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

The fastest way to fix the date on your Fitbit is through the Fitbit app. Open the app on your phone, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, select your device, and scroll down to find "Date & Time" or "Time Zone." Tap it, choose your correct time zone, and the app will sync the new setting to your tracker within a few seconds. Your Fitbit will update automatically once the sync completes.

If you do not see a "Date & Time" option in your device settings, your Fitbit model may set the time automatically based on your phone's time zone. In that case, check that your phone's date and time are correct — your Fitbit will match them. This is the case for most newer Fitbit models, including Charge 5, Sense, and Versa 3.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits sync their date and time automatically from your phone's settings, so checking your phone's time zone first often solves the problem.
  • If your Fitbit has a manual date and time setting, you will find it in the Fitbit app under your device profile, in a section labeled "Date & Time" or "Time Zone."
  • After you change the setting in the app, your Fitbit will sync within seconds — you do not need to restart it.
  • Older Fitbit models like the Charge 2 and Ionic have a date and time setting in the device itself, accessible through the on-device menu.

Check your phone's time zone first

Before you open the Fitbit app, verify that your phone's date and time are set correctly. Your Fitbit pulls its time from your phone during sync, so if your phone is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time and toggle "Automatic date & time" on.

Once your phone is correct, open the Fitbit app and let it sync. This usually takes less than a minute. If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after the sync, then you may need to adjust the time zone setting within the Fitbit app itself.

Adjust time zone in the Fitbit app for older models

Fitbit models released before 2020 — such as the Charge 2, Ionic, and Versa — often have a dedicated time zone setting in the app. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and look for "Time Zone" or "Date & Time." Tap it and select your correct time zone from the list. The change will sync to your device within a few seconds.

If you travel and your Fitbit is showing the time from your old location, this is the setting you need to change. Your Fitbit will not automatically detect a new time zone the way your phone does, so you will need to update it manually in the app each time you cross a time zone boundary.

Change the date and time directly on your Fitbit device

Some older Fitbit models, including the Charge 2 and Ionic, let you set the time directly on the device itself without using the app. On these models, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, then look for a clock or settings icon. Tap it and scroll to find "Time" or "Date." Use the on-screen buttons to adjust the values, then confirm your changes.

This method is slower than using the app and is usually only necessary if your Fitbit is not syncing with your phone. If you can use the app, that is the better route because the change will stick even if you switch phones later.

Restart your Fitbit if the time does not update

If you have changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, try restarting your tracker. The restart method depends on your model. For most Fitbits, hold the back button (or the button on the left side) for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, then release. Wait a few seconds for the device to restart, then open the app and sync again.

For Fitbit Sense and Versa 3, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the settings icon, scroll to "About," and tap "Restart." After the restart completes, open the Fitbit app and let it sync. This usually clears any time sync errors that the app alone could not fix.

Check your Fitbit model if you cannot find the time setting

If you cannot locate a date or time option in the Fitbit app, your model likely sets the time automatically and does not offer a manual override. Newer Fitbits — Charge 5, Sense, Versa 3, and later — do not have a separate time zone setting because they sync directly to your phone's time. In these cases, the only way to change the time is to change your phone's time zone.

You can find your exact Fitbit model by opening the Fitbit app, tapping your profile icon, selecting your device, and scrolling to the top. The model name will be listed there. If you are unsure whether your model has a manual time setting, search your model name plus "change time" in the Fitbit help center — the official Fitbit support site lists the exact steps for each device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The most common reason is that your phone's time zone is set incorrectly. Your Fitbit syncs to your phone, so if your phone is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong. Check your phone's date and time settings first, then let the Fitbit app sync again. If your phone is correct and your Fitbit is still wrong, restart your Fitbit device.

Do I need to restart my Fitbit after changing the time?

No, you do not need to restart it. Changes made through the Fitbit app sync automatically within seconds. You only need to restart if the time does not update after syncing, or if you changed the time directly on the device itself.

What should I do if I travel and my Fitbit shows the old time zone?

Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, find "Time Zone," and select your new location. Newer Fitbits will update automatically if your phone's time zone changes, but older models require you to change it manually in the app.

Can I set a custom time that is different from my phone's time?

No. Your Fitbit syncs to your phone's time and cannot be set to a different time. If you need a different time displayed, you would need to change your phone's time zone, which affects all apps and services on your phone.