The quickest way to fix your Fitbit's time
The fastest way to change your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app, tap your profile picture in the top left, select your device, scroll to Time Zone, and choose the correct zone from the list. The time updates within seconds. If you're offline or the app method doesn't work, you can also adjust it directly on some Fitbit models using the device buttons, though this varies by model.
Most Fitbits sync automatically to your phone's time zone when you first set them up. If your time drifted — usually because you traveled or your phone's time was wrong — the app method is the most reliable fix. You don't need to unpair the device or restart anything; the change takes effect when ready.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app is the primary way to change your device's time zone, and it syncs the change within seconds of you selecting a new zone.
- Your Fitbit normally mirrors your phone's time zone automatically, so check your phone's settings first if the time seems wrong.
- Some older Fitbit models allow you to adjust time directly on the device using buttons, but newer models require the app.
- If the app won't update your time, try closing and reopening the app, or restarting your phone before trying again.
Changing time zone through the Fitbit app
Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. This takes you to your account settings. From there, select the Fitbit device you want to adjust — if you own multiple devices, make sure you're editing the right one.
Once you've selected your device, scroll down until you see "Time Zone". Tap it and a list of time zones appears. Find and tap your current time zone. The app sends the update to your device when ready, and the time on your Fitbit's screen should change within a few seconds. You don't need to restart the device or close the app.
If you're not sure which time zone to pick, your phone's settings show your current zone. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time. On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time. Match that zone in the Fitbit app.
Adjusting time on older Fitbit models without the app
Some older Fitbits — particularly the Fitbit Charge, Charge HR, and Surge — let you change the time directly on the device. Press and hold the button on your device until you see the time display. Use the button to cycle through hours and minutes until the correct time appears, then hold the button again to save.
This method is slower than using the app and works only on certain models. If your Fitbit doesn't respond to button presses in this way, the app method is your only option. Check your device's manual or the Fitbit support website to confirm whether your specific model supports on-device time adjustment.
What to do if the time won't update
If you've changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it. Sometimes the app doesn't sync the change on the first try. Restart your phone as well — this clears any connection issues between your phone and the device.
Make sure your Fitbit is connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Open the Fitbit app and check the status at the top of the screen; it should say "Connected" next to your device name. If it says "Disconnected", tap it to reconnect, then try changing the time zone again.
If the problem persists, unpair your device and set it up again. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove This Device". Then go through the setup process again, making sure your phone's time zone is correct before pairing. This usually resolves stubborn sync issues.
Why your Fitbit time drifts in the first place
Your Fitbit doesn't have its own clock the way a watch does. Instead, it gets the time from your phone every time the two devices sync. If your phone's time zone was wrong when you set up the Fitbit, or if you traveled and didn't update your phone's settings, your Fitbit will show the wrong time.
The device also syncs time whenever you open the Fitbit app. If you open the app in a different time zone than where your Fitbit is set, the app may try to update the device to match your phone's current location. This is why travelers sometimes see their Fitbit jump to a new time zone unexpectedly.
Syncing time across multiple Fitbits
If you own more than one Fitbit, you'll need to change the time zone on each device separately through the app. The app lets you switch between devices using the device selector at the top of the settings screen. Select the first device, change its time zone, then go back and select the second device to change its time zone.
All your devices will sync to the same time zone as your phone, so if you travel, you only need to update your phone's time zone once. The next time each Fitbit syncs with the app, it will automatically update to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Fitbit automatically update when I travel to a new time zone?
Your Fitbit updates to your phone's time zone the next time the two devices sync through the Bluetooth connection. If you update your phone's time zone before opening the Fitbit app, your Fitbit will match that zone within seconds. If you don't change your phone's settings, your Fitbit stays in the old zone.
Can I change the time without using the app?
Some older Fitbit models let you adjust the time using the device's buttons, but most modern Fitbits require the app. Check your device's manual to see if button adjustment is supported. The app method is faster and more reliable regardless.
What if my Fitbit shows the correct time but my phone shows a different time?
Check your phone's time zone setting first. Your Fitbit is synced to your phone, so if they disagree, your phone's setting is usually wrong. Go to your phone's date and time settings and make sure the time zone matches where you actually are.
Will changing the time zone affect my activity data or sleep tracking?
Changing the time zone does not erase or alter your existing activity or sleep data. The data stays tied to the dates and times it was recorded. Your Fitbit straightforward displays the time in the new zone going forward.
How often should I check my Fitbit's time?
Your Fitbit's time should stay accurate as long as your phone's time is correct and the two devices sync regularly. You only need to manually adjust it if you notice it's drifted, usually after traveling or if your phone's time was set incorrectly.