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

Your Fitbit will usually set the time automatically when you first sync it with your phone, but you can change it manually if it drifts or if you travel across time zones. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have a Fitbit watch (like Versa or Ionic), a Fitbit tracker (like Charge or Inspire), or an older model. Most changes happen in the Fitbit app on your phone, though some newer watches let you adjust the time directly on the device.

The process takes about two minutes and requires your phone to be nearby. You will not lose any of your activity data or settings when you change the time.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits sync time automatically from your phone, so changing your phone's time zone often fixes a Fitbit time problem without extra steps.
  • To manually change the time in the Fitbit app, open your profile, select your device, and look for a time or timezone setting in the device settings menu.
  • Fitbit watches with screens (Versa, Ionic, Sense) may let you adjust the time directly on the watch through the Settings app, though the app method is more reliable.
  • After you change the time, sync your Fitbit to your phone to confirm the change took effect.

Change the time using the Fitbit app on your phone

Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and find your device name — it will show as "Fitbit Charge," "Fitbit Versa," or whatever model you own. Tap on it to open the device settings page.

Look for a setting labeled "Time Zone," "Time," or "Clock." The exact name varies by Fitbit model and app version. Tap it and select your current time zone from the list, or manually enter the time if your model offers that option. Once you have made the change, tap Save or Done. Then open the main Fitbit app screen and tap the sync button (usually a circular arrow icon) to sync your device. The time should update within a few seconds.

Change the time directly on your Fitbit watch

If you own a Fitbit Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, Ionic, or Sense, you can adjust the time on the watch itself without opening the app. Swipe down from the top of the watch face to open the quick settings menu. Look for a Settings icon (usually a gear symbol) and tap it.

Scroll through the settings menu until you find "Clock" or "Time." Tap it and you will see options to change the time zone or manually set the hour and minute. Use the up and down arrows to adjust the numbers, then confirm your choice. The watch will save the change when ready. Sync your watch to your phone afterward to make sure the app reflects the new time.

What to do if your Fitbit time keeps changing

If you change the time but it reverts to the wrong time after you sync, your phone's time zone setting is overriding your Fitbit's setting. Check that your phone's date and time are set to automatic. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on "Set Automatically." On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time and turn on "Automatic Date & Time."

Once your phone's time is correct and set to automatic, change your Fitbit's time zone again through the app and sync. This time it should stick. If the problem continues, try unpairing your Fitbit from the app (go to your device settings and select "Unpair"), then pair it again. The device will sync to your phone's current time during the pairing process.

Changing time when you travel across time zones

When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically if your phone's time zone changes automatically — most phones do this when they connect to a new cellular network or WiFi. You do not need to do anything. Your Fitbit will sync to the new time the next time you open the app.

If your phone's automatic time zone is turned off, or if you want to change your Fitbit's time before your phone updates, use the time zone setting in the Fitbit app. Open your device settings, find the time zone option, and select the time zone of your destination. Sync your device and the time will change when ready. When you return home, repeat the process to switch back to your home time zone.

Troubleshooting when the time will not change

If you have tried changing the time but it is not working, first check that you are syncing after you make the change. The Fitbit app does not always sync automatically, so tap the sync button manually. Wait a few seconds for the sync to complete — you will see a brief loading animation.

If the time still has not changed, close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it. Sometimes the app gets stuck and needs to be refreshed. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher, find Fitbit, and swipe it up to close it. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit and tap "Force Stop," then reopen the app. Try changing the time again and syncing.

If the problem persists after a restart, your Fitbit may need to be re-paired. Unpair it from the app, restart your phone, and pair the device again. During the pairing process, your Fitbit will sync to your phone's current time. This usually solves time-related problems that the standard troubleshooting steps do not fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though I set it correctly?

Your phone's time zone is likely overriding your Fitbit's setting. Turn on automatic date and time on your phone, then change your Fitbit's time zone again and sync. If your phone's time is set to automatic, the Fitbit will match it every time you sync.

Do I need to change my Fitbit time when I travel?

Usually not. Your phone automatically updates to the new time zone when you arrive, and your Fitbit syncs to match. If you want to change the time before your phone updates, you can manually change the time zone in the Fitbit app.

Will changing the time erase my activity data?

No. Changing the time does not affect your step count, heart rate data, or any other information your Fitbit has recorded. All your data stays on the device.

Can I set a 12-hour or 24-hour time format on my Fitbit?

Yes, if your model supports it. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and look for "Clock Format" or "Time Format." You can usually choose between 12-hour and 24-hour display. Older Fitbit trackers may not have this option.