The quickest way to update your Fitbit's time

The fastest method depends on which Fitbit model you own. Most Fitbits sync the time automatically from your phone when you open the Fitbit app, so if your device shows the wrong time, the first step is to open the app and let it sync. If that does not work, you can manually adjust the time in the app settings — the process takes less than a minute and works the same way across nearly all current Fitbit models.

Fitbits do not have a built-in clock face or time-setting buttons the way a traditional watch does. Instead, the time lives in the app on your phone, and your Fitbit pulls it from there. This means you cannot change the time directly on the device itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits automatically sync the time from your phone when you open the Fitbit app, so manual changes are rarely needed.
  • If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for a time zone or clock option.
  • Changing your phone's system time will update your Fitbit's time the next time the two devices sync.
  • If automatic sync is turned off, you can turn it back on in the Fitbit app under Bluetooth or device settings.

Syncing your phone's time to your Fitbit automatically

When you pair a Fitbit with your phone, the app syncs automatically by default. This means your Fitbit should always show the same time as your phone. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time, the problem is usually that your phone's time is wrong, not the Fitbit itself.

Check your phone's system time first. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time and turn on "Automatic date and time." Once your phone shows the correct time, open the Fitbit app and let it sync — your Fitbit should update within a few seconds.

If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, try closing the Fitbit app completely and opening it again. A fresh sync often fixes time display issues.

Manually changing the time zone in the Fitbit app

If you travel across time zones or your Fitbit is stuck on an old time zone, you can change it in the app. Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap your profile icon in the top left corner, then select your device name. Scroll down to find "Time Zone" or "Clock" — the exact name varies by Fitbit model.

Tap the time zone option and select your current location from the list. The app will update your Fitbit's time zone the next time the two devices sync, which usually happens within seconds if Bluetooth is on and the devices are close together.

Some older Fitbit models (like the Fitbit Charge 2 or Fitbit Blaze) may not have a dedicated time zone setting in the app. For these devices, changing your phone's time zone and then syncing the app is the only way to update the Fitbit's time.

Turning automatic sync back on if it is disabled

Automatic sync is on by default, but if you or someone else turned it off, your Fitbit will not update its time when your phone's time changes. To turn it back on, open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and scroll to find "Sync" or "Bluetooth Sync." Toggle it on.

Once automatic sync is enabled, your Fitbit will sync with your phone whenever the app is open and the devices are within Bluetooth range. This keeps the time current without any action on your part.

What to do if your Fitbit still shows the wrong time

If you have synced multiple times and your Fitbit still displays an incorrect time, try unpairing and re-pairing the device. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and select "Unpair This Device." Then restart both your phone and your Fitbit, open the app again, and pair them fresh. This clears any stored time data that may be corrupted.

Another less common cause is a dead or dying battery on your Fitbit. If the battery is very low, the device may not sync properly or may lose its time setting. Charge your Fitbit for at least 30 minutes and try syncing again.

If the problem persists after re-pairing and charging, contact Fitbit support through the app or visit the Fitbit website. A hardware fault is rare, but it is possible if your device is several years old.

Time display differences between Fitbit models

Most current Fitbits (Charge 5, Sense, Inspire 3, and newer) display the time on the screen by default and update it automatically. Older models like the Fitbit One or Fitbit Zip do not have screens and therefore do not display time at all — they only track steps and activity.

Fitbit trackers with screens show time in either 12-hour or 24-hour format depending on your phone's settings. If you want to change between AM/PM and 24-hour time, adjust that setting on your phone, not in the Fitbit app. Your Fitbit will match your phone's format the next time it syncs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?

Your Fitbit has not synced with your phone recently. Open the Fitbit app and wait a few seconds for the sync to complete. If the times still do not match, check that your phone's time is correct and that automatic sync is turned on in the Fitbit app settings.

Can I change the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?

No. Fitbits do not have buttons or menus for changing the time. All time adjustments must be made through the Fitbit app on your phone. The device pulls its time from your phone and does not store time settings independently.

What happens to my Fitbit's time when I travel to a different time zone?

If your phone automatically updates to the new time zone, your Fitbit will too once you open the app and let it sync. If your phone does not auto-update, you can manually change the time zone in the Fitbit app under your device settings, and your Fitbit will update within seconds.

Does my Fitbit need to be charged for the time to update?

Your Fitbit needs enough battery to power on and connect via Bluetooth, but it does not need a full charge. If your Fitbit is completely dead, charge it for at least 15 to 20 minutes before trying to sync the time.

Why is my Fitbit's time off by one hour?

This usually means your phone or Fitbit is set to the wrong time zone, or daylight saving time has changed and one device updated while the other did not. Check your phone's time zone setting and make sure it matches your current location, then open the Fitbit app to sync.