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

The method depends on which Fitbit model you own. Most modern Fitbits—including Charge, Inspire, and Versa models—sync their time automatically from your phone when the app is open and connected. If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, the fastest fix is to open the Fitbit app on your phone, make sure Bluetooth is on, and let the devices sync for 10 to 15 seconds. The time should update within a minute.

If automatic sync does not work, or if you own an older Fitbit model like the Flex or One, you can adjust the time manually through the app settings. The steps differ slightly between iOS and Android, but both routes take less than two minutes once you open the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits update their time automatically when the Fitbit app is open and your phone and device are connected by Bluetooth.
  • If the time is still wrong after syncing, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for a time or clock option to adjust it manually.
  • Older Fitbit models like the Flex and One require manual time entry through the app because they do not sync automatically.
  • Daylight saving time changes usually update automatically on newer models, but you may need to manually adjust older devices when the time changes twice a year.

Automatic time sync on newer Fitbit models

Fitbit Charge, Inspire, Sense, Versa, and Ionic models all pull the correct time from your phone automatically. This happens in the background whenever your Fitbit is paired with the app and Bluetooth is turned on. You do not need to do anything—the sync happens on its own.

If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time even though it is paired, the issue is usually that the app has not synced recently. Open the Fitbit app, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, and wait 15 to 30 seconds. Look at the top of the app screen—you should see a small sync icon or a message saying the device is syncing. Once that completes, check your Fitbit's clock face. The time should now match your phone.

If the time is still incorrect after syncing, your phone's time may be set wrong. Check your phone's settings and make sure the date and time are correct, then sync the Fitbit app again.

Manual time adjustment through the Fitbit app

If automatic sync does not fix the time, you can set it manually. Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Find your device in the list and tap it to open device settings.

On iOS, look for a "Clock" or "Time" option in the settings menu. On Android, the option may be labeled "Time Format" or "Set Time." Tap that option and you will see a screen where you can enter the hour and minute. Type in the correct time and tap Save or Confirm. The change should take effect when ready, though you may need to wait a few seconds for the Fitbit to update.

Some older models do not have a manual time setting in the app. If you cannot find a time option after looking through all the settings, your device may only sync time automatically from your phone, which means you need to make sure your phone's time is correct first.

Adjusting time on Fitbit Flex and Fitbit One

The Fitbit Flex and Fitbit One do not sync time automatically and must be set manually through the app. Open the Fitbit app and go to your device settings. Look for "Time" or "Clock" in the menu. You will see fields for the hour and minute—enter the correct time and save the change.

These older models also do not adjust for daylight saving time on their own. When daylight saving time begins or ends, you will need to manually change the time again. Set a phone reminder on the day the time changes so you remember to update your Fitbit.

What to do if the time keeps resetting

If you set the time correctly but it resets to the wrong time after a few hours or days, the issue is usually that your Fitbit is syncing with your phone again and pulling an incorrect time from it. Check your phone's date and time settings first—go to Settings, then Date and Time, and make sure the automatic time setting is turned on. Your phone should pull the correct time from your carrier or internet connection.

Once your phone shows the right time, open the Fitbit app and sync again. The Fitbit should now pull the correct time and keep it. If your phone's time is set to manual and is wrong, that is why your Fitbit keeps showing the wrong time too.

If you are traveling across time zones, your Fitbit will update automatically on newer models once your phone detects the new time zone. Older models will keep the time you set, so you may need to manually adjust them when you arrive in a new zone.

Troubleshooting when the time will not change

If you have tried syncing and manual adjustment and the time still will not change, try disconnecting and reconnecting your Fitbit to the app. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and look for an option to "Forget This Device" or "Unpair." Tap it, then go through the pairing process again as if you were setting up the Fitbit for the first time. This usually takes two to three minutes and often fixes sync problems.

Another common issue is that the Fitbit app itself is out of date. Open your phone's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iOS) and check whether an update is available for the Fitbit app. If one is available, install it and then try syncing again. Outdated app versions sometimes have trouble communicating with your device.

If the time still will not update after unpairing and updating the app, your Fitbit may have a software issue. Charge the device fully, then restart it by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo on the screen. Release the button and wait for the device to turn back on. Try syncing one more time after the restart.

Daylight saving time and automatic updates

Newer Fitbit models update automatically when daylight saving time begins or ends, as long as your phone's time updates automatically. Your phone receives the correct time from your carrier or internet, and your Fitbit pulls that time from your phone during the next sync.

Older models like the Flex and One do not update automatically. You will need to manually adjust the time twice a year—once in spring when clocks move forward and once in fall when they move back. Set a phone reminder on the day the change happens so you do not forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your Fitbit may not have synced recently. Open the Fitbit app, make sure Bluetooth is on, and wait 15 to 30 seconds for the sync to complete. If your phone's time is set to manual and is wrong, your Fitbit will pull that incorrect time. Check your phone's date and time settings and turn on automatic time if it is off.

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

Yes, on most models. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for "Time Format" or "Clock Format." You should see options for 12-hour and 24-hour time. Select your preference and save. The change takes effect when ready.

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

Newer Fitbits update automatically when your phone detects a new time zone. Older models keep the time you set, so you will need to manually adjust them. Open the Fitbit app, go to device settings, and enter the correct time for your new location.

Do I need to change the time on my Fitbit when daylight saving time happens?

Newer models update automatically as long as your phone updates automatically. Older Fitbits like the Flex and One do not update on their own—you will need to manually adjust the time twice a year when daylight saving time begins and ends.

My Fitbit is paired but the time still will not sync. What should I do?

Try unpairing your Fitbit from the app and pairing it again. Go to device settings, select "Forget This Device," then set it up as new. Also check that the Fitbit app is up to date by looking in your phone's app store. If the problem continues after that, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the logo.