Change the time through the Fitbit app on your phone
The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time is through the official Fitbit app on your smartphone. Your Fitbit syncs with your phone's time automatically in most cases, but if the time is wrong, you can manually adjust it in the app settings. This method works for all Fitbit models—trackers, watches, and bands.
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Select your device from the list, then scroll down and tap "Time Zone" or "Time" depending on your Fitbit model. Choose your time zone from the list, and the app will push the correct time to your device within a few seconds. Your Fitbit should display the updated time when ready after syncing.
If you don't see a time zone option in your device settings, your Fitbit may be set to sync automatically with your phone. In that case, check that your phone's time is correct—your Fitbit will match it. You can also try removing and re-adding your device in the app: go to your profile, select your device, tap the three dots, and choose "Remove This Device," then add it back by tapping the plus icon.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app on your phone is the main way to change your device's time; open your profile, select your device, and tap the time zone setting.
- Most Fitbit models sync automatically with your phone's time, so if your phone time is correct, your Fitbit should update on its own.
- After you change the time zone in the app, your Fitbit will sync within a few seconds—you do not need to restart the device.
- If the time zone option is missing from your device settings, try removing and re-adding your Fitbit in the app to restore the setting.
Manually adjust time on Fitbit watches with touchscreens
Some Fitbit watches, like the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa models, let you change the time directly on the device itself without opening the app. 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 and scroll to "Time Zone" or "Time," then select your zone from the list.
This method is useful if you are traveling and need to update the time quickly without pulling out your phone. The change takes effect when ready on the watch face. However, the app method is still the most reliable way to may support the time stays correct, because the app can re-sync your device if the manual change does not stick.
What to do if your Fitbit time keeps resetting
If you change the time but it reverts to the wrong time after a few hours or days, your Fitbit is likely re-syncing with an incorrect time zone setting in the app. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and double-check that the time zone is set correctly. Make sure you are selecting your actual current time zone, not a nearby one.
Another common cause is that your phone's time is set to a different zone than your Fitbit. Check your phone's settings and confirm the time zone matches where you actually are. If you recently traveled, your phone may still be set to the old time zone. Once your phone and Fitbit app are on the same time zone, they should stay synchronized.
If the time still resets, try unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, tap the three dots, and choose "Remove This Device." Then add it back by tapping the plus icon and following the pairing steps. This clears any conflicting settings and usually fixes persistent time problems.
Changing time on older Fitbit models without an app
Older Fitbit trackers like the Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Alta do not have touchscreens, so you cannot change the time directly on the device. These models rely entirely on the Fitbit app to set the time. Open the app, go to your device settings, select your time zone, and let the device sync.
If you own an older Fitbit and the app no longer works on your phone (because the app was discontinued or your phone is too old), you may not be able to change the time. Fitbit stopped supporting some older models in their app. Check the Fitbit website to see if your model is still supported, or consider upgrading to a newer device if you need to adjust the time regularly.
Time zone changes when traveling
When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically if you have the app set to sync with your phone's location. However, some phones do not automatically change the time zone when you cross into a new region—you may need to manually update your phone's time zone in its settings first.
Once your phone's time zone is correct, open the Fitbit app and check your device settings to confirm the time zone matches. If it does not, manually select the correct zone in the app. Your Fitbit will sync within a few seconds. If you are traveling frequently or crossing many time zones, keep the app's automatic sync turned on so your Fitbit stays current without manual updates.
Troubleshooting when the time zone option is missing
If you open your Fitbit device settings in the app and do not see a time zone or time option, the setting may be hidden or your app version may be outdated. First, update the Fitbit app to the latest version from your phone's app store. Close the app completely, then reopen it and check your device settings again.
If the option still does not appear after updating, your Fitbit model may not have a user-adjustable time setting—some basic trackers sync time only through the app and do not show a separate time zone menu. In that case, make sure your phone's time is correct, and your Fitbit will match it automatically. If you need more control over the time, you may want to upgrade to a Fitbit watch model that has on-device time settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I changed it?
Your Fitbit may be syncing with an incorrect time zone setting in the app. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and verify that the time zone is set to your actual location. Also check that your phone's time zone is correct—your Fitbit syncs with your phone, so if your phone is wrong, your Fitbit will be too.
Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?
Fitbit watches with touchscreens (like the Versa and Sense) let you change the time directly on the device through the settings menu. Older Fitbit trackers without screens require the app to change the time. Check your device manual to see if your model has on-device time settings.
How long does it take for my Fitbit to update after I change the time in the app?
Your Fitbit should sync and display the new time within a few seconds of changing the time zone in the app. If it takes longer than a minute, try closing the app and reopening it, or manually sync your device by opening the app and waiting for the sync to complete.
What should I do if my Fitbit time is stuck and will not change?
Try removing and re-adding your Fitbit in the app. Go to your profile, select your device, tap the three dots, and choose "Remove This Device." Then add it back using the plus icon. This resets the device connection and usually fixes time problems that will not respond to normal changes.
Does my Fitbit automatically change the time when I travel?
Your Fitbit will update automatically if your phone's time zone changes and the app is set to sync. However, not all phones automatically update their time zone when you travel—you may need to manually change your phone's time zone in its settings first, and your Fitbit will follow.