Change the time in the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit app on your smartphone. Open the app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, select your device, and scroll down to find "Clock" or "Time Zone." Tap it and choose your time zone from the list. The device will sync within a few seconds, and your Fitbit will display the correct time.

This method works for almost all Fitbit models — Charge, Inspire, Versa, Sense, and Ace. The app automatically detects your phone's time zone, so you only need to confirm it matches where you are. If you recently traveled or moved, this is the easiest fix.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Clock" or "Time Zone" to change the time automatically.
  • The app syncs the time to your Fitbit within seconds, and you do not need to manually enter numbers.
  • If the app method does not work, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until the logo appears.
  • Some older Fitbit models like the Flex 2 do not have a clock display and cannot show the time.
  • After traveling across time zones, allow 5 to 10 minutes for your Fitbit to sync the new time through Bluetooth.

Restart your Fitbit if the time does not update

Sometimes the app syncs the time zone but your Fitbit does not display the change right away. The quickest fix is to restart the device. Hold down the main button (or side button, depending on your model) for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait for the device to power back on.

After the restart, open the Fitbit app again and check that your time zone is still set correctly. The device should now show the updated time. This restart clears any temporary glitches that prevent the sync from completing.

Check your phone's time zone setting

Your Fitbit pulls its time from your phone, so if your phone's time zone is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. Go to your phone's Settings app, find "Date and Time" or "Time Zone," and make sure it matches your actual location. On most phones, you can toggle "Automatic Date and Time" on, which uses your phone's location to set the correct zone.

Once your phone shows the right time, open the Fitbit app and let it sync. Your Fitbit should update within a minute. This is especially important if you recently traveled — your phone may still be set to your old time zone.

Manually set the time on older Fitbit models

Some older Fitbit devices, like the Fitbit One or Fitbit Zip, do not sync time automatically through the app. For these models, you may need to adjust the time directly on the device itself. Check your device's manual or the Fitbit website for your specific model number to see if manual adjustment is an option.

If your model does support manual time setting, you will usually hold a button to enter a menu, then use buttons to scroll through hours and minutes. The exact steps vary by model, so look up your device's user guide online if the app method does not work. Fitbit's support site has PDFs for most older models.

Understand which Fitbit models display the time

Not all Fitbit devices show the time on their screen. The Fitbit Flex 2, for example, has no display and cannot show the time at all — it only vibrates and lights up. The Fitbit One and Zip have small screens but may not display a clock face by default.

Devices that do show the time include the Charge series, Inspire series, Versa series, and Sense. If your Fitbit does not have a visible clock face, check your device's manual to confirm whether it supports a time display. Some models let you add a clock face through the app, while others straightforward do not have the hardware for it.

Troubleshoot if your Fitbit time keeps changing

If your Fitbit's time keeps reverting to the wrong zone even after you update it, the device may not be syncing properly with your phone. First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both your phone and Fitbit. Then close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it to force a fresh sync.

If the problem continues, unpair your Fitbit from the app entirely and pair it again. Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, forget the Fitbit device, then open the Fitbit app and follow the pairing steps as if it were new. This clears any corrupted sync data and usually fixes persistent time zone issues. After pairing, the app will sync the correct time automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time after I travel?

Your Fitbit gets its time from your phone's time zone setting. If your phone is still set to your old location, your Fitbit will be too. Change your phone's time zone in Settings, then open the Fitbit app to sync. The device should update within a minute.

Can I manually change the time without using the app?

Most modern Fitbits do not allow manual time entry — they sync automatically through the app. Older models like the Fitbit One may have a manual option, but you would need to check your specific device's manual. The app method is faster and works for all current models.

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

Once you update the time zone in the app, your Fitbit should sync within a few seconds if Bluetooth is active. If it takes longer than a minute, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until the logo appears.

What if the Fitbit app does not show a "Clock" or "Time Zone" option?

Older Fitbit models may not have this setting in the app. Check your device's manual or Fitbit's support website for your model number. Some devices sync time automatically without a visible setting, while others may not support a clock display at all.

Does my Fitbit automatically adjust for daylight saving time?

Yes, if your phone's time zone is set to automatic, your Fitbit will adjust for daylight saving time when your phone does. You do not need to manually change it twice a year — the sync handles it automatically.