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

The fastest way to fix your Fitbit's date and time is through the Fitbit mobile app. Your Fitbit syncs with your phone's clock automatically when you open the app, so if your phone shows the correct time, your tracker will update within a few seconds of connecting. You do not need to manually enter anything—the sync happens in the background.

If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, the problem is usually that your phone's date and time settings are incorrect. Check your phone's settings first: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically. On Android, open Settings > System > Date and time and enable Automatic date and time. Once your phone is correct, open the Fitbit app again and wait 10 to 15 seconds for the sync to complete.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app syncs your tracker's time to your phone automatically—you do not need to manually change anything in the app itself.
  • If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, your phone's date and time settings are likely incorrect, not your Fitbit.
  • Turn on automatic date and time in your phone's settings so your Fitbit always stays in sync.
  • If syncing does not work, restart both your phone and Fitbit, then try opening the app again.
  • Some Fitbit models allow you to change the time zone in the app's device settings if you travel frequently.

Check your phone's date and time settings

Your Fitbit relies on your phone to know what time it is. If your phone's clock is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. The simplest fix is to make sure your phone is set to update automatically instead of manually.

On iPhone: Open Settings, tap General, then Date & Time. Toggle on Set Automatically. Your phone will now pull the correct time from your wireless carrier or internet connection.

On Android: Open Settings, go to System (or About Phone on older versions), then Date and time. Turn on Automatic date and time and Automatic time zone. This ensures your phone stays synchronized with your network's time server.

After you enable automatic time on your phone, open the Fitbit app and let it sit open for 10 to 15 seconds. Your Fitbit will sync and pull the correct time from your phone. You should see the time update on your tracker's screen within a minute.

Restart your Fitbit if the time is still wrong

Sometimes the sync connection between your phone and Fitbit gets stuck. A restart clears this and forces a fresh sync. The restart process depends on which Fitbit model you own, but most trackers restart the same way.

For Fitbit Charge, Inspire, Luxe, and Sense models: Plug your tracker into its charging cable. While it is charging, hold down the button on the side for 10 to 12 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait for the tracker to finish restarting—this takes about 30 seconds. Once it restarts, open the Fitbit app on your phone and the time should sync automatically.

For Fitbit Versa and Ionic models: Plug the watch into its charger. Press and hold the back button (the small button on the left side) for 10 to 12 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears. Let go and wait for the restart to finish. Then open the app to sync.

If you have an older Fitbit Flex or One, hold the button for 8 to 10 seconds instead. The restart process is the same—wait for the logo, then sync through the app.

Change your time zone in the Fitbit app

If you travel to a different time zone, you can tell the Fitbit app which zone you are in. This is different from changing the actual time—it tells your Fitbit to display the local time wherever you are.

Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select your device from the list. Scroll down to Time Zone and tap it. Choose your current time zone from the list. Your Fitbit will update to show the local time within a few seconds.

If you do not see a Time Zone option, your Fitbit model updates its time zone automatically based on your phone's location. In that case, just make sure your phone's time zone is set correctly and your Fitbit will follow.

Restart your phone if syncing still is not working

If you have checked your phone's date and time settings, restarted your Fitbit, and the time is still wrong, the problem may be that your phone and Fitbit are not communicating properly. A phone restart often fixes this.

Power off your phone completely. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Once your phone is fully booted, open the Fitbit app and leave it open for 15 to 20 seconds. Your Fitbit should sync and show the correct time.

If the time is still incorrect after a phone restart, check that Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings. The Fitbit app cannot sync without an active Bluetooth connection. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure it is enabled. You should see your Fitbit listed under "Connected Devices" or "Paired Devices."

Unpair and re-pair your Fitbit as a last resort

If none of the steps above work, unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit can reset the connection completely. This is rare, but it solves persistent sync problems.

Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon. Select your device. Scroll to the bottom and tap Unpair This Device. Confirm when the app asks. Your Fitbit will no longer be connected to the app.

Now put your Fitbit on the charger and restart it using the button-hold method described earlier. Once it restarts, open the Fitbit app again. Tap the + icon to add a device and follow the pairing steps. When the pairing is complete, your Fitbit will sync to your phone's time automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though my phone is correct?

Your Fitbit and phone are not syncing. Make sure Bluetooth is on, open the Fitbit app, and wait 15 seconds for the sync to complete. If that does not work, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 12 seconds until you see the logo.

Can I manually type in the time on my Fitbit?

No. Fitbit trackers do not have a manual time-entry option. They always pull the time from your phone through the app. If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, your phone's date and time settings need to be corrected.

Does my Fitbit automatically update for daylight saving time?

Yes, if your phone is set to automatic date and time. Your Fitbit syncs to your phone, so when your phone adjusts for daylight saving, your Fitbit adjusts too. Make sure Set Automatically is on in your phone's settings.

What if I travel and my Fitbit shows the wrong time zone?

Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and change the Time Zone setting. Or straightforward make sure your phone's time zone is set to your current location—your Fitbit will sync to that automatically.

How long does it take for my Fitbit to sync the correct time?

Usually 10 to 15 seconds after you open the Fitbit app. If it takes longer than a minute, restart your Fitbit or check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.