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, which syncs the correct time automatically in most cases. Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, select your device, and scroll down to find "Time Zone" or "Clock Face" settings. Tap the time zone option and choose your current location from the list — the app will set the time to match your phone's clock.

If you don't see a time zone option, your Fitbit may sync time automatically whenever it connects to your phone. In that case, make sure your phone's time is correct first, then open the Fitbit app and let the devices sync for 30 seconds to a minute. You'll see a spinning circle or sync icon while this happens. Once the sync completes, check your Fitbit's display — the time should now match your phone.

Some older Fitbit models (like the Fitbit Charge 2 or Fitbit Ionic) may not have a dedicated time zone setting in the app. For these devices, the time updates automatically when you sync, so correcting your phone's time and re-syncing is the only step needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and change the time zone setting to match your location.
  • Most Fitbits sync time automatically with your phone, so may support your phone displays the correct time before syncing.
  • After changing the time zone or syncing, wait 30 seconds to a minute for the update to appear on your Fitbit's screen.
  • If you travel across time zones, update your time zone in the Fitbit app rather than trying to adjust the time manually on the device itself.

Syncing your Fitbit after changing the time

After you change the time zone in the app, your Fitbit needs to sync with your phone to receive the update. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices and they are within 30 feet of each other. Open the Fitbit app and look for a sync button — it's usually a circular arrow icon at the top of the screen or within your device settings.

Tap the sync button and wait for the connection to complete. You'll see a confirmation message or the spinning sync icon will stop. On your Fitbit's screen, the time should now display correctly. If the time still shows the old time after syncing, try closing the Fitbit app completely and reopening it, then syncing again.

What to do if your Fitbit time won't update

If the time on your Fitbit remains incorrect after syncing, first check that your phone's time is set correctly. Go to your phone's settings, find Date & Time, and make sure it's set to automatic or matches your current time zone. A phone displaying the wrong time will cause your Fitbit to sync to that incorrect time.

Next, try unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit with the app. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove This Device." Then restart both your phone and Fitbit, open the Fitbit app, and pair the device again from scratch. This forces a fresh sync and often resolves time-related glitches.

If you're still seeing the wrong time, restart your Fitbit by plugging it into its charger for 10 seconds, unplugging it, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. Some Fitbit models respond better to a full restart before re-syncing with the app.

Changing time zones when you travel

When you cross into a new time zone, your Fitbit will update automatically if you let it sync with your phone. Make sure your phone's location services are on and your phone has detected the new time zone — most phones do this automatically within a few minutes of arriving. Then open the Fitbit app and sync.

If your phone hasn't updated to the new time zone yet, manually change it in your phone's settings. Go to Date & Time, turn off automatic time zone detection if it's on, and select your new time zone from the list. Once your phone shows the correct time, sync your Fitbit and the device will update to match.

Fitbit models that handle time differently

Most current Fitbit models (Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Charge 5, Fitbit Inspire 3, and newer) sync time automatically and don't have manual time adjustment on the device itself. These models rely entirely on the app for time zone changes. Older models like the Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit Ionic, and Fitbit Versa had limited on-device time settings but still synced primarily through the app.

If you own a very old Fitbit (Fitbit One, Fitbit Zip, or first-generation Charge), check the Fitbit support website for your specific model number to see whether it supports time zone changes through the app or requires a different method. Most of these older devices are no longer actively supported, but the Fitbit app may still work with them for basic syncing.

Common mistakes that prevent time updates

The most common reason a Fitbit time won't update is that Bluetooth is off or the devices are too far apart. Keep your phone and Fitbit within 30 feet and make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both. Another frequent mistake is not waiting long enough for the sync to complete — give it at least 30 seconds after tapping sync before checking the time on your device.

Some people try to manually adjust the time directly on the Fitbit screen by swiping or tapping, but most modern Fitbits don't allow this. The time can only be changed through the app. If you see no time-related options in the app, your device likely syncs time automatically and you straightforward need to correct your phone's time and re-sync.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though my phone is correct?

Your Fitbit may not have synced since you changed time zones or updated your phone's time. Open the Fitbit app, tap the sync button, and wait 30 seconds for the connection to complete. If it still shows the wrong time, try unpairing and re-pairing the device through the app.

Can I manually set the time on my Fitbit without using the app?

No. Modern Fitbits do not allow manual time adjustment on the device itself. You must use the Fitbit app on your phone to change the time zone, and the device will sync to that setting automatically.

What if the Fitbit app doesn't show a time zone option?

Your Fitbit likely syncs time automatically whenever it connects to your phone. Make sure your phone's time is correct, open the Fitbit app, and tap the sync button. The device will update to match your phone's time within a minute.

How long does it take for a Fitbit to update after I change the time zone?

The update usually appears within 30 seconds to one minute after syncing completes. If you don't see the new time after waiting a minute, try syncing again or restarting the Fitbit app.

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

No. Your Fitbit will update automatically when your phone detects the new time zone. Just make sure Bluetooth is on and let the devices sync once you arrive at your destination.