The quickest way to update your Fitbit's time

The fastest way to change the time on your Fitbit is through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select your device, scroll to "Time Zone," and choose your location. The device syncs automatically within a few minutes, and the time updates without you touching the watch itself.

If you don't have the app or prefer not to use it, you can also change the time directly on some Fitbit models using the device buttons, though this method takes longer and works differently depending on which Fitbit you own. The app method works on every current Fitbit model and is the method Fitbit recommends.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the easiest way to change your time zone—open the app, go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Time Zone."
  • Your Fitbit syncs with your phone automatically, so the time updates within minutes of changing the setting in the app.
  • Some older Fitbit models let you change the time using the device buttons, but the process varies by model and takes longer than using the app.
  • If the time still doesn't update after syncing, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears.

Changing the time through the Fitbit app

Start by opening the Fitbit app on your smartphone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner (it looks like a person's silhouette). You'll see a list of your devices—select the Fitbit you want to adjust.

Scroll down the device settings page until you find "Time Zone." Tap it and select your current time zone from the list. The app will show your current location's time zone by default, but you can scroll through the full list if you need a different one. After you select your time zone, tap the checkmark or back arrow to save.

Your Fitbit will sync with your phone over Bluetooth within the next few minutes. You don't need to do anything else—just keep your phone and Fitbit close to each other. Once the sync completes, check your Fitbit's screen and the time should be correct.

What to do if the time doesn't update after syncing

If you've changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after waiting five minutes, restart your device. The restart process is the same for most current Fitbit models: hold down the button on the side or bottom of your device for about 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait for the device to restart, which takes about 30 seconds.

After the restart, open the Fitbit app again and check that your time zone is still set correctly. Sync your devices by opening the app and pulling down on the screen. If the time is still wrong after this second sync, try restarting your phone as well—sometimes a phone restart clears up Bluetooth connection problems that prevent proper syncing.

Changing the time directly on your Fitbit device

Some older Fitbit models, including the Fitbit Ionic and certain Versa versions, let you change the time using the device buttons without opening the app. This method is slower and more tedious than using the app, but it works if you don't have your phone nearby.

On these models, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu. Look for a "Settings" option and tap it. Navigate to "Time" or "Clock" using the side buttons, then select it. You'll see options to adjust the hour and minute—use the buttons to increase or decrease each number. Once you've set the correct time, confirm your changes. The exact button layout varies by model, so check your device's manual if you're unsure which buttons to press.

Newer Fitbit models like the Sense, Versa 3, and Inspire series do not allow you to change the time directly on the device—you must use the app. This is by design, since these models rely on automatic time zone detection through your phone's location.

Why your Fitbit time might be wrong in the first place

Your Fitbit's time goes wrong most often when you travel across time zones and the device doesn't update automatically. This happens because your Fitbit relies on the time zone setting in the app, not on GPS. If you travel but forget to change your time zone in the app, your Fitbit will keep showing your home time zone until you update it.

Another common cause is a failed sync. If your Fitbit and phone lose their Bluetooth connection during a sync, the time zone change might not go through. You'll know this happened if the app shows one time zone but your device shows a different time. A manual sync (pull down in the app) or a device restart usually fixes this.

Daylight saving time changes can also cause confusion. Your Fitbit should update automatically when daylight saving time begins or ends, but this depends on your phone's operating system recognizing the change. If your phone is set to a time zone that doesn't observe daylight saving time, your Fitbit won't adjust either.

Syncing your Fitbit after changing the time

After you change your time zone in the app, your Fitbit syncs automatically within a few minutes as long as your phone and device are close to each other and Bluetooth is turned on. You don't need to do anything—just keep them in the same room.

If you want to force a sync right away instead of waiting, open the Fitbit app and pull down on the screen with your finger. You'll see a loading icon appear, and the app will sync your devices when ready. This is useful if you've just changed your time zone and want to confirm the update worked before you leave your phone behind.

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that your Fitbit is powered on. If either one is off, the sync won't happen. You can check your Fitbit's battery by looking at the battery icon on its screen—if it's very low, charge your device for at least 15 minutes before syncing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you should change your time zone in the Fitbit app when you arrive in a new time zone. Open the app, go to your device settings, and select the new time zone. Your Fitbit will sync within a few minutes and show the correct local time. This ensures your activity tracking and reminders are accurate for your current location.

Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?

This usually means your Fitbit hasn't synced with your phone since you changed the time zone, or the sync failed. Open the Fitbit app and pull down to force a sync. If the times still don't match after syncing, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds, then sync again.

Can I set a custom time that's not a real time zone?

No. The Fitbit app only lets you choose from real time zones. You can't set your Fitbit to show a time that's off by 30 minutes or some other custom amount. You must select an actual time zone from the list in the app.

What happens to my Fitbit time if I turn off Bluetooth?

Your Fitbit keeps whatever time it last synced with your phone. If you turn off Bluetooth, your Fitbit won't update to a new time zone until you turn Bluetooth back on and sync again. The device won't drift or lose time—it just stays frozen at whatever time it showed when Bluetooth was turned off.