Change the time on your Fitbit through the Fitbit app on your phone
The easiest way to change your Fitbit's time 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 exact location depends on which Fitbit model you own, but the app will automatically sync the correct time once you update your time zone. You do not need to manually enter the time itself — your Fitbit pulls the correct time from your phone.
If you are traveling and your phone's time zone has already updated, your Fitbit will sync to the new time the next time it connects to the app. This usually happens within a few minutes if your phone and Fitbit are in range and Bluetooth is on.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app on your phone is the primary way to change your device's time zone; manual time entry is not available on most models.
- Your Fitbit syncs its time automatically from your phone's time zone setting, so updating your phone's time zone updates your Fitbit.
- Some older Fitbit models allow time adjustment through the device itself, but this method is less common on newer trackers.
- If your Fitbit shows the wrong time after a time zone change, restart the device and re-open the Fitbit app to force a sync.
Steps to change the time zone in the Fitbit app
Start by opening the Fitbit app on your smartphone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner (on most versions) or the menu icon in the top left. Find your device listed under "My Devices" and tap it.
Look for a settings option — this may be labeled "Device Settings," "Clock," or "Time Zone" depending on your Fitbit model and app version. Tap it and select your new time zone from the list. The app will confirm the change and sync it to your device within a few moments.
If you do not see a time zone option in the app, your Fitbit model may rely entirely on your phone's time. In that case, straightforward make sure your phone's time zone is correct, and your Fitbit will match it automatically.
What to do if your Fitbit still shows the wrong time
If you have changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still displays the old time, the sync may not have completed. Restart your Fitbit by holding the button on the side or back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear. Release the button and let the device restart.
Once your Fitbit has restarted, open the Fitbit app again and make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. The app will sync with your device and push the correct time. This usually takes less than a minute. If the time is still wrong after a second sync, check that your phone's time zone is set correctly — your Fitbit cannot be more accurate than the device it syncs with.
Changing the time on older Fitbit models
Some older Fitbit trackers, such as the Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge, allow you to adjust the time directly on the device itself. To do this, hold down the button on your tracker until the settings menu appears. Navigate to the clock or time setting using the button, and adjust the hours and minutes manually.
However, even on these older models, using the Fitbit app is usually faster and more reliable. The app method ensures your Fitbit stays synchronized with your phone, which is important if you travel or change time zones frequently.
Why your Fitbit time matters
Your Fitbit uses its internal clock to track when you exercise, sleep, and move throughout the day. If the time is wrong, your activity log and sleep records will be timestamped incorrectly, making it harder to see patterns in your data. An incorrect time zone can also affect how your Fitbit interprets your sleep schedule if you use the automatic sleep detection feature.
Keeping your Fitbit's time accurate is especially important if you sync your data with other health apps or share your activity with friends. Those apps rely on accurate timestamps to display your information correctly.
Syncing your Fitbit after a time change
After you change your time zone, your Fitbit should sync automatically within a few minutes if your phone and tracker are close together and Bluetooth is on. You can also force a manual sync by opening the Fitbit app and pulling down on the screen to refresh, or by closing and reopening the app.
If you are traveling across multiple time zones, you may want to update your phone's time zone before you arrive at your destination. This way, your Fitbit will already be set to the correct time when you land, and your activity data will be recorded in the right time zone from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Fitbit's time without the app?
On most modern Fitbit models, no — the app is the only way to change the time zone. Older models like the Charge HR and Surge allow manual adjustment on the device itself, but even then, using the app is more reliable. Your Fitbit cannot set its own time; it must sync from your phone.
What if my Fitbit and phone are in different time zones?
Your Fitbit will always match your phone's time zone because it syncs from your phone. If you want your Fitbit in a different time zone than your phone, you would need to change your phone's time zone first, which affects all your phone's apps and functions. This is not a practical solution for most people.
Does changing the time affect my activity history?
Changing the time zone may shift the timestamps on your past activity, but the data itself is not lost. Your Fitbit records the actual time you moved or slept; changing the time zone only changes how that time is displayed. Your total steps, calories, and sleep duration remain the same.
How often do I need to update my Fitbit's time?
You only need to update your Fitbit's time when you change time zones or when daylight saving time begins or ends. Your phone usually handles daylight saving time automatically, and your Fitbit will sync to that change. If you stay in the same time zone, you should never need to manually adjust the time.