is set to. Your Alexa device should be in the same time zone as your phone. If you are unsure, you can also just say "Alexa, what time is it?" and Alexa will tell you what time it thinks it is, which helps you figure out if it is wrong.

Does changing the time on Alexa affect my alarms and reminders?

Yes. If you change the time on Alexa, any alarms or reminders you have set will adjust to the new time. For example, if you set an alarm for 7 a.m. and then change Alexa's time forward by one hour, the alarm will go off at 8 a.m. on Alexa's clock. Be careful when changing the time if you have active alarms.

Why does Alexa keep changing the time back?

Alexa is probably syncing the time from your Wi-Fi network or your location services. If you manually set the time but it keeps changing back, check that your time zone setting in the Alexa app matches your actual location. If the time zone is correct, restart your device and your router to reset the connection.