Change the time on your Fitbit through the mobile app or on the device itself

Your Fitbit automatically syncs the time from your phone when you first set it up, so in most cases you won't need to change it manually. But if you're traveling across time zones, your device shows the wrong time, or you've noticed a drift of a few minutes, you can update it in seconds. The method depends on which Fitbit model you own—some devices let you adjust the time directly on the watch, while others require you to use the Fitbit app on your phone.

The good news: this is one of the simplest settings to change on a Fitbit. You don't need to unpair the device, restart anything, or contact support. A few taps in the app or a quick menu dive on the device itself gets you back on time.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits sync time automatically from your phone, so manual changes are rarely needed unless you travel or notice a time drift.
  • Fitbit watches with screens (Versa, Sense, Ionic) let you change the time directly on the device through the Settings menu.
  • Fitbits without screens (Charge, Inspire, Ace) require you to adjust the time in the Fitbit mobile app under your device settings.
  • Time zone changes sync automatically when your phone's time zone updates, so you typically only need to act if the time is visibly wrong.

Change the time on a Fitbit with a screen

If you own a Fitbit Versa, Sense, Ionic, or similar model with a display, you can adjust the time directly on the watch. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, then look for a Settings icon (usually a gear symbol). Tap it to enter the full settings menu.

Once in Settings, scroll down until you find "Time" or "Clock." Tap it, and you'll see options to set the time manually or toggle automatic time sync on and off. If automatic sync is on, your device will pull the correct time from your phone the next time they connect. If you want to set the time right now, turn off automatic sync, then enter the hours and minutes using the on-screen controls. After you've set it, you can turn automatic sync back on if you prefer.

The exact menu names vary slightly between Fitbit models—a Versa might say "Clock" while a Sense says "Time"—but the process is the same. If you can't find the setting, check your device's manual or the Fitbit support site for your specific model number.

Change the time in the Fitbit mobile app

Fitbit Charge, Inspire, Ace, and other band-style devices without screens don't have on-device menus, so you adjust the time through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, then select your device from the list.

Scroll down to find "Time Zone" or "Clock Settings." Tap it and choose your current time zone from the dropdown menu. The app will then sync the correct time to your device the next time they connect via Bluetooth. If you want the sync to happen when ready, make sure Bluetooth is on and your phone is near the device, then open the app again—it should connect within a few seconds.

If you don't see a time zone option in your device settings within the app, it's likely because your Fitbit is set to sync time automatically from your phone. In that case, straightforward make sure your phone's time and time zone are correct, and your Fitbit will match it automatically.

Why your Fitbit time might be wrong

The most common reason for a time mismatch is that your phone's time zone hasn't updated after you've traveled. When you cross into a new time zone, your phone usually updates automatically if location services are on, but your Fitbit won't update until the two devices sync again. Turning Bluetooth off and back on, or opening the Fitbit app, forces a sync and corrects the time.

A second reason is that automatic time sync is turned off. This can happen if you've manually adjusted the time in the past and forgot to re-enable the automatic setting. Check your device settings to confirm automatic sync is on—it's the easiest way to stay accurate without thinking about it.

Occasionally, a Fitbit will drift by a minute or two over weeks of use, especially older models. This is normal and not a sign of a problem. A manual adjustment or a fresh sync with your phone brings it back in line.

Sync your Fitbit after changing the time

After you've made a time change—whether on the device or in the app—your Fitbit needs to sync with your phone to lock in the new setting. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that you're within a few feet of your device. Open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync icon to finish (it usually takes 5 to 10 seconds).

If the sync doesn't happen automatically, you can force it by pulling down on the app's home screen (like refreshing a web page) or by closing and reopening the app. Once the sync is complete, check your Fitbit's display to confirm the time has updated. If it hasn't, try turning Bluetooth off for 10 seconds, then back on, and syncing again.

Automatic time sync and time zones

The easiest way to keep your Fitbit on time is to leave automatic time sync turned on. When it's enabled, your device pulls the correct time from your phone every time they connect, so you never have to think about it—even when you travel across time zones.

Automatic sync works because your phone updates its time zone based on your location (if location services are on) or based on your manual selection in phone settings. Your Fitbit then mirrors that time the next time it syncs. This means that if you travel and your phone's time zone updates, your Fitbit will follow suit within minutes of the next sync.

The only time you need to manually adjust the time is if automatic sync is off and your device is showing the wrong time. In that case, either turn automatic sync back on and sync your devices, or manually set the time using the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Fitbit automatically update the time when I travel?

Yes, if automatic time sync is on and your phone's time zone updates. When you cross into a new time zone, your phone usually updates automatically (if location services are enabled), and your Fitbit syncs to match the next time Bluetooth connects them. If your Fitbit doesn't update within a few minutes, open the Fitbit app to force a sync.

What if my Fitbit time is still wrong after I've synced it?

First, check that your phone's time and time zone are correct—your Fitbit can only be as accurate as the device it syncs with. If your phone is right but your Fitbit is still off, turn off automatic time sync on your device, manually set the time, then turn automatic sync back on. If the problem persists, try unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit in the app.

Can I set a 12-hour or 24-hour time format on my Fitbit?

Yes, most Fitbits let you choose between 12-hour and 24-hour formats in the Clock or Time settings. On devices with screens, this is usually in the Settings menu. On band-style devices, check the app under your device settings. The format you choose doesn't affect the actual time—only how it's displayed.

Do I need to change the time manually if I'm only traveling for a few days?

No. If automatic time sync is on, your Fitbit will update to the local time zone as soon as your phone does. You don't need to do anything. When you return home, the same thing happens in reverse—your phone updates back to your home time zone, and your Fitbit follows.

Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?

This usually means your devices haven't synced recently. Open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync to complete, then check your Fitbit again. If the times still don't match, make sure both devices are set to the same time zone in their settings. If one is set to a different zone, they'll show different times even after syncing.