Change the time on your Fitbit through the Fitbit app on your phone

The easiest way to change the time on your Fitbit is through the Fitbit mobile app. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and look for the time zone or clock settings. The app will usually detect your phone's time zone automatically, but you can override it manually if you need a different time than your phone shows. Once you change it in the app, the time syncs to your Fitbit within a few seconds.

If your Fitbit time is already correct but shows the wrong format (12-hour versus 24-hour), that setting is also in the app under your device settings. Some Fitbit models let you choose between these formats; others do not.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app on your phone is the main way to change your device's time and time zone.
  • Your Fitbit syncs time automatically from your phone's time zone unless you manually override it.
  • If you travel to a different time zone, update your time zone in the app and your Fitbit will adjust within seconds.
  • Some Fitbit models allow you to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats in the app settings.
  • If your Fitbit time does not update after changing it in the app, restart both your phone and your Fitbit device.

Step-by-step: changing the time zone in the Fitbit app

Start by opening the Fitbit app on your phone and making sure your Fitbit is nearby and connected. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen (on most phones) or the menu icon if you use an older version of the app.

Find your device in the list — it will show the name you gave it, like "Sarah's Fitbit Charge 5" or "My Inspire 3". Tap on it to open the device settings page. Scroll down until you see "Time Zone" or "Clock" or "Time Format". Tap that option. Select your time zone from the list, or if you want a time that does not match your phone's time zone, choose "Custom" and enter the offset manually (for example, +5 hours or -8 hours from your phone's current time).

Once you tap "Save" or confirm your choice, the app will send the new time to your Fitbit. This usually takes less than 10 seconds. Check your Fitbit's screen to confirm the time has changed.

What to do if your Fitbit time does not update

If you changed the time in the app but your Fitbit still shows the old time, the device and app may not have synced properly. The first step is to restart both devices. On your phone, close the Fitbit app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps list, do not just press the home button). Then restart your phone by turning it off and back on.

While your phone is restarting, restart your Fitbit. Most Fitbit models restart by holding down the button on the side or back for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo on the screen. Some models (like the Fitbit Sense or Versa) may require you to swipe down from the top of the screen and find a restart option in the settings menu instead. Check your device's manual if you are not sure which method applies to your model.

Once both devices have restarted, open the Fitbit app again and let it sync with your Fitbit. The time should now match what you set. If it still does not, try changing the time zone again and watch to make sure the app shows "Syncing" or a loading icon before you close the app.

Changing the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour

If your Fitbit shows the time in 12-hour format (with AM and PM) but you want 24-hour format (military time), or vice versa, this setting is also in the app. Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and scroll to "Time Format" or "Clock Format".

Not all Fitbit models support both formats. Older devices like the Fitbit Flex 2 or original Charge may not have this option at all — they are locked into whatever format Fitbit set for your region. Newer models like the Charge 5, Sense 2, and Inspire 3 usually let you choose. If you do not see a time format option in your device settings, your model does not support changing it.

Why your Fitbit time might be wrong in the first place

Your Fitbit pulls its time from your phone when the two devices sync. If your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit's time will be wrong too. Check your phone's clock first — go to Settings, then Date and Time, and make sure "Automatic" or "Set automatically" is turned on. This tells your phone to get the correct time from your mobile carrier or internet connection.

If you recently traveled across time zones and your phone did not update automatically, your Fitbit will not update either until you manually change the time zone in the Fitbit app. Some phones take a few hours to detect a new time zone, especially if you are in airplane mode or have location services turned off.

Syncing your Fitbit after changing the time

After you change the time in the Fitbit app, the two devices need to communicate to transfer the new setting. This happens automatically when your Fitbit is nearby and the app is open. You do not need to do anything — just wait a few seconds and check your Fitbit's screen.

If your Fitbit is not syncing, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that your Fitbit is not too far away (more than 30 feet). If Bluetooth is on but the app still will not sync, try "forgetting" your Fitbit in your phone's Bluetooth settings and then reconnecting it through the Fitbit app. This forces a fresh connection and often fixes sync problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?

No. Fitbit devices do not have a built-in menu to change the time directly on the device itself. You must use the Fitbit mobile app on your phone. The app is free and works on both iPhone and Android.

What happens to my Fitbit time if I turn off Bluetooth?

Your Fitbit will keep the time it currently shows. It will not update to a new time until you turn Bluetooth back on, open the Fitbit app, and let the devices sync again. The time will not drift or fall behind — Fitbit devices have an internal clock that holds the time even when disconnected.

Do I need to change the time on my Fitbit when I travel?

You do not have to, but most people do. If you travel to a new time zone and want your Fitbit to show the local time, change the time zone in the Fitbit app. If you leave the time zone set to your home location, your Fitbit will show your home time instead — some people prefer this for tracking sleep and activity across time zones.

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

This usually means your phone and Fitbit are set to different time zones in the app. Open the Fitbit app, check the time zone setting for your device, and make sure it matches your phone's time zone. If they match but the times still differ by an hour or more, restart both devices and let them sync again.

Can I set my Fitbit to a time zone that does not exist?

The Fitbit app only shows real time zones, so you cannot select a made-up zone from the list. If you want your Fitbit to show a time that does not match any standard time zone, use the "Custom" offset option and enter the number of hours and minutes you want added or subtracted from your phone's current time.