The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time
Your Fitbit syncs its time automatically when you open the Fitbit app on your phone, so the quickest fix is to open the app and let it connect to your device. If that does not work, or if you need to set the time manually, you can adjust it directly in the app settings for your specific device. The process takes less than a minute and requires only your phone and the Fitbit app.
Fitbit devices do not have a built-in clock app or manual time-setting button on the device itself. All time changes happen through the Fitbit app on your phone or computer. This means you need the app installed and your Fitbit paired to your account before you can make any changes.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Fitbit app and let it sync with your device — this usually fixes time issues automatically without any manual steps.
- If automatic sync does not work, go to your device settings in the app and look for a time or clock option specific to your Fitbit model.
- Your phone's time zone must be set correctly, because Fitbit pulls the time from your phone's settings.
- If you recently traveled across time zones, restart the Fitbit app or restart your phone to force a fresh sync.
Syncing automatically through the Fitbit app
The Fitbit app syncs your device every time you open it and your phone is nearby. When it syncs, it sends the current time from your phone to your Fitbit. This is why most time problems solve themselves — you just need to open the app and wait a few seconds for the connection to complete.
To sync, open the Fitbit app on your phone. Look for the sync button, usually a circular arrow icon near the top or bottom of the screen depending on your app version. Tap it and hold your Fitbit close to your phone. You should see a message saying "syncing" or "synced." Once the sync finishes, your Fitbit's time should match your phone's time.
If the sync fails, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that your Fitbit is charged. A device with very low battery sometimes cannot sync properly.
Manually adjusting the time in device settings
If syncing does not fix the time, you can set it manually through the app. The exact steps depend on which Fitbit model you own — Charge, Inspire, Versa, Sense, and Ace all have slightly different menu layouts.
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Find your device in the list and tap it. Look for "Device Settings" or "Settings." Scroll down until you see an option for "Time," "Clock," or "Time Format." Tap it and you should see options to set the time manually or choose between 12-hour and 24-hour format. Make your changes and tap save or confirm.
Some older Fitbit models do not have a manual time setting in the app. If you cannot find a time option after looking through all settings, your device relies entirely on automatic sync. In that case, restart both your phone and your Fitbit, then open the app again to force a fresh sync.
Checking your phone's time zone settings
Your Fitbit pulls the time from your phone, so if your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit's time will be wrong too. Before you adjust anything on the Fitbit, check that your phone is set to the correct time zone.
On an iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then Date & Time. Make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. On an Android phone, go to Settings, then System, then Date & Time, and turn on "Automatic Date & Time." If you recently traveled, your phone may have switched to a different time zone automatically — if so, turn off automatic time zone and set it manually to where you are now.
Once your phone's time is correct, open the Fitbit app and sync again. Your Fitbit should update to match.
What to do after traveling across time zones
When you cross a time zone, your phone usually updates automatically if you have automatic time zone turned on. Your Fitbit should update the next time you sync the app. However, sometimes the sync does not happen right away, leaving your Fitbit an hour or more behind.
The fastest fix is to close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it. This forces a fresh connection to your device. If that does not work, restart your phone entirely, then open the Fitbit app again. A full phone restart clears any stuck connections and usually forces the time to sync correctly.
If you are still in a different time zone and your Fitbit is showing the old time, you can also manually set the time zone in your device settings (if your model supports it) rather than waiting for automatic sync.
Troubleshooting when the time keeps changing
If your Fitbit's time changes on its own or keeps reverting to the wrong time, the problem is usually that your phone's time is unstable or your Fitbit is syncing with a phone that has the wrong time zone set.
Check that your phone's automatic time setting is on and that you are in the correct time zone. If you have multiple phones or if someone else's phone is synced to your Fitbit account, make sure all of them have the same time zone. Fitbit will sync with whichever phone opens the app most recently, so conflicting time zones can cause the time to jump around.
If the problem persists, unpair your Fitbit from the app, restart your phone, and pair it again. This clears any old sync data that might be causing the conflict. After you pair it again, open the app and let it sync fully before you close it.
When to contact Fitbit support
If you have tried syncing, checked your phone's time zone, restarted both devices, and your Fitbit's time is still wrong, the device itself may have a hardware problem. Fitbit's support team can help you troubleshoot further or discuss a replacement if your device is still under warranty.
You can reach Fitbit support through the app by tapping your profile icon, scrolling to the bottom, and selecting "Help." You can also visit Fitbit's website and use their contact form. Have your device model and the steps you have already tried ready when you contact them — it will speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I synced it?
Your phone's time zone is probably set wrong. Check your phone's date and time settings and make sure the time zone matches where you actually are. Once your phone is correct, open the Fitbit app and sync again.
Can I set the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?
No. Fitbit devices do not have a time-setting button or menu on the device itself. All time changes must go through the Fitbit app on your phone. The app sends the time to your device during a sync.
My Fitbit time is 12 hours off. How do I fix it?
This usually means your device is set to 24-hour format when your phone is in 12-hour format, or vice versa. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, find the time format option, and change it to match your phone's format. Then sync again.
What if my Fitbit will not sync with the app at all?
Make sure Bluetooth is on, your Fitbit is charged, and you are holding it close to your phone. Close the app completely and reopen it. If it still will not sync, restart your phone and try again. If syncing still fails after a restart, unpair and re-pair your device in the app.
Does my Fitbit automatically update when I travel to a new time zone?
Yes, if your phone's automatic time zone is turned on and you sync the Fitbit app after you arrive. If the time does not update right away, close and reopen the app or restart your phone to force a fresh sync.