The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time
The time on your Fitbit updates automatically if your phone is connected and your Fitbit app has permission to access your device's time settings. If the time is wrong, the quickest fix is to open the Fitbit app on your phone, go to your device settings, and toggle the automatic time setting off and back on. This forces a sync and corrects the time in seconds.
If automatic sync does not work, you can set the time manually through the Fitbit app. The manual option takes about two minutes and works the same way on all Fitbit models — the steps are identical whether you own a Fitbit Charge, Versa, Inspire, or Ace.
Key Takeaways
- Automatic time sync happens when your Fitbit is paired to the Fitbit app and your phone's time is correct, so check your phone's clock first.
- Toggling automatic time off and on in the app forces an when ready sync without unpairing your device.
- Manual time adjustment is done entirely in the Fitbit app under your device settings, not on the watch itself.
- Time zones change automatically when you travel if automatic sync is on, so you do not need to adjust manually for trips.
Check your phone's time before you start
Your Fitbit pulls the time from your phone, so if your phone's clock is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. Open your phone's settings and confirm the time and time zone are correct. If your phone is set to automatic time (which it should be), the time will update on its own when you cross time zones or when your carrier sends a time update.
Once your phone shows the right time, move to the Fitbit app. The app will sync your phone's time to your Fitbit the next time the two devices communicate, which usually happens within a few seconds of opening the app.
Use automatic time sync in the Fitbit app
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select your device from the list. Scroll down to find the time or clock settings — the exact label varies by Fitbit model, but it will say something like "Set Time" or "Time Zone".
Look for a toggle labeled "Automatic" or "Set Automatically". If it is already on, turn it off, wait three seconds, and turn it back on. This forces your Fitbit to request the current time from your phone right away. Your watch should update within seconds. If the toggle is already off, turn it on.
After you toggle, open the Fitbit app again to confirm the sync completed. The time on your watch should now match your phone.
Set the time manually if automatic sync fails
If toggling automatic time did not work, you can enter the time by hand. In the Fitbit app, go back to your device settings and find the time or clock option. Instead of the automatic toggle, you should see fields for the hour and minute. Tap each field and use the plus and minus buttons to set the correct time.
Pay attention to whether the app is showing a 12-hour or 24-hour clock. If your Fitbit is set to 24-hour time and you enter 14:30, that is 2:30 p.m. — the watch will display it as 14:30, not 2:30. Check your device settings to see which format your Fitbit is using, and enter the time in that format.
Tap save or confirm when you are done. The time should update on your watch within a few seconds.
What to do if your Fitbit still shows the wrong time
If the time remains incorrect after both automatic and manual sync, restart your Fitbit. The restart process differs by model: on most Fitbits, hold the button on the side of the watch for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. On some models like the Versa, you may need to swipe down from the top and find a power or restart option in the menu.
After the restart, open the Fitbit app and let it sync. If the time is still wrong, check that your phone's Bluetooth is on and that the Fitbit app has permission to access your phone's location and time. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit and confirm that location and other permissions are turned on. On iPhone, go to Settings > Fitbit and check that Bluetooth and Local Network permissions are enabled.
If you have tried all these steps and the time is still incorrect, your Fitbit may have a software issue. Visit the Fitbit support website and search for your device model to see if there is a known bug or a firmware update available.
How time zones work when you travel
If automatic time sync is turned on, your Fitbit will update its time zone automatically when you travel. You do not need to do anything — as soon as your phone detects a new time zone (usually within an hour of landing), your Fitbit will update to match.
If you turn off automatic sync before a trip, you will need to manually update the time zone when you arrive. Use the same steps as the manual time adjustment above, but change the time zone field instead of just the hour and minute. The Fitbit app will show you a list of time zones to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though my phone is correct?
Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone recently. Open the Fitbit app and wait 10 seconds for a sync to complete. If the time is still wrong, check that Bluetooth is on and that the Fitbit app has permission to access your phone's time and location settings.
Does my Fitbit update the time automatically when I travel?
Yes, if automatic time sync is on in the Fitbit app. Your watch will update to the new time zone within an hour of your phone detecting the change. If automatic sync is off, you must update the time manually using the Fitbit app.
Can I set the time directly on my Fitbit watch without using the app?
No. All Fitbit models require you to change the time through the Fitbit app on your phone. You cannot adjust the time using only the buttons or menus on the watch itself.
What is the difference between 12-hour and 24-hour time on my Fitbit?
A 12-hour clock shows 1:00 p.m. as 1:00 with a p.m. label. A 24-hour clock shows the same time as 13:00. Check your Fitbit's display settings in the app to see which format your watch is using, then enter the time in that same format.
My Fitbit time is correct but the time zone is wrong. How do I fix just the time zone?
In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and find the time zone option. Tap the time zone field and select the correct zone from the list. The hour and minute will stay the same — only the time zone label will change.