The fastest way to change your Fitbit's time

Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap your profile icon in the top left, select your device, then scroll to "Clock" or "Time Zone" and change it there. The watch syncs automatically within a few seconds. If you have an older Fitbit model without that option in the app, you may need to manually adjust it on the device itself using the side buttons, though most current models handle everything through the app.

The method depends on which Fitbit you own — smartwatches like the Sense or Versa have different steps than fitness trackers like the Charge or Inspire. The app route works for nearly all models made in the last five years.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the primary way to change time on most current models; open your profile, select your device, and look for Clock or Time Zone settings.
  • Time zone changes usually sync automatically once you update the setting in the app, so you do not need to manually adjust anything on the watch itself.
  • Older Fitbit models may require you to use the device buttons to adjust time manually if the app does not have a time setting.
  • Daylight saving time changes may update automatically depending on your phone's settings and your Fitbit model.

Changing time on Fitbit smartwatches (Sense, Versa, Ionic)

Smartwatches have the most straightforward process. Launch the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon (usually a silhouette in the bottom right or top left depending on your app version), then tap your device name. Scroll down until you see "Clock" or "Time Zone" — the exact label varies by model year. Tap it and select your time zone or enter the time manually.

Once you save, the watch receives the update within seconds and displays the new time when ready. You do not need to restart the device or do anything else. If you are traveling and want to change the time zone, this is the same process — just select the new zone from the list.

Changing time on Fitbit fitness trackers (Charge, Inspire, Ace)

Fitness trackers without full screens follow the same app-based method. Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your tracker model, and look for "Clock" or "Time" in the settings menu. Not all tracker models have this option visible in the app — some older Charge or Inspire versions may not show it.

If your tracker does not have a time setting in the app, the time is usually set automatically based on your phone's time zone. If the time is wrong, check that your phone's time and time zone are correct, then restart the Fitbit app or restart your tracker by removing and reinserting the band (for models where the tracker slides out).

Manual time adjustment on older Fitbit models

If you own a Fitbit from before 2019 — such as an older Charge HR, Surge, or original Ionic — the app may not have a dedicated time setting. In these cases, you adjust time directly on the device using the side buttons.

Press and hold the button on the side of your Fitbit until a menu appears. Navigate to "Settings" using the buttons, then find "Clock" or "Time." Use the buttons to increase or decrease the hour and minute values. This process is slower than the app method and varies slightly by model, so check your device manual if the buttons do not respond as expected.

Daylight saving time and automatic updates

Most current Fitbit models update automatically when daylight saving time changes, but only if your phone's time zone setting is correct. The watch pulls the time from your phone during sync, so if your phone updates automatically (which most do), your Fitbit should follow.

If your Fitbit time is off by one hour after a daylight saving change, manually update the time zone in the app or restart the sync between your phone and watch. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and toggle the time zone off and back on, or straightforward re-select your current time zone.

Troubleshooting when the time will not change

If you updated the time in the app but the watch still shows the wrong time, force a sync between your phone and Fitbit. In the Fitbit app, pull down from the top of the screen (on most phones) to refresh, or look for a sync button. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for the devices to communicate.

If that does not work, restart the Fitbit app completely — close it entirely and reopen it. On some models, you may also need to restart your Fitbit device itself. For smartwatches, hold the button until the Fitbit logo appears and the device restarts. For trackers, remove the band and reinsert it after a few seconds. Then open the app and check the time again.

Changing time when traveling

When you travel to a different time zone, you have two options: update your phone's time zone (which most phones do automatically), or manually change the time zone in the Fitbit app. If your phone updates automatically, your Fitbit will sync to the new time within a few seconds of opening the app in the new location.

If you want to keep your phone on your home time zone but change only your Fitbit, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and manually select the new time zone. This is useful if you travel frequently or do not want to change your phone settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Fitbit time one hour off?

Your phone's time zone may not match your actual location, or daylight saving time changed and your Fitbit did not update automatically. Check your phone's time zone setting first. If it is correct, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and re-select your time zone or toggle it off and back on to force a sync.

Can I change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour on my Fitbit?

Yes, on most smartwatches and newer trackers. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for "Clock Format" or "Time Format." Select either 12-hour or 24-hour. Older models may not have this option, in which case the format is fixed.

Does my Fitbit update automatically when I cross time zones?

Only if your phone's location services or time zone setting updates automatically. Most phones do this by default. If your Fitbit does not update when you travel, manually change the time zone in the Fitbit app or check that your phone's automatic time zone setting is turned on.

What if the Fitbit app does not show a time or clock setting?

Your model may set time automatically based on your phone's time. Check that your phone's time and time zone are correct, then restart the Fitbit app or restart your device. If the problem continues, your Fitbit may be too old to have a manual time setting — in that case, the time is always synced from your phone.