The fastest way to change your Fitbit's clock

The time on your Fitbit updates automatically if your device is synced to your phone and your phone's time is correct. If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, the quickest fix is to open the Fitbit app on your phone, go to your device settings, and toggle the automatic time zone setting off and back on. This forces a resync and usually corrects the clock within seconds.

If automatic sync doesn't work, you can set the time manually through the Fitbit app. The exact steps depend on which Fitbit model you own — the process is slightly different for trackers like the Charge or Inspire versus smartwatches like the Sense or Versa. Both methods take less than a minute once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbit devices sync time automatically from your phone, so checking that your phone's time is correct is the first troubleshooting step.
  • Toggling the automatic time zone setting off and on in the Fitbit app forces a resync and fixes the clock in most cases.
  • If automatic sync fails, you can manually set the time in the device settings section of the Fitbit app for your specific model.
  • Fitbit trackers and smartwatches use slightly different menu paths, so locate your device model in the app before you start.

Check that your phone's time is correct first

Your Fitbit pulls the time from your phone during sync, so if your phone's clock is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. Open your phone's settings and confirm the date and time are accurate. On most phones, this is under Settings > Date and Time, and you should see an option for automatic time zone detection — make sure it is turned on.

Once your phone's time is correct, open the Fitbit app and let it sync. You can force a sync by swiping down on the app's main screen or by closing and reopening the app. Watch your Fitbit's screen — you should see a sync icon appear. Wait for the sync to complete, then check whether the time on your device has updated.

Resync your Fitbit through the app settings

If your phone's time is correct but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, the automatic time zone setting may have gotten stuck. Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the top left corner. Scroll down and select your device name to open its settings page.

Look for an option called "Automatic Time Zone" or "Set Time Zone Automatically" — the exact wording varies by device model. Toggle this setting off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. This resets the time sync connection. Return to the main app screen and force a sync by swiping down. Your Fitbit should now show the correct time.

Manually set the time on a Fitbit tracker

If toggling automatic time zone does not work, you can set the time by hand. For Fitbit trackers like the Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire 3, or Luxe, open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon. Select your device, then scroll down to find "Clock" or "Time" in the settings list.

Tap that option and you will see fields for hours and minutes. Use the plus and minus buttons to set the correct time, then tap Save or Confirm. The change takes effect when ready on your device. If you do not see a Clock or Time option in your device settings, your model may only support automatic time sync — in that case, make sure your phone's time is correct and your Fitbit is fully synced.

Manually set the time on a Fitbit smartwatch

Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense, Versa 3, or Versa 4 handle time settings differently than trackers. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, and select your device. Scroll down and look for "Clock" or "Time Display" — some models call it "Time Format" or "Time Settings."

Tap that option and look for a field that says "Set Time" or "Current Time." You may see separate fields for hours and minutes, or a single time picker. Adjust the time using the plus and minus buttons or by tapping the field and typing. Once the time is correct, tap Save. The smartwatch should update within a few seconds.

What to do if your Fitbit still shows the wrong time

If manual time setting does not work, your Fitbit may have lost its connection to your phone or the app may have a glitch. Try closing the Fitbit app completely and reopening it, then force a sync. If that does not help, restart your phone — this clears temporary app errors and often fixes sync problems.

If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after a phone restart, try unpairing and repairing your device. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, scroll to the bottom, and select "Unpair This Device." Follow the prompts to remove it. Then add your device again by tapping the plus icon in the app and following the setup steps. This rebuilds the connection from scratch and usually resolves persistent time issues. Your device will resync to your phone's time during the pairing process.

Daylight saving time and time zone changes

When daylight saving time begins or ends, your Fitbit should update automatically if automatic time zone is turned on. The change usually happens within a few hours of the official switch, though it may take until the next sync. If your Fitbit does not update after daylight saving time, toggle the automatic time zone setting off and back on to force an when ready resync.

If you travel to a different time zone, the same automatic setting handles the adjustment. Your Fitbit will update to the local time of your phone's location once you arrive and your phone detects the new time zone. If you want to keep your Fitbit on your home time zone while traveling, you can turn off automatic time zone and manually set the time instead — just remember to turn automatic time zone back on when you return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit keep showing the wrong time even after I change it?

Your Fitbit syncs time from your phone every time it connects to the app. If your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit will revert to the wrong time at the next sync. Check your phone's date and time settings first, make sure automatic time zone is on, and then resync your Fitbit. If your phone's time is correct and your Fitbit still drifts, the device may have a hardware issue and you should contact Fitbit support.

Does my Fitbit need to be connected to WiFi to update the time?

No. Your Fitbit syncs time through Bluetooth with your phone, not through WiFi. As long as your phone is nearby and the Fitbit app is open or running in the background, your device will sync and update its time. WiFi is not required.

Can I set my Fitbit to a different time zone than my phone?

You can turn off automatic time zone in the Fitbit app and manually set the time to any time zone you want. However, your Fitbit will revert to your phone's time zone the next time you sync if automatic time zone is on. If you need a different time zone, keep automatic time zone off and update the time manually whenever you need to.

What happens to my Fitbit's time if I don't sync for a week?

Your Fitbit has an internal clock that keeps running even when it is not synced to your phone. The clock may drift slightly over time — most Fitbits lose or gain a few seconds per week — but it will not jump to a completely different time. Once you sync again, the time will correct to match your phone's time.