The fastest way to change your Fitbit's clock

Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap your profile icon in the top left, select your device, then scroll to "Clock" and toggle the "Set Automatically" switch off. Once it's off, tap "Time Zone" and choose your location, or tap "Time" to enter the hours and minutes by hand. The change syncs to your Fitbit within seconds.

If you don't have the Fitbit app installed, you can also change the time directly on some Fitbit models by holding down the button on the side of the device and navigating to Settings > Clock. Not all models support this — older trackers like the Charge 2 and Ionic require the app.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the main way to change your clock; open it, go to your device settings, and toggle "Set Automatically" off before choosing your time zone or entering the time manually.
  • Newer Fitbit models like Sense, Versa 3, and Inspire 3 let you change the time directly on the device through Settings, but older models do not.
  • If "Set Automatically" is on, your Fitbit will sync to your phone's time zone whenever the two devices connect, overriding any manual change you made.
  • After you change the time, your Fitbit syncs the update within a few seconds; if it does not, restart the app or restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds.

Using the Fitbit app to change the time

The Fitbit app is the most reliable way to change your clock on any model. Start by opening the app and tapping your profile icon — it looks like a person's head and shoulders — in the top left corner of the screen. From there, tap the device you want to adjust. If you have more than one Fitbit, make sure you select the right one.

Scroll down until you see "Clock" and tap it. You will see a toggle for "Set Automatically." If it is already on, turn it off first — this prevents your Fitbit from overriding your change the next time it syncs with your phone. Once it is off, you can either tap "Time Zone" to pick your location from a list, or tap "Time" to type in the exact hours and minutes. After you save, the change reaches your Fitbit in a few seconds.

Changing the time directly on your device

Newer Fitbit models — including Sense, Sense 2, Versa 3, Versa 4, Inspire 3, and Charge 5 — let you change the time without opening the app. Hold down the button on the side of your Fitbit until the menu appears. Tap Settings, then Clock, and you will see the same options: automatic time zone detection or manual entry.

Older models like the Charge 2, Charge 3, Ionic, and original Versa do not have this feature and require the app. If you try to access Settings on one of these devices and do not see a Clock option, the app is your only route.

What to do if "Set Automatically" keeps overriding your change

If you change the time manually but it reverts after a few hours or days, "Set Automatically" is likely still on. Check the Fitbit app again: go to your device, scroll to Clock, and confirm the toggle is off. Even if you turned it off before, it sometimes resets after a software update.

Another reason for the time to change is if your phone's time zone changes. Your Fitbit syncs to your phone's settings whenever the two devices connect via Bluetooth. If you travel across time zones and your phone automatically adjusts, your Fitbit will follow. To prevent this, keep "Set Automatically" off and manually update the time zone in the app when you travel.

Syncing issues and how to fix them

After you change the time in the app, your Fitbit should update within 10 to 15 seconds. If it does not, the two devices may not be connected. Open the Fitbit app and check the device status at the top of the screen — it should say "Connected." If it says "Disconnected," turn Bluetooth off and back on your phone, then open the app again.

If the app still shows a disconnect, restart your Fitbit. Hold down the side button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, then release. The device will restart in about 30 seconds. Once it is back on, open the app and try changing the time again. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app, as a corrupted installation can prevent syncing.

Time zone changes when you travel

When you cross into a new time zone, your Fitbit will not automatically update unless "Set Automatically" is on in the app. If you have it turned off, you need to change the time zone manually before or after you arrive. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device, tap Clock, then tap "Time Zone" and select your new location.

If you travel frequently and want your Fitbit to adjust on its own, turn "Set Automatically" back on. Your Fitbit will then match your phone's time zone whenever the two sync. You can turn it back off once you return home.

Why your Fitbit's time might be wrong in the first place

The most common reason a Fitbit shows the wrong time is that "Set Automatically" is on but your phone's time is incorrect. Check your phone's clock first — if your phone is right and your Fitbit is wrong, the issue is usually a failed sync. Restart the Fitbit app or restart your device.

Another cause is a dead or dying battery. If your Fitbit's battery is very low, it may not hold the correct time or sync properly. Charge it fully and try again. If the time is still wrong after a full charge and a restart, the device's internal clock may be failing, and you may need to contact Fitbit support for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?

Yes, but only on newer models. Fitbit Sense, Sense 2, Versa 3, Versa 4, Inspire 3, and Charge 5 have a Clock option in the device's Settings menu. Older models like Charge 2, Charge 3, and the original Versa require the Fitbit app.

Why does my Fitbit time keep changing back?

The "Set Automatically" toggle is likely still on. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device, scroll to Clock, and turn the toggle off. If it is already off, check that your phone's time is correct — your Fitbit syncs to your phone's settings whenever they connect.

How long does it take for the time change to show on my Fitbit?

The change usually appears within 10 to 15 seconds after you save it in the app. If your Fitbit does not update, make sure Bluetooth is on and the app shows "Connected" at the top of the screen. If it still does not sync, restart the app or restart your Fitbit.

What do I do if my Fitbit is showing the wrong time and I cannot fix it?

First, restart your Fitbit by holding the side button for 10 seconds until the logo appears. Then restart the Fitbit app. If the time is still wrong after both restarts and your phone's time is correct, uninstall and reinstall the app. If the problem continues, the device's internal clock may need service.