Change the time on your Fitbit through the mobile app or the device itself

Your Fitbit syncs its time automatically when you first set it up, but if the time drifts or you travel across time zones, you can adjust it manually. The fastest route is through the Fitbit app on your phone—it takes about a minute. If you prefer to change it directly on the device, the steps depend on which Fitbit model you own, since older trackers and newer smartwatches have different menu structures.

The time on your Fitbit matters because it stamps your activity data, sleep records, and heart rate measurements. If the time is wrong, your daily activity log will show workouts and sleep at the wrong hours, which can confuse your trends. Changing it is straightforward once you know which method your device supports.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app on your phone is the easiest way to change the time—go to your device settings and toggle off automatic time, then set the time manually.
  • If your Fitbit syncs with your phone, it will usually pick up the correct time automatically when you change your phone's time zone.
  • Older Fitbit trackers like the Charge and Inspire have limited on-device time controls and work best through the app.
  • Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense and Versa have more detailed time settings accessible through the device menu itself.
  • After you change the time, sync your Fitbit to your phone to make sure the change takes effect across all your data.

Change the time through the Fitbit mobile app

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select your device from the list—if you have multiple Fitbits, make sure you choose the one you want to adjust. Tap the gear icon next to the device name to open settings.

Scroll down and look for "Time" or "Time Zone" depending on your app version. Toggle off the switch next to "Automatic Time" or "Set Automatically." Once automatic time is off, you will see a field where you can enter the time manually. Tap it and use the number picker to set the correct hour and minute. When you are done, tap the back arrow or "Save" to confirm the change.

After you change the time in the app, open your Fitbit device and look for a sync icon or button—usually a circular arrow. Tap it to sync your Fitbit with the app. The time should update within a few seconds. If it does not, close the app completely and reopen it, then sync again.

Change the time directly on Fitbit trackers

Fitbit trackers like the Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire 3, and Luxe have limited on-device controls, so the app method is usually faster. However, if you want to adjust the time on the device itself, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu. Look for a settings icon (usually a gear) and tap it.

Navigate through the menu using the side buttons or swipes until you find "Time" or "Clock." You may see options for time zone or a 12-hour versus 24-hour format. Select the time zone that matches your location, and the device will set the time automatically. If you see a manual time entry option, use the side buttons to increase or decrease the hour and minute values.

Once you have set the time, press the back button or wait for the menu to close. Your tracker will save the change automatically. Sync your device with the app to confirm the time is correct across all your activity records.

Change the time on Fitbit smartwatches

Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense, Sense 2, Versa 3, Versa 4, and Inspire 3 have more detailed settings menus. Swipe down from the top of the watch face to open the quick settings panel. Look for a settings icon and tap it to enter the full settings menu.

Scroll down to find "Time" or "Date & Time." Tap it to open the time settings. You will usually see options for time zone, 12-hour or 24-hour format, and sometimes the ability to set the time manually. Select your time zone from the list—the watch will automatically set the correct time once you choose it. If you need to set the time manually, select that option and use the up and down arrows on the watch to adjust the hour and minute.

When you are finished, press the back button to save your changes. The watch will return to the home screen. Sync your watch with the Fitbit app to make sure the time change is recorded in your activity history.

What to do if your Fitbit time keeps changing

If you change the time but it reverts to the wrong time after a few hours or days, automatic time synchronization is likely turned back on. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and check whether "Automatic Time" or "Set Automatically" is toggled on. If it is, toggle it off and set the time manually again.

Another common cause is that your phone's time is wrong. Fitbit syncs with your phone's clock, so if your phone is set to the wrong time zone or time, your Fitbit will follow it. Check your phone's date and time settings and make sure they match your actual location. Once your phone is correct, open the Fitbit app and sync your device.

If you have recently traveled across time zones and your Fitbit is still showing the old time, make sure you have updated your phone's time zone first. Then open the Fitbit app, turn off automatic time, and set the correct time zone manually. Sync your device and the change should stick.

Sync your Fitbit after changing the time

Syncing is the step most people forget, and it is important because it tells your Fitbit app that the time has changed. Without syncing, your device and app may show different times, and your activity data could be stamped with the old time.

To sync, open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right. Select your device and look for a sync icon—usually a circular arrow at the top of the screen. Tap it and wait for the sync to complete. You will see a confirmation message when it is done. If the sync fails, make sure your phone and Fitbit are within 30 feet of each other and that Bluetooth is turned on.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Automatic time synchronization is probably turned back on. Open the Fitbit app, go to device settings, and toggle off "Automatic Time." Then set the time manually and sync your device. If your phone's time is also wrong, your Fitbit will copy it, so check your phone's clock first.

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

Yes, you can change it directly on the device through the settings menu, but the app is faster and more reliable. Older trackers have limited on-device controls, so the app is the better choice for those models. Smartwatches like the Versa and Sense have more detailed menus and work well either way.

What happens to my activity data if I change the time?

Your past activity data stays the same—changing the time does not erase or move your workouts or sleep records. However, future activity will be stamped with the new time. If you change the time after a workout, that workout will show at the time you recorded it, not the new time.

Does my Fitbit automatically update when I travel to a new time zone?

If automatic time is turned on and your phone updates to the new time zone, your Fitbit will sync and update automatically. If automatic time is off, you will need to change the time manually through the app or device settings. It is a good idea to turn automatic time on if you travel frequently.

How do I know if my Fitbit time is synced with my phone?

Open the Fitbit app and check the time shown in your device settings. Compare it to the time on your phone. If they match, they are synced. If they do not match, tap the sync icon in the app and wait for the sync to complete, then check again.