Change the time on your Fitbit through the mobile app or web dashboard

Your Fitbit automatically syncs the time from your phone or computer when you first set it up. If the time drifts or you travel across time zones, you can adjust it manually in the Fitbit app without resetting the entire device. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you own a Fitbit Charge, Inspire, Sense, or Versa model.

The time change happens in the device settings within the Fitbit app on your phone, or through the web version at fitbit.com. You do not need to unpair your Fitbit or lose any of your activity data—the change is isolated to the clock display.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap your profile icon, and select your device to reach the device settings menu.
  • Scroll to the time or clock setting and enter the correct time in 12-hour or 24-hour format, depending on your preference.
  • The change syncs to your Fitbit within seconds of saving, and you will see the new time on your device screen when ready.
  • If your Fitbit keeps reverting to the wrong time, turn off automatic time sync in the app settings and set it manually instead.

Steps to change the time in the Fitbit mobile app

Start by opening the Fitbit app on your phone—the method is identical for iPhone and Android. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen (it looks like a person's silhouette). From there, select the Fitbit device you want to adjust from the list of paired devices.

Once you are in your device settings, scroll down until you find the time or clock option. The exact label varies slightly by device model—some say "Clock Face," others say "Time," but the setting is always in this menu. Tap it to open the time adjustment screen. Enter the correct time using the format shown (either 12-hour with AM/PM or 24-hour military time). Tap save or confirm, and the change will sync to your Fitbit within a few seconds.

You will see the updated time appear on your Fitbit's screen almost when ready. If it does not change within 10 seconds, open the Fitbit app again and check that the save went through—sometimes a tap does not register on the first try.

Using the Fitbit web dashboard to adjust the time

If you prefer to use a computer, log into your Fitbit account at fitbit.com and click the gear icon in the top right corner. Select your device from the list on the left side of the settings page. Look for the time or clock setting in the device options.

Click the time field and enter the correct time in the format shown on screen. Click save, and the change will push to your Fitbit the next time it syncs with your phone or computer. This usually happens within a minute if your Fitbit is nearby and connected via Bluetooth.

What to do if automatic time sync keeps changing your time

Fitbit has an automatic time sync feature that pulls the correct time from your phone whenever your device syncs. If you have turned this on and your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit will show the wrong time too. Check your phone's clock first—if it is correct, move to the next step.

If your phone's time is correct but your Fitbit keeps showing a different time, turn off automatic time sync in the app. Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and look for an option labeled "Automatic Time" or "Sync Time." Toggle it off. Then manually set the time as described above. This prevents your Fitbit from overwriting your manual adjustment.

Changing the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour

Some Fitbit models let you choose between 12-hour (with AM/PM) and 24-hour (military) time display. This setting is usually in the same device settings menu where you adjust the actual time. Look for an option labeled "Time Format" or "Clock Format."

Select your preferred format and save. The change takes effect when ready on your device. This is purely a display preference and does not affect how your Fitbit tracks activity or sleep—it only changes how the clock looks on your screen.

Why your Fitbit time might be wrong in the first place

The most common reason is that your phone's time is incorrect. Fitbit syncs from your phone's clock, so if your phone is set to the wrong time, your Fitbit will be too. Check your phone's settings and make sure the time is correct and set to update automatically.

Traveling across time zones is another reason. If you flew to a different zone and your phone updated automatically but your Fitbit did not, you will need to manually adjust it or turn off automatic sync and set it yourself. Some older Fitbit models do not update time zones automatically, so manual adjustment is the only option.

A third possibility is that your Fitbit has not synced with your phone in a while. If your device is not paired or Bluetooth is turned off, the time can drift. Make sure Bluetooth is on, the Fitbit app is open, and your device is within range of your phone.

Troubleshooting if the time will not change

If you have entered the correct time but it is not sticking, first try closing the Fitbit app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to register the change. Then go back to your device settings and check the time—it may have saved even though you did not see confirmation.

If the time still has not changed, unpair your Fitbit and pair it again. Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and choose "Unpair." Then hold your Fitbit near your phone and follow the pairing prompts. Once it is paired again, set the time manually. This clears any sync errors that might be preventing the change from going through.

If you are still having trouble after unpairing and repairing, restart your phone and your Fitbit. Restart your phone normally. To restart your Fitbit, hold the button on the side or back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on screen. Release the button and wait for it to boot up. Then open the Fitbit app and set the time again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the time erase my activity data?

No. Changing the time display does not affect your step count, heart rate data, sleep records, or any other information your Fitbit has collected. The change is only to the clock on your device screen.

Do I need to unpair my Fitbit to change the time?

No. You can change the time without unpairing. Unpairing is only necessary if the time will not change after you have tried the normal steps and restarted both your phone and Fitbit.

What if my Fitbit is not syncing with my phone?

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that the Fitbit app has permission to use Bluetooth. Close the Fitbit app completely and open it again. If your Fitbit is still not syncing, unpair it and pair it again following the prompts in the app.

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

No. Fitbit does not have a built-in menu on the device itself to change the time. You must use either the mobile app or the web dashboard at fitbit.com. The mobile app is faster if you are on the go.

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time after I travel?

If your phone's time updated automatically when you crossed a time zone but your Fitbit did not, it is because automatic time sync was off or your Fitbit had not synced since you landed. Manually set the time in the app, or turn off automatic sync and set it yourself to prevent it from changing back.