Change the time directly in the Fitbit app on your phone
The fastest way to change the time on your Fitbit Inspire 3 is through the Fitbit app. Open the app on your phone, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, then select your Inspire 3 device from the list. Scroll down to find "Clock" or "Time" and tap it. You'll see options to set the time manually or let the app sync it automatically from your phone's clock. If you choose manual, enter the correct time and confirm.
This method works whether your device is off your wrist or on it. The change takes effect within a few seconds, and you'll see the updated time on your watch face when ready. Most people find this the easiest route because they already have their phone nearby.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app on your phone is the primary way to adjust the time on your Inspire 3.
- You can set the time manually or enable automatic sync so your watch matches your phone's clock.
- Time changes appear on your device within seconds of saving them in the app.
- If automatic sync is turned on, your watch will update whenever your phone's time changes.
- The watch does not have physical buttons to adjust the time, so the app is your only option.
Turn on automatic time sync to avoid manual adjustments
Your Inspire 3 can sync its time automatically with your phone, which means you'll never need to adjust it manually again. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and look for "Automatic Time" or "Sync Time." Toggle this on, and your watch will update whenever your phone's time changes—including when daylight saving time shifts occur.
Automatic sync is especially useful if you travel across time zones. Your phone updates its clock when you land, and your watch follows automatically without any action from you. If you turn this feature off, you'll need to manually update the time each time your phone's clock changes.
Make sure your phone's Bluetooth connection is active
Your Inspire 3 communicates with the Fitbit app over Bluetooth, so your phone must be connected for time changes to sync. Check that Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that your Inspire 3 appears in the list of connected devices. If it's not connected, open the Fitbit app and wait a few seconds—it usually reconnects automatically.
If your watch and phone have been disconnected for a while, the time on your watch may drift slightly. Reconnecting them and syncing through the app will correct this. You don't need to unpair and re-pair the devices; a straightforward reconnection through Bluetooth is enough.
Adjust time manually if automatic sync is off
If you've disabled automatic time sync or prefer to set the time yourself, the process is straightforward. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device profile, and tap the Clock or Time setting. Select "Manual" instead of "Automatic," then use the plus and minus buttons to set the hours and minutes. Confirm your entry, and the time updates on your watch within seconds.
Manual adjustment is useful if you want your watch to show a different time than your phone for any reason, though this is uncommon. Most people keep automatic sync on and only adjust manually when they first set up the device or if they notice the time has drifted.
Check your device's software is up to date
Fitbit regularly releases software updates that can affect how your device handles time and syncing. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for "About" or "Device Info." If an update is available, you'll see a prompt to install it. Updates usually happen automatically when your watch is charging and connected to your phone, but you can also trigger one manually from this screen.
If you're having trouble changing the time or the time keeps reverting to an incorrect setting, an outdated software version might be the cause. Updating your device often fixes these kinds of issues. The update process takes a few minutes and requires your watch to stay connected to your phone.
Troubleshoot if the time won't change or keeps resetting
If you've changed the time but it reverts to the wrong time after a few minutes, your automatic sync is likely still on. Return to the Clock settings in the Fitbit app and confirm that automatic sync is either on (so it matches your phone) or off (so your manual setting stays). If automatic sync is on and your phone's time is wrong, fix your phone's clock first—your watch will follow.
If the time still won't update after you've confirmed your settings, try disconnecting and reconnecting your device. In the Fitbit app, go to device settings and select "Disconnect" or "Forget This Device," then reconnect by opening the app and following the pairing prompts. This usually resolves stubborn sync issues. If problems persist after a reconnection, restart both your phone and your watch by turning them off and back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the time on my Inspire 3 without the Fitbit app?
No. The Inspire 3 has no physical buttons or on-device menu for adjusting the time. You must use the Fitbit app on your phone. The app is the only way to access time settings.
What happens to the time if I disconnect my watch from my phone?
If automatic sync is on, your watch will keep the last time it synced with your phone. It may drift slightly over days or weeks without reconnection, but it won't jump to a completely wrong time. Reconnecting and opening the app will resync it.
Does changing the time affect my activity tracking or sleep data?
No. Changing the time on your watch does not erase or alter your existing activity or sleep records. Your data stays intact, though future entries will be timestamped with the new time.
Why does my watch show a different time than my phone?
This usually means automatic sync is off. Turn it back on in the Fitbit app Clock settings, and your watch will match your phone within seconds. If sync is on and they still differ, your phone's time may be wrong—check your phone's clock settings.
Do I need to change the time manually when daylight saving time happens?
No, if automatic sync is on. Your phone updates its clock automatically for daylight saving time, and your watch follows. If you have automatic sync off, you'll need to manually adjust the time when daylight saving occurs.