Change the time and date through the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time and date is through the Fitbit mobile app. Your Fitbit syncs with your phone's time automatically in most cases, but if the time drifts or you travel across time zones, you can manually adjust it in the app's settings. The process takes about two minutes and requires your Fitbit to be nearby and connected to your phone via Bluetooth.

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select your device from the list, then scroll down and tap "Time Zone" or "Date and Time" depending on your Fitbit model. Choose your time zone from the dropdown menu. Some models let you toggle "Set Automatically" on or off — turning it on syncs your device to your phone's time without manual entry.

After you make changes, your Fitbit will update within a few seconds. You'll see the new time displayed on your device's clock face. If the change doesn't appear, try closing the app completely and reopening it, or restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app's time zone setting syncs your device to your phone's time automatically when "Set Automatically" is turned on.
  • Manual time changes in the app take effect within seconds and don't require restarting your Fitbit.
  • If your Fitbit doesn't update after changing the time zone, close and reopen the app or restart your device.
  • Older Fitbit models may not have a time zone setting in the app — check your device's manual if you don't see the option.
  • Traveling across time zones usually updates your Fitbit automatically if your phone's location services are on.

What to do if automatic time sync is turned off

Some Fitbit owners turn off automatic time sync to prevent their device from changing time when they cross time zones for travel. If you've disabled this feature and now want to update the time manually, the process is the same: open the app, go to your device settings, and select your time zone. Turning "Set Automatically" back on will sync your Fitbit to your phone's current time.

If you prefer to keep automatic sync off but need to change the time once, you can do that by selecting a different time zone temporarily, then switching back to your correct zone. This forces a manual update without turning on automatic sync. Some users find this helpful when they travel frequently but don't want their Fitbit jumping between time zones every time they cross a state line.

Updating time on Fitbit devices without the app

Older Fitbit models like the Fitbit Zip, Fitbit One, and some Fitbit Flex versions don't have time zone settings in the mobile app. For these devices, the time is set during the initial setup and syncs to your computer's time when you plug the device into a USB charger connected to your computer.

If you need to change the time on an older model, connect it to your computer via the USB cable and open the Fitbit Connect software on your desktop. The software will sync your device to your computer's system time. Make sure your computer's time and date are correct before syncing, or your Fitbit will adopt the wrong time. After syncing completes, unplug the device and the new time will remain.

Fixing time drift and sync problems

Over time, your Fitbit's internal clock can drift slightly, especially if you don't sync it regularly. If you notice your Fitbit's time is off by a few minutes, the easiest fix is to force a sync with your phone. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and scroll to the top to find the sync button (usually a circular arrow icon). Tap it and wait for the sync to complete — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.

If syncing doesn't fix the drift, try restarting your Fitbit. The restart process varies by model: for most current Fitbits, hold the side button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, then release. For Fitbit Charge or Inspire models, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap Settings, scroll down, and select "About." Scroll to the bottom and tap "Restart." After the restart, open the app and sync again.

If your Fitbit's time is still wrong after syncing and restarting, check that your phone's Bluetooth is on and your Fitbit is within 30 feet of your phone. Bluetooth interference from other devices or walls can prevent a clean sync. Move closer to your phone, turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby, and try syncing again.

Time zone changes when traveling

When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically if you have "Set Automatically" turned on in the app and your phone's location services are enabled. This usually happens within a few minutes of your phone detecting the new time zone. You don't need to do anything — your Fitbit will adjust on its own.

If your Fitbit doesn't update after traveling, manually change the time zone in the app. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and select the correct time zone for your current location. The change takes effect when ready. This is useful if you're traveling for a short trip and don't want your Fitbit permanently set to a new time zone — you can switch back when you return home.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is forgetting to sync your Fitbit after changing the time zone in the app. Changes don't always appear when ready on your device — if you change the time zone and when ready check your Fitbit's clock face, it may still show the old time. Wait 10 to 30 seconds or manually trigger a sync by tapping the sync button in the app.

Another mistake is changing your phone's time zone without checking your Fitbit afterward. If you manually change your phone's time zone (rather than letting it update automatically), your Fitbit may not pick up the change right away. Open the Fitbit app and sync to force an update.

Don't assume your Fitbit's time is wrong just because it's off by a minute or two. Fitbits are designed to be accurate within a few minutes, and small drifts are normal. Only adjust the time if it's off by five minutes or more, or if you've traveled across time zones and the device hasn't updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time after I change it in the app?

The change may not have synced yet. Wait 30 seconds and check again, or manually sync by tapping the sync button (circular arrow) at the top of your device screen in the Fitbit app. If it's still wrong after syncing, restart your Fitbit by holding the side button for 10 seconds until the logo appears.

Does my Fitbit automatically update when I travel to a new time zone?

Yes, if "Set Automatically" is turned on in the app and your phone's location services are enabled. Your Fitbit should update within a few minutes of your phone detecting the new time zone. If it doesn't, manually select the correct time zone in the app settings.

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

Current Fitbit models require the app to change the time zone. Older models like the Fitbit Zip or Fitbit One sync to your computer's time when you connect them via USB to the Fitbit Connect software on your desktop.

What if my Fitbit time keeps drifting even after I set it?

Small drifts of a few minutes are normal. If the drift is larger, try syncing your device again through the app. If the problem continues, restart your Fitbit and make sure automatic time sync is turned on. If your Fitbit still drifts after that, contact Fitbit support — it may indicate a hardware issue.

Does changing the time on my Fitbit affect my activity data or sleep tracking?

No. Changing the time zone adjusts only what time is displayed on your device. Your activity and sleep data are timestamped based on when they occurred, so changing the time won't erase or alter your history.