The quickest way to update 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 time zone or clock settings—the exact location depends on which Fitbit model you own. Most devices sync the time automatically once you adjust the setting in the app, and the change appears on your wrist within seconds.
If your Fitbit is not syncing automatically, you can also adjust the time directly on the device itself using the buttons or touchscreen, though this method is slower and more prone to error. The app method is almost always your better choice because it syncs with your phone's time, which is usually already correct.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app on your phone is the easiest way to change the time—find the time zone setting under your device profile.
- Most Fitbits sync the time automatically from your phone once you update the setting, so manual adjustment on the device itself is rarely necessary.
- If automatic sync is turned off, you can toggle it back on in the app to let your Fitbit pull the correct time from your phone.
- Daylight saving time changes are usually handled automatically by the app, but you can manually override the time zone if your device is showing the wrong time.
Changing the time through the Fitbit app
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Find your device in the list and tap it to open the device settings. Look for a section labeled "Time Zone," "Clock," or "Time"—the exact wording varies by model. Tap that option and select your current time zone from the list.
Once you save the change, your Fitbit will sync with your phone and update the time on your wrist. This usually happens within a few seconds, but if it does not, 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.
If you travel across time zones, you can change the time zone setting in the app the same way. Your Fitbit will automatically adjust to the new time zone once the app syncs.
Turning on automatic time sync
By default, most Fitbits are set to sync the time automatically from your phone. If your device is showing the wrong time even after you have updated your phone's time, check whether automatic sync is turned on. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and look for an option called "Automatic Time Zone" or "Sync Time."
Toggle this setting on if it is off. Once it is enabled, your Fitbit will pull the correct time from your phone whenever the two devices sync, which happens whenever they are near each other and the app is running in the background.
Adjusting the time directly on your Fitbit
If you need to change the time without using the app, you can adjust it on the device itself, though this method is slower. The steps depend on your Fitbit model. On most devices with a touchscreen, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the settings menu, then look for "Time" or "Clock" and tap it to adjust the hours and minutes.
On Fitbits with physical buttons, press and hold the button until the settings menu appears, then use the buttons to navigate to the time setting and adjust it. This method requires you to manually enter the correct time, so it is straightforward to make a mistake. Use the app method whenever you can.
What to do if the time keeps resetting
If you change the time but it reverts to the wrong time after a few minutes, your Fitbit is likely syncing with your phone and overwriting your manual change. This happens when automatic time sync is turned on and your phone has the wrong time. Check your phone's clock first—if it is incorrect, fix that time before adjusting your Fitbit.
If your phone's time is correct but your Fitbit keeps showing the wrong time, restart your Fitbit and force a sync with the app. Close the Fitbit app completely, wait 10 seconds, and reopen it. If the problem persists, try unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit with the app—this usually fixes sync issues.
Daylight saving time and your Fitbit
When daylight saving time begins or ends, your Fitbit should adjust automatically if automatic time sync is turned on and your phone has already updated. Most phones update their time automatically on the day the change takes effect, so your Fitbit will follow once it syncs.
If your Fitbit is still showing the old time after daylight saving time has changed, manually update the time zone in the app or restart your device to force a sync. You should not need to do anything else—the automatic system handles the adjustment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Fitbit showing the wrong time even though my phone is correct?
Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone yet. Open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync to complete, or restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds. If automatic time sync is turned off in the app settings, turn it back on.
Can I change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour?
Yes, this setting is usually in the device settings within the Fitbit app. Look for "Time Format" or "Clock Format" and select your preferred format. The change syncs to your device when ready.
What happens to my Fitbit's time when I travel?
If automatic time sync is on, your Fitbit will update to the new time zone once your phone updates and the two devices sync. If you want to keep your Fitbit on your home time zone while traveling, turn off automatic time sync and manually set the time zone in the app.
Do I need to change the time on my Fitbit if I only wear it at home?
No, your Fitbit will keep the correct time as long as automatic sync is on and your phone has the correct time. You only need to manually adjust it if you travel or if your phone's time is wrong.