Change the time on your Fitbit through the mobile app or on the device itself

The fastest way to fix 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 time zone or clock settings. Most Fitbits sync automatically when you connect to the app, so if your phone's time is correct, your Fitbit should update within a few seconds. If automatic sync doesn't work, you can manually adjust the time in the same settings menu.

Some older Fitbit models let you change the time directly on the device using the buttons, though this is less common on newer watches. Newer Fitbits like the Sense and Versa series rely entirely on the app for time adjustments. The method depends on which Fitbit model you own, so check which device you have before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the primary way to change the time on most modern Fitbit devices, accessed through your profile settings and device menu.
  • Automatic time sync happens when your Fitbit connects to the app and your phone's time is correct, so manual changes are usually unnecessary.
  • Time zone changes take effect when ready in the app, but your Fitbit may take a few seconds to update after you save the change.
  • If the time still won't update after syncing, restart both your Fitbit and the app, then try syncing again.

Change the time through the Fitbit mobile app

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your account settings. From there, tap on the device you want to adjust — the name will appear as a tile or list item. Scroll down until you see "Clock" or "Time Zone" (the exact label varies by model). Tap that option.

A menu will appear showing your current time zone. Select the correct time zone from the list. The app will save your change when ready, and your Fitbit should update within a few seconds of syncing. If you don't see a time zone option, your device may use automatic time sync only, which pulls the time directly from your phone whenever the two devices connect.

Enable automatic time sync to avoid manual adjustments

Most Fitbits are set to sync time automatically with your phone. When this setting is on, your Fitbit checks your phone's time every time it connects to the app and updates itself to match. This means you should never need to manually change the time unless you travel across time zones and your phone doesn't update automatically.

To check if automatic sync is on, open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and look for a toggle labeled "Automatic Time Zone" or "Sync Time." If it's already enabled, your Fitbit will stay correct as long as your phone's time is correct. If it's off, turn it on so you don't have to adjust manually in the future.

Restart your Fitbit and app if the time won't update

Sometimes the time change doesn't take effect right away, or the app shows the new time but your Fitbit's screen still displays the old time. The first step is to force a sync. Open the Fitbit app and pull down from the top of the screen (on most phones) to refresh. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for the sync to complete.

If that doesn't work, restart your Fitbit. The method depends on your model: for most Fitbits, hold the button on the side or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and let it restart. Once it's back on, open the app again and sync. The time should now match what you set.

What to do when you travel across time zones

If automatic time sync is on, your Fitbit will update to the new time zone as soon as your phone does. Most phones update automatically when you cross a time zone, so your Fitbit follows along without any action from you. This is the easiest scenario — you arrive, your phone updates, and your Fitbit is correct.

If your phone doesn't update automatically (which can happen if you have auto-update turned off), you'll need to manually change your phone's time zone first. Once your phone shows the correct time, open the Fitbit app and let it sync. Your Fitbit will then pull the new time from your phone. If you prefer not to wait for automatic sync, you can also go directly to the Fitbit app's time zone settings and change it manually, which takes effect when ready.

Manually set the time on older Fitbit models

Some older Fitbits, like the Charge 2 and Blaze, allow you to adjust the time directly on the device using the physical buttons. To do this, hold down the button on the side of your Fitbit until you see the clock or settings menu. Use the buttons to navigate to the time or clock setting, then press to enter edit mode. Use the buttons to change the hours and minutes, and press again to confirm.

The exact steps vary depending on your model, so check your device's manual if you're unsure. However, most users find it easier to use the app instead, since the button controls can be fiddly. If your Fitbit is newer than 2018, it likely doesn't have this feature and requires the app for all time adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I changed it?

The most common cause is that automatic time sync is on, but your phone's time is wrong. Check your phone's clock first — if it's incorrect, fix that and your Fitbit will update automatically. If your phone is correct and your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, try restarting both devices and syncing again.

Does my Fitbit update the time automatically when I travel?

Yes, if automatic time sync is enabled. Your Fitbit will update to match your phone's time zone. If your phone doesn't update automatically when you travel, you'll need to change your phone's time zone first, then let your Fitbit sync, or change the time zone manually in the Fitbit app.

Can I change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour?

Yes, on most Fitbit models. Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and look for "Clock Format" or "Time Format." You can usually choose between 12-hour (with AM/PM) and 24-hour format. The change takes effect when ready.

What if the Fitbit app won't let me change the time zone?

Some Fitbits rely entirely on automatic sync and don't offer a manual time zone option in the app. If you don't see a time zone setting, make sure automatic time sync is on and your phone's time is correct. Your Fitbit will then always match your phone's time.