Change the time on your Fitbit through the mobile app or on the device itself
Your Fitbit watch normally syncs the time automatically when you first set it up and whenever it connects to your phone. If the time is wrong — usually after a time zone change or a dead battery — you can fix it in two ways: through the Fitbit app on your phone, or directly on the watch if your model supports it. The app method works for all Fitbit watches. The on-device method is faster but only available on certain models like the Sense, Versa, and Ionic.
The time should correct itself within a few minutes of syncing with your phone. If it does not, the watch may have lost its connection or the app may need to refresh. Restarting the sync usually solves the problem without any manual time entry.
Key Takeaways
- Most Fitbit watches sync the time automatically from your phone, so check that Bluetooth is on and the app is up to date before changing anything manually.
- The Fitbit app on your phone is the most reliable way to change the time and works on all watch models.
- Some watches like the Sense, Versa, and Ionic let you change the time directly on the device through the Settings menu.
- If the time still does not update after syncing, restart both the watch and the app, then sync again.
Change the time through the Fitbit mobile 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 and tap "Time Zone" or "Time" depending on your app version. Choose your time zone from the list, or if you are traveling and want to set a specific time, look for a manual time option. Tap Save or Confirm.
After you save, the app will sync with your watch within a few seconds. The time on your watch should update when ready. If it does not appear to change, close the app completely and reopen it, then check the watch again. Sometimes the display takes a moment to refresh.
This method works on all Fitbit models, including older ones that do not have on-device settings menus. It is also the fastest way if you are changing time zones while traveling, because you only need to update one setting instead of navigating the watch screen.
Change the time directly on your Fitbit watch
If you own a Fitbit Sense, Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, Ionic, or Inspire 2, you can change the time without opening the app. Swipe down from the top of the watch face to open the quick settings menu. Tap the gear icon to enter Settings. Scroll down and select "Time" or "Time Zone."
Choose your time zone from the list that appears. If your watch offers a manual time option, you can set the hour and minute by tapping the plus or minus buttons. Once you have selected the correct time, tap the checkmark or back button to save. The watch will update the display within seconds.
Older Fitbit models like the Charge 4, Charge 5, and Inspire do not have this on-device menu. For those watches, you must use the mobile app to change the time. Check your watch manual or the Fitbit website to see whether your specific model supports on-device time settings.
Sync your watch after changing the time
After you change the time through the app or on the device, make sure your watch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Open the Fitbit app and swipe down on the home screen to manually trigger a sync. You should see a spinning icon while the sync is in progress.
Wait for the sync to finish — it usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Once the icon stops spinning, the time on your watch should match the time on your phone. If the times still do not match, close the Fitbit app completely, wait 10 seconds, and reopen it. Then try syncing again.
If you changed the time on the watch itself, syncing ensures that your phone and watch are in agreement. This prevents confusion when you check your activity history or receive notifications, since the timestamps depend on both devices having the same time.
Restart your watch if the time will not update
If the time still shows incorrectly after syncing, restart your Fitbit. The restart method depends on your model. For most watches, hold the back button or the button on the left side of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait for the watch to power back on.
For Fitbit Inspire or Charge models, you may need to hold a different button or use a specific button combination. Check your device manual for the exact steps. After the restart is complete, open the Fitbit app and sync again. The time should now be correct.
A restart clears temporary glitches that can prevent the watch from accepting time updates. It is a safe troubleshooting step that does not erase your activity data or settings — it straightforward resets the watch's connection to your phone.
Check your phone's time and Bluetooth connection
Before you assume your Fitbit is broken, verify that your phone is showing the correct time. Open your phone's Settings app and check the date and time. Make sure "Automatic date and time" or "Set automatically" is turned on. If your phone's time is wrong, your Fitbit will sync to the wrong time as well.
Also check that Bluetooth is on and that your Fitbit is paired with your phone. In your phone's Bluetooth settings, look for your Fitbit device in the list of connected devices. If it is not there, unpair it and pair it again. Open the Fitbit app and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect your watch.
A loose Bluetooth connection is the most common reason a Fitbit does not sync time updates. If your phone and watch are not communicating, the watch cannot receive the correct time from your phone's clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit time keep changing back to the wrong time?
Your watch may not be syncing with your phone regularly. Make sure Bluetooth is on, the Fitbit app is open at least once a day, and your phone's time is set to automatic. If the problem continues, restart both your phone and your watch, then sync again. A persistent sync problem may mean your watch needs to be re-paired with your phone.
Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?
Only if your watch model has an on-device settings menu — the Sense, Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, and Ionic do. Charge and Inspire models require the mobile app. Check your device manual to see whether your model supports on-device time settings.
What should I do if my Fitbit is in a different time zone than my phone?
Change the time zone in the Fitbit app to match your phone's time zone. Your watch will sync to that time zone the next time it connects to your phone. If you are traveling and want your watch to show local time, update your phone's time zone first, then sync your Fitbit.
How long does it take for the time to update after I change it?
The time should update within a few seconds of syncing. If you changed it on the watch itself, the change is when ready. If you changed it in the app, the watch needs to sync with your phone first, which usually takes less than a minute.
Will changing the time erase my activity data?
No. Changing the time or time zone does not delete your steps, heart rate, sleep data, or any other information stored on your watch. Your data remains intact and is straightforward timestamped with the new time going forward.