The fastest way to change your Fitbit's time
Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, then select your device. Scroll down to find "Clock" or "Time Zone" — the exact label depends on your Fitbit model — and choose your new time zone or enter the time manually. The device syncs within seconds of you saving the change.
If your Fitbit has a touchscreen (Sense, Versa, or Ionic models), you can also change the time directly on the device itself. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open quick settings, find the clock icon, and adjust the time there. Manual adjustment on the device is slower than using the app, but it works if your phone is not nearby.
The reason most people need to change the time is travel across time zones or a daylight saving time switch. Fitbits do not automatically update for daylight saving time in the way your phone does, so you will need to make that change yourself when the clocks shift.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app is the fastest route: open it, go to your profile, select your device, and change the time zone or clock setting.
- Touchscreen Fitbits (Sense, Versa, Ionic) let you adjust the time directly on the device through the quick settings menu.
- Fitbits do not shift automatically for daylight saving time, so you must change the time manually twice a year in most US states.
- The change syncs to your device within seconds on the app method, but manual adjustment on the device itself takes longer to register.
Changing the time in the Fitbit app for most models
The app method works for every Fitbit model and is the most reliable way to make the change stick. Start by opening the Fitbit app and tapping your profile picture — it is in the top left corner on both iPhone and Android. You will see a list of devices if you own more than one; select the Fitbit you want to adjust.
Scroll down the device settings page until you see "Clock," "Time," or "Time Zone" — the wording varies by model. Tap it and choose your time zone from the list, or if your model allows it, enter the time manually. Once you save the change, your Fitbit syncs with your phone and updates within a few seconds. You do not need to restart the device.
If you do not see a clock or time zone option in the app, your Fitbit model may pull the time automatically from your phone's settings. In that case, check that your phone's time is correct and that Bluetooth is turned on so the devices can communicate. Restart the Fitbit app if the time still does not match.
Adjusting time directly on your Fitbit device
Fitbit Sense, Versa, and Ionic models have touchscreens and let you change the time without opening the app. Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the quick settings menu — you will see icons for battery, Bluetooth, and other functions. Look for a clock icon and tap it to open the time adjustment screen.
From there, you can usually select your time zone or manually enter the hours and minutes. Use the on-screen buttons or swipe to change each number. The process is slower than using the app and the change may take a minute or two to register on the device face, but it is useful if your phone is not with you.
Fitbit Charge, Inspire, and Ace models do not have touchscreens, so you cannot adjust the time directly on the device. You must use the app for these models. If you own one of these and the app is not working, restart both your phone and your Fitbit by holding the button on the device for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo.
What to do when the time does not sync after you change it
If you changed the time in the app but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, the most common cause is that Bluetooth is off or the connection dropped. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, close the Fitbit app completely, and reopen it. The device should resync within 10 seconds.
If that does not work, restart your Fitbit. Press and hold the button on the side or back of the device for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear. Let it power back on and open the app again. The time should now match what you set.
On rare occasions, the app itself needs to be refreshed. Uninstall the Fitbit app from your phone, restart your phone, and reinstall the app from the App Store or Google Play. Log back in and change the time again. This clears any corrupted data that might be blocking the sync.
Daylight saving time and automatic updates
Unlike your smartphone, Fitbits do not automatically shift forward or backward when daylight saving time begins and ends. You will need to manually change the time twice a year in most US states — once in March when clocks spring forward and once in November when they fall back. A few states and territories do not observe daylight saving time, so check your local rules.
The easiest way to remember is to change your Fitbit time at the same time you change your other clocks. Set a phone reminder for the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November so you do not forget. If you travel frequently across time zones, you may want to check your Fitbit's time zone setting each time you land.
Time zone versus manual time entry
Most Fitbits let you choose a time zone from a list rather than entering the exact time. This is the better option if you travel, because your Fitbit will always show the correct local time as long as you update the time zone. If you select a time zone, the device handles daylight saving time shifts automatically — but only if your phone's operating system recognizes that shift.
Manual time entry is useful if your Fitbit model does not have a time zone list or if you want to set a time that does not match your location. Once you enter the time manually, it stays fixed until you change it again. It will not shift for daylight saving time, so you will need to adjust it twice a year.
Check your Fitbit's app settings to see which option your model supports. Most newer models default to time zone selection, while older models may only offer manual entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my Fitbit after changing the time?
No, a restart is not necessary in most cases. The time change syncs through Bluetooth within seconds when you use the app. You only need to restart if the time does not update after waiting 10 seconds or if the app is not responding.
Will changing the time affect my activity history or step count?
No. Changing the time zone or clock setting does not erase or alter your recorded activity. Your steps, heart rate, and sleep data remain the same — only the time stamp on new data will reflect the new time going forward.
Can I set my Fitbit to a time that is different from my phone?
Yes, if you use manual time entry instead of time zone selection. However, this can cause confusion if your phone and Fitbit show different times. Most people keep them matched to avoid mistakes with appointments and alarms.
What happens if I travel and forget to change my Fitbit's time zone?
Your Fitbit will record activity using the old time zone until you update it. Once you change the time zone in the app, all future activity will use the new time. Past activity keeps its original time stamp, so your history remains accurate.
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though my phone is correct?
The most common cause is that Bluetooth is off or the connection is weak. Turn Bluetooth off and back on, close and reopen the Fitbit app, and wait 10 seconds for the sync. If the problem persists, restart both your phone and your Fitbit.