The quickest way to fix 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, and look for the clock or time settings. Most Fitbits will auto-correct the time when you sync with your phone, so if you've just crossed a time zone or your phone time is correct, a fresh sync may be all you need.
If auto-sync doesn't work, you can manually set the time in the app's device settings. The exact menu name varies by Fitbit model — some call it "Clock", others "Time" or "Time Zone" — but the principle is the same across all models. Once you change it in the app and sync, your watch updates within seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Most Fitbits sync their time automatically with your phone when you open the Fitbit app, so check your phone's time first.
- Manual time changes happen in the Fitbit app under your device settings, not on the watch itself.
- After you change the time in the app, you must sync your watch to push the change — open the app and wait for the sync to complete.
- If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, restart the watch by holding the button for 10 seconds, then sync again.
Using the Fitbit app to change the time
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Find your device in the list — it will show the model name like "Fitbit Charge 5" or "Fitbit Sense 2". Tap on it to open the device settings page.
Scroll down until you see a time-related setting. Depending on your model, this might be labeled "Clock", "Time", "Time Zone", or "Date and Time". Tap it and you'll see options to set the time manually or choose your time zone. If you're changing time zones while traveling, selecting your new time zone is usually easier than manually entering the time — the app will calculate the correct time for you.
After you've made your change, close the settings menu. The app will prompt you to sync, or you can manually sync by pulling down on the home screen. Wait for the sync to finish — you'll see a checkmark or confirmation message. Your Fitbit should update within a few seconds.
When auto-sync fixes the time for you
Many Fitbits automatically sync their time with your phone whenever you open the Fitbit app, as long as your phone's time is correct. This means if you've just moved to a new time zone and your phone has already updated, opening the app may fix your Fitbit without any manual steps.
To test this: check that your phone's time is correct, open the Fitbit app, and let it sync. If your Fitbit's time updates on its own, you're done. If it doesn't, move to the manual method described above. Some older Fitbit models don't auto-sync time, so manual entry may be your only option.
Restarting your Fitbit if the time won't update
If you've changed the time in the app and synced, but your watch still shows the wrong time, a restart often fixes it. Hold down the button on your Fitbit for about 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait for the watch to restart — this takes 10 to 20 seconds.
Once the restart is complete, open the Fitbit app again and sync. The time should now be correct. If it's still wrong after a restart and sync, check that your phone's time is set correctly — your Fitbit can't sync to a time that's wrong on your phone.
Time zone changes when you travel
When you cross into a new time zone, your Fitbit won't update automatically unless your phone does first. Make sure your phone is set to update time zones automatically — on most phones, this is in Settings under Date and Time. Once your phone updates, open the Fitbit app and let it sync.
If you prefer to manually set your time zone, go to your device settings in the Fitbit app, find the time zone option, and select your new location from the list. Sync when ready after. This is faster than waiting for auto-sync if you're in a hurry, and it ensures your Fitbit is correct even if your phone hasn't updated yet.
Fitbit models with limited time controls
Some older Fitbit models like the Fitbit Inspire or basic Fitbit Flex don't have a dedicated time display on the watch itself, so there's no time to change. These models rely entirely on your phone for timekeeping and show the time only when you check the app.
If you have a newer model with a clock face, the time controls are always in the Fitbit app — there is no way to change the time directly on the watch. All Fitbits require the app to adjust time settings, so if you don't have the app installed, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit keep showing the wrong time after I change it?
The most common cause is that your phone's time is wrong. Your Fitbit syncs to your phone's time, so if your phone is incorrect, your watch will be too. Check your phone's settings and make sure the time is correct, then open the Fitbit app and sync again. If your phone is right but your Fitbit is still wrong, restart the watch by holding the button for 10 seconds.
Can I change the time directly on my Fitbit watch?
No. All Fitbit models require you to change the time through the Fitbit app on your phone. There is no menu on the watch itself for time adjustments. Open the app, go to your device settings, find the time or clock option, and make your change there.
How long does it take for my Fitbit to update after I change the time in the app?
The update happens during a sync, which usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. After you change the time in the app settings, the app will sync automatically or you can manually sync by pulling down on the home screen. Watch for a checkmark or "Sync Complete" message to confirm the change went through.
Do I need to restart my Fitbit every time I change the time?
No. A restart is only necessary if the time doesn't update after you've changed it in the app and synced. In most cases, changing the time in the app and syncing is all you need. Only restart if the time is still wrong after a sync.
What if my Fitbit app won't sync?
First, make sure Bluetooth is on and your phone is within range of your watch. Close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it. If it still won't sync, restart your phone and try again. If syncing continues to fail, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds, then try syncing once more.