Change the time on your Fitbit through the mobile app or the device itself
Your Fitbit watch 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 — open the app, find your device, and change the time in the settings. If you do not have the app handy or prefer to adjust the time directly on the watch, most Fitbit models let you do this through the device menu, though the exact steps depend on which model you own.
The time on your Fitbit matters because it stamps your activity data, sleep records, and heart rate logs. If the time is wrong, your data will not align with what actually happened during your day. Changing it takes less than a minute either way.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app is the most reliable way to change your watch time — open the app, tap your device, go to Settings, and look for Time or Time Zone.
- If you travel to a new time zone, your Fitbit may update automatically if location services are on, but you can also change it manually in the app.
- Some Fitbit models let you change the time directly on the watch through the device menu, but the app method works on all models.
- After you change the time, your Fitbit will sync with your phone within a few seconds, and all future activity will be stamped with the correct time.
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. Scroll down and tap the device you want to adjust — for example, "Fitbit Sense" or "Fitbit Versa 3". Tap Settings, then scroll down to find Time or Time Zone. Tap it and select your time zone from the list, or manually enter the time if that option appears.
Once you save the change, your Fitbit will sync with your phone and update within a few seconds. You will see the new time appear on your watch face. If the time does not update right away, close the app completely and reopen it, or restart your Fitbit by turning it off and back on.
Adjust the time directly on your Fitbit watch
Not all Fitbit models have a time adjustment menu on the device itself, but many do. On watches like the Versa and Sense series, 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. Scroll through the menu to find Time or Time Zone, then select your zone or enter the time manually.
On older Fitbit models like the Ionic, the process is similar but the menu layout may differ slightly. If you cannot find a time setting on your watch, the app method is your only option — some trackers and basic watch models do not allow time changes on the device.
What happens when you travel across time zones
If you travel to a different time zone and your Fitbit has location services turned on, it may update the time automatically. Check your watch when you arrive to see if it has already adjusted. If it has not, or if you prefer to set it manually, use the app method described above and select your new time zone from the list.
Changing your time zone in the app will also change how your Fitbit records your sleep and activity. If you travel for only a day or two, you may want to leave the time as is so your data stays aligned with your home time zone. For longer trips, updating it ensures your records match your local schedule.
Troubleshoot if the time will not change or keeps reverting
If you change the time but it reverts back to the wrong time after a few minutes, your Fitbit is likely syncing with your phone and overwriting your manual change. This happens when the time on your phone is set to automatic. Check your phone's time settings and make sure it is set correctly, then change your Fitbit time again through the app.
If the time still will not stick, try unpairing your Fitbit from the app and pairing it again. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Unpair This Device". Then go through the pairing process again from scratch. This usually fixes sync issues that cause the time to revert.
Check that your Fitbit time is correct before relying on data
After you change the time, spend a moment checking that it matches your phone and any other devices you use. Tap the watch face on your Fitbit to see the time displayed, and compare it to your phone's clock. If they match, your Fitbit is ready to record data with the correct timestamp.
Keep in mind that changing the time does not retroactively change the timestamps on data you recorded before the change. Activity and sleep logs from before the adjustment will still show the old time. Only new data recorded after the change will use the new time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my Fitbit time affect my activity history?
No. Changing the time only affects data recorded after the change. Any activity, sleep, or heart rate data you logged before the time change will keep its original timestamp. If you need to correct old data, you will have to delete those entries and re-log them manually, which most people do not need to do.
Does my Fitbit update the time automatically when I travel?
It may, if location services are turned on and your phone's location updates. However, this is not always reliable. To be sure your Fitbit shows the correct time in a new time zone, change it manually through the app using the time zone list.
Why does my Fitbit time keep changing back to the wrong time?
Your phone is likely syncing with your Fitbit and overwriting your manual change. Check that your phone's time is set correctly and is not on automatic time update. Then change your Fitbit time again through the app. If it keeps reverting, unpair and re-pair your Fitbit to reset the sync.
Can I set my Fitbit to a time zone that does not exist?
The Fitbit app only shows real time zones, so you cannot select a zone that does not exist. If you need a time that is offset by an unusual amount, manually enter the hours and minutes instead of selecting from the zone list, if your model allows it.
What if I cannot find the time setting in the Fitbit app?
The location of the time setting varies slightly by Fitbit model and app version. Look for it under Settings or Device Settings after you tap your device name. If you still cannot find it, try changing the time directly on your watch using the device menu, or restart the app and try again.