The quickest way to change your Fitbit's time

The fastest way to change the time on your Fitbit is through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select your device, scroll to "Time Zone," and choose your location. The device syncs automatically and updates within a few seconds. If you have an older Fitbit model or prefer not to use the app, you can also adjust the time directly on the device itself through its settings menu, though the app method is more reliable.

Your Fitbit should update the time automatically whenever you sync it with your phone, as long as your phone's time is correct. If the time keeps reverting or showing incorrectly, the issue is usually that your phone's clock is wrong, not your Fitbit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the most reliable way to change your device's time zone—open the app, go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Time Zone."
  • Your Fitbit syncs time automatically with your phone whenever they connect, so keeping your phone's clock accurate prevents time problems.
  • Older Fitbit models allow you to change the time directly on the device through the settings menu if you do not have the app installed.
  • After changing the time zone, your Fitbit may take a few seconds to sync; if it does not update, try closing and reopening the app.

Changing the time through the Fitbit app

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Find your device name in the list and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Time Zone" and tap that option. A list of time zones appears organized by region and city. Select the time zone that matches your current location.

Once you select a time zone, your Fitbit syncs with your phone and updates the time within seconds. You should see the new time appear on your device's display. If the time does not change after 10 seconds, close the app completely and open it again, then check your device.

Syncing your Fitbit after a time change

Your Fitbit syncs automatically whenever it is near your phone and the Bluetooth connection is active. This happens in the background without you doing anything. If you change the time zone and want to make sure the sync happens right away, open the Fitbit app and look for a refresh icon (usually a circular arrow) at the top of the screen. Tap it to force an when ready sync.

Syncing takes only a few seconds. During that time, your device sends activity data to the app and receives any settings changes you made, including the new time zone. Once the sync completes, your Fitbit's clock matches your phone's clock.

What to do if your Fitbit time keeps changing back

If your Fitbit's time reverts to the wrong time zone after you change it, the problem is almost always that your phone's clock is set incorrectly. Your Fitbit trusts your phone's time and resets to match it every time they sync. Check your phone's settings and make sure the date and time are correct for your location.

On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, then Date & Time, and make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. On an Android phone, open Settings, go to System, tap Date & Time, and turn on "Automatic Date & Time." Once your phone's clock is correct, your Fitbit will stay synchronized.

Changing the time directly on your Fitbit device

Older Fitbit models like the Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Blaze allow you to change the time without using the app. Press and hold the button on your device to open the settings menu. Use the button to scroll through options until you see "Time" or "Time Zone." Select it and follow the on-screen prompts to choose your time zone or enter the time manually.

This method works, but the app is more reliable because it automatically handles daylight saving time changes. If you change the time on the device itself, you will need to manually adjust it again when daylight saving time begins or ends in your region. Using the app avoids this extra step.

Daylight saving time and your Fitbit

When you use the Fitbit app to set your time zone, your device handles daylight saving time automatically. You do not need to manually change the time when daylight saving time starts or ends. The app knows when the change happens in your region and updates your Fitbit's clock on the correct date.

If you set the time manually on your device instead of using the app, you will need to adjust it yourself twice a year. For this reason, using the app is the better choice if your region observes daylight saving time.

Troubleshooting when the time will not update

If you have changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, try these steps in order. First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on for your phone and that your Fitbit is nearby. Second, close the Fitbit app completely and open it again. Third, restart your Fitbit by holding down its button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen.

If the time still does not update after restarting, check that your phone's time is correct. Your Fitbit cannot show the right time if your phone is wrong. If your phone's time is correct and your Fitbit still will not update, try unpairing and re-pairing your device in the app. Open the app, go to your profile, select your device, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Unpair This Device." Then follow the setup steps to pair it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your Fitbit syncs time from your phone, so if they show different times, your phone's clock is probably wrong. Check your phone's date and time settings and make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. Once your phone is correct, sync your Fitbit again and the times should match.

Do I have to change my Fitbit's time when I travel?

No. When you arrive at your destination, change your phone's time zone in its settings. Your Fitbit will sync automatically and update to the new time zone. You do not need to do anything on the device itself.

Can I set a custom time on my Fitbit instead of using time zones?

Most newer Fitbit models only allow you to select a time zone, not enter a specific time. Older models like the Charge 2 let you set the time manually, but this is not recommended because you will have to adjust it twice a year for daylight saving time. Using the app and selecting your time zone is simpler and more accurate.

What if my Fitbit does not have a time zone option in the app?

Very old Fitbit models may not have a time zone setting in the app. If you cannot find it, your device may only allow manual time adjustment. Try changing the time directly on the device using its button menu, or contact Fitbit support to confirm what options your specific model has.