The quickest way to set the date and time on your Fitbit
Most Fitbit devices sync the date and time automatically from your phone when you open the Fitbit app. If your device shows the wrong time or date, the fastest fix is to open the Fitbit app, check that your phone's date and time are correct, and let the app sync for a few seconds. The sync usually happens in the background without you doing anything else.
If automatic sync does not work, you can change the time manually through the Fitbit app settings. The exact steps depend on which Fitbit model you own — some devices let you adjust time on the device itself, while others require you to change it only through the app.
Key Takeaways
- Fitbit devices automatically sync time and date from your phone when the Fitbit app is open, so checking your phone's settings first often solves the problem.
- Manual time changes on Fitbit devices happen in the app under Device Settings, not on the watch or tracker itself.
- Some older Fitbit models allow you to adjust time directly on the device using buttons, while newer models require the app.
- Time zone changes take effect the next time your device syncs with the app, usually within a few minutes.
How to change the time through the Fitbit app on Android or iPhone
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select your device from the list. Scroll down and tap Device Settings. Look for Time or Time Zone — the exact label depends on your device model.
Tap the time or time zone field and choose your location or enter the correct time manually. Some devices show a list of time zones; others let you type the time directly. After you save the change, the app will sync with your device within a few seconds. Your Fitbit should now display the correct time.
If you do not see a Time or Time Zone option in Device Settings, your device syncs time automatically and does not allow manual changes. In that case, make sure your phone's date and time are set correctly, close the Fitbit app completely, wait 10 seconds, and open it again to force a fresh sync.
Changing the time directly on your Fitbit device
Older Fitbit models — including some Charge and Inspire versions — let you adjust the time using the device's buttons. Press and hold the button on your device until you see a menu. Look for a Settings or Clock option and select it. Use the buttons to navigate to the time or time zone setting.
Once you find the time field, use the buttons to increase or decrease the hours and minutes. The exact button combination varies by model — some use a single button to cycle through options, while others use left and right buttons to navigate. Check your device's manual if the button sequence is not clear, since pressing the wrong combination can lock you out temporarily.
After you set the time on the device itself, the Fitbit app will sync and confirm the change. If your device does not have a Settings menu accessible from the buttons, it does not support manual time adjustment, and you must use the app instead.
What to do if your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing
First, confirm that your phone's date and time are correct. Go to your phone's Settings, find Date and Time, and turn on automatic date and time if it is off. Your Fitbit can only sync to the time your phone is showing, so if your phone is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too.
Next, close the Fitbit app completely — do not just minimize it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and close the app. On Android, go to Settings, Apps, Fitbit, and tap Force Stop. Wait 10 seconds, then open the Fitbit app again. This forces a fresh sync and often clears time sync errors.
If the time is still incorrect after a fresh sync, restart your Fitbit device. The restart method depends on your model — some devices restart by holding the button for 10 seconds, while others require you to remove and reinsert the battery. Check your device manual for the exact restart steps. After the restart, open the Fitbit app and let it sync again.
Understanding automatic time zone changes when you travel
When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically if you have automatic time zone sync turned on in the Fitbit app. Open the app, go to Device Settings, and look for Automatic Time Zone or Set Time Zone Automatically. Make sure this option is enabled.
Once enabled, your Fitbit will detect your phone's new time zone and sync within a few minutes of opening the app in the new location. You do not need to manually change anything. If you turn off automatic time zone sync, you will need to change the time zone manually each time you travel, using the same Device Settings menu described earlier.
Some older Fitbit models do not support automatic time zone changes. If your device does not have an automatic time zone option in Device Settings, you will need to update the time zone manually whenever you travel.
Why your Fitbit time might be off in the first place
The most common reason is that your phone's date and time are incorrect. Fitbit devices do not have their own internet connection — they rely entirely on your phone to know what time it is. If your phone is set to the wrong time, your Fitbit will be too.
Another reason is that the Fitbit app has not synced recently. If you have not opened the app in several days, or if your phone and Fitbit were disconnected, the device may be showing an outdated time. Opening the app and waiting a few seconds for the sync to complete usually fixes this.
A third reason is that automatic time zone sync is turned off and you have moved to a different time zone. Your device is still showing the time from where you were before, not where you are now. Turning on automatic time zone sync or manually updating the time zone will correct this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?
Some older Fitbit models allow you to change the time using the device's buttons, but most newer models require you to use the Fitbit app. Check your device manual to see if your model has a Settings menu accessible from the buttons. If not, you must use the app.
Why does my Fitbit time change back after I set it?
This usually happens because automatic time zone sync is turned on and your phone's time zone is different from what you set manually. Turn off automatic time zone sync in Device Settings if you want to keep a specific time, or let the automatic sync run if you want the device to match your phone's current location.
Does my Fitbit need internet to update the time?
No. Your Fitbit syncs time through your phone via Bluetooth, not through the internet directly. As long as your phone has the correct date and time and the Fitbit app is open, your device will sync. Your phone does not need an active internet connection at that moment.
What if the Fitbit app does not show a time or time zone setting?
Your device syncs time automatically and does not allow manual changes. Make sure your phone's date and time are correct, then close and reopen the Fitbit app to force a sync. If the time is still wrong after that, restart your Fitbit device by holding the button for 10 seconds.
How long does it take for a time change to sync to my Fitbit?
Usually a few seconds to a minute after you save the change in the Fitbit app. If it takes longer than five minutes, close the app and open it again to trigger a manual sync. If the time still has not updated after that, restart your device.