Change the date and time through the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to update your Fitbit's date and time is through the Fitbit mobile app. Open the app, tap your profile icon in the top left, select your device, and scroll to "Date & Time." Toggle the "Set Automatically" option on — this syncs your device to your phone's time zone and clock. If you turn "Set Automatically" off, you can manually enter the date and time yourself, but the automatic setting is simpler and stays correct when you travel.

The app will sync the change to your Fitbit within a few seconds. You do not need to restart your device. If the time still looks wrong after syncing, check that your phone's own date and time are correct — the Fitbit reads from your phone's settings.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app's "Set Automatically" toggle is the easiest method and keeps your time correct without manual updates.
  • Manual date and time entry is possible in the same menu if you turn off "Set Automatically," but you will need to update it yourself when you travel.
  • Changes sync to your Fitbit within seconds; you do not need to restart the device.
  • If the time remains wrong after syncing, verify that your phone's date and time settings are correct first.

Manual date and time entry if automatic sync does not work

If "Set Automatically" is grayed out or unavailable on your device, you can set the date and time by hand. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and find "Date & Time." Turn off "Set Automatically" if it is on. You will then see fields for the date and time that you can tap and edit directly.

Enter the date in the format your region uses (MM/DD/YYYY in the United States, DD/MM/YYYY in most other countries) and the time in 12-hour or 24-hour format depending on your device settings. Tap "Save" or the checkmark to confirm. The change takes effect when ready on your Fitbit.

Changing time zone when you travel

If you travel across time zones, the "Set Automatically" option will update your Fitbit's time as soon as your phone detects the new zone — usually within a few minutes of landing. You do not need to do anything manually. Your Fitbit will show the correct local time for wherever you are.

If you are traveling but your phone is still set to your home time zone, your Fitbit will match it. To fix this, update your phone's time zone settings first, then the Fitbit will sync to the new zone automatically. If you manually set the time on your Fitbit, remember to change it again when you return home or move to another zone.

Troubleshooting when the time will not sync

If your Fitbit's time is still wrong after syncing through the app, start by checking that Bluetooth is on and your phone is connected to the Fitbit. Open the Fitbit app and look at the top of the screen — if your device shows as "Connected," the link is active. If it shows "Disconnected," tap it to reconnect.

Next, verify that your phone's own date and time are correct. Go to your phone's Settings, find "Date & Time," and make sure it is set to automatic. Your Fitbit cannot be more accurate than your phone. If your phone's time is wrong, fix that first, then sync the Fitbit again.

If the Fitbit still will not update after reconnecting and checking your phone, try closing the Fitbit app completely and reopening it. On some devices, force-closing the app (not just minimizing it) and relaunching it forces a fresh sync. If that does not work, restart your Fitbit by holding the button on the side or back for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo, then release.

Different steps for Fitbit Ionic and Fitbit Versa models

Fitbit Ionic and Versa watches have a slightly different menu path. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, scroll down, and look for "Clock" or "Time." The option to set automatically or manually appears in that section. The process is the same — toggle automatic on or enter the time by hand — but the menu label is different on these older models.

If you own a Fitbit Charge or Fitbit Inspire, the date and time are set only through the app; these devices do not have on-device menus. The app controls all settings, so syncing through the app is your only option.

What happens if you do not update the time

If your Fitbit's date and time are wrong, your activity tracking and sleep data will still record, but they will be stamped with the incorrect time. This means your steps and workouts will appear in the app at the wrong time of day. Heart rate data and sleep logs will also be off by however many hours your device is behind or ahead.

The data itself is not lost — you can still see it in the app — but it will be harder to match your activities to the correct day and time. If you sync your Fitbit regularly, correcting the time will not erase past data; it only fixes the timestamp on new activity going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the date and time erase my activity data?

No. Changing the date and time does not delete any data you have already recorded. Your steps, heart rate, sleep, and workouts remain in the app. The change only affects how new activity is timestamped going forward.

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I synced it?

Your phone's date and time are likely incorrect. The Fitbit reads from your phone's settings, so if your phone is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. Check your phone's Settings > Date & Time and make sure it is set to automatic or the correct time manually.

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

No. Your Fitbit always matches your phone's time zone. If you want your Fitbit to show a different time, you would have to change your phone's time zone, which affects all your phone's apps and functions.

Do I have to use automatic time or can I always set it manually?

You can use manual time if you prefer, but automatic is simpler and stays correct without your input. Manual time is useful only if you want your Fitbit to show a time different from your phone, which is rare.

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

Usually a few seconds after you tap Save in the app. If it takes longer than a minute, check that Bluetooth is on and your phone is connected to the Fitbit, then try syncing again.