The quickest way to fix your Fitbit's date and time
Your Fitbit syncs its date and time automatically when you connect it to your phone via the Fitbit app — you do not need to set it manually in most cases. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time or date, the fastest fix is to open the Fitbit app on your phone, let it sync, and restart your Fitbit device. If that does not work, you can adjust the time zone or manually set the date and time through the app settings.
The exact steps depend on which Fitbit model you own and whether you use an iPhone or Android phone. The process takes about five minutes and requires no technical knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Fitbit devices update their date and time automatically through the Fitbit app, so manual changes are rarely needed.
- If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, open the app, let it sync completely, and restart your device by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds.
- You can change your time zone in the Fitbit app by going to your profile, selecting your device, and choosing the correct time zone from the list.
- If automatic sync is turned off, turn it back on in the app settings under Bluetooth and device sync options.
How automatic sync keeps your Fitbit's time accurate
When you first set up your Fitbit and connect it to the Fitbit app on your phone, the device pulls the correct date and time from your phone automatically. Every time you open the app afterward, your Fitbit syncs again and updates itself if your phone's time has changed — for example, when you travel across time zones or when daylight saving time begins.
This automatic sync happens in the background without any action from you. Your Fitbit does not have its own internet connection; it relies entirely on your phone to stay current. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time, it usually means the sync did not complete properly or your phone's time is incorrect.
Steps to fix the time if it is wrong
Step 1: Check your phone's time. Open your phone's settings and confirm the date and time are correct. If your phone is wrong, fix that first — your Fitbit will follow once it syncs.
Step 2: Open the Fitbit app and force a sync. Launch the Fitbit app on your phone. Tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Scroll down and tap your device name. Look for a sync button or refresh icon and tap it. Wait for the sync to complete — you will see a confirmation message or the app will return to the main screen.
Step 3: Restart your Fitbit. Hold down the button on your Fitbit for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and let the device restart. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Once it restarts, check whether the time is now correct.
If these steps do not work, move to the time zone settings.
How to change your time zone in the Fitbit app
If you travel or move to a new time zone, you can update your Fitbit's time zone through the app. This tells your device what time zone you are in, and it will display the correct local time.
For iPhone: Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon. Tap your device name. Scroll to "Time Zone" and tap it. Select your current time zone from the list. Tap the back arrow or "Done" to save. Open the app again and tap the sync button to explore the change.
For Android: Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon (hamburger menu or person icon, depending on your app version). Tap your device name. Scroll down to "Time Zone" and tap it. Choose your time zone from the list. Tap the back arrow to save. Sync your device.
Your Fitbit will update to the new time zone within a few minutes. If it does not, restart your device using the button-hold method described above.
When to turn automatic sync back on
Some users accidentally turn off automatic sync in the Fitbit app, which stops the device from updating its time. If you suspect this is the problem, check your sync settings.
For iPhone: Open the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon, tap your device, and scroll down. Look for "Bluetooth & Device Sync" or "Sync Frequency." Make sure the toggle is turned on (it should be blue or green). If it is off, tap it to turn it back on.
For Android: Open the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon, tap your device, and scroll to "Sync Frequency" or "Bluetooth & Device Sync." Confirm the setting is not set to "Manual Only." If it is, change it to "Automatic" or the default option.
Once automatic sync is on, your Fitbit will update its time every time you open the app or when your phone and Fitbit are in range of each other.
What to do if the time still will not update
If you have synced, restarted your device, and checked your time zone but the time is still wrong, try unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit with the app. This forces a complete reconnection and often fixes persistent sync problems.
To unpair: Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, tap your device, and scroll to the bottom. Tap "Unpair This Device" or "Remove Device." Confirm the action. Your Fitbit will no longer be connected to the app.
To re-pair: Open the Fitbit app and tap the plus icon or "Add Device." Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect your Fitbit. The app will sync the correct date and time during setup. This process takes about five minutes.
If the time is still incorrect after re-pairing, your Fitbit may have a hardware issue. Contact Fitbit support through their website or the app for further troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time when I travel?
Your Fitbit uses the time zone setting in the Fitbit app, not your phone's automatic time zone detection. When you travel, manually change your time zone in the app (under your device settings) and sync. Your Fitbit will then display the correct local time.
Can I manually set the date and time without using the app?
No. Fitbit devices do not have a manual date and time setting in the device itself. All time and date updates come through the Fitbit app on your phone. You must use the app to change your time zone or force a sync.
What if my Fitbit and phone are not syncing at all?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and the Fitbit app has permission to use Bluetooth. Restart both your phone and Fitbit. If they still will not sync, unpair and re-pair them through the app. This usually restores the connection.
Does my Fitbit automatically adjust for daylight saving time?
Yes, if your phone automatically adjusts for daylight saving time, your Fitbit will follow when it syncs. You do not need to do anything. If your phone does not auto-adjust, you will need to manually change your time zone in the Fitbit app when daylight saving time begins or ends.