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, scroll to "Clock" or "Time Zone", and choose your new time zone or manually set the hours and minutes. The change syncs to your device within seconds.

If you don't have the app or prefer not to use it, most Fitbit models also let you change the time directly on the device itself using the buttons or touchscreen, though this method is slower and works differently depending on your model.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the easiest method: go to your profile, select your device, find the clock settings, and choose your time zone or set the time manually.
  • Your Fitbit syncs time automatically when you first pair it with your phone, so you only need to change it manually if you move time zones or your phone's time is wrong.
  • On older Fitbit models without an app option, you can press and hold buttons on the device itself to access the time settings, though the exact steps vary by model.
  • If your Fitbit shows the wrong time after you change it, restart the device by unplugging the charger and plugging it back in after 10 seconds.

Changing the time through the Fitbit app

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner (or top left on some versions). From there, select the Fitbit device you want to adjust. Scroll down until you see "Clock" or "Time Zone"—the label depends on your device model.

If you want to change only the time zone, tap that option and select your new zone from the list. If you need to set the exact time manually, look for a "Set Time" or "Time" option instead. Enter the hours and minutes, then confirm. The app will send the update to your device when ready.

Your phone's time zone and the Fitbit app's time zone should match for this to work smoothly. If they don't, the device may revert to your phone's time zone the next time it syncs.

Changing the time directly on your Fitbit device

Not all Fitbit models support time changes through the app. Older trackers like the Fitbit One, Fitbit Zip, and some Fitbit Flex versions require you to adjust the time on the device itself using the buttons.

The exact steps depend on your model. For most button-based devices, press and hold the button on the side or bottom of the tracker until a menu appears. Look for a "Settings" or "Clock" option, then use the buttons to navigate to the time setting. Press the button again to enter edit mode, then use the buttons to increase or decrease the hours and minutes. Press to confirm each change.

If your Fitbit has a touchscreen (like the Fitbit Versa or Sense), swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, tap the gear icon, scroll to "Clock" or "Time", and adjust from there. The exact menu structure varies slightly between models, so check your device's manual if you get stuck.

Why your Fitbit time might be wrong

Your Fitbit syncs its time automatically when you first pair it with your phone. If the time is wrong, the most common cause is that your phone's time is set incorrectly. Check your phone's clock first—if it's wrong, fix that and your Fitbit should correct itself the next time it syncs (usually within a few minutes).

If you've traveled across time zones, your Fitbit may not update automatically depending on your model and app settings. Some newer Fitbits detect your location and adjust the time zone on their own, but older models require manual adjustment. Manually setting the time zone in the app is the most reliable way to fix this.

Daylight saving time changes can also cause confusion. Your phone usually updates automatically, but your Fitbit may lag behind by a day or two. Manually updating the time zone in the app will force an when ready sync.

Restarting your Fitbit if the time won't update

If you've changed the time but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, a restart often fixes the problem. Plug your Fitbit into its charger, wait 10 seconds, then unplug it. Wait another 10 seconds and plug it back in. This forces the device to restart and re-sync with your phone.

After the restart, open the Fitbit app and check that your time zone is still set correctly. If the time is still wrong after a restart, unpair your device from the app (go to your profile, select the device, and tap "Unpair"), then pair it again from scratch. This forces a complete re-sync and usually resolves persistent time issues.

Time settings for different Fitbit models

Fitbit's newer models—Versa, Sense, Inspire, and Charge series—all use the same app-based time adjustment method described above. These devices have touchscreens or larger displays, so the on-device menu is easier to navigate if you need to change the time manually.

Older trackers like the Fitbit One, Zip, Flex, and original Charge use button-based controls and may not support time changes through the app at all. For these models, you'll need to use the on-device buttons. If you're not sure which model you have, check the back of your device or look it up in the Fitbit app under your device settings.

If your Fitbit is very old (more than five years), it may no longer sync with the current version of the Fitbit app. In that case, check whether your device is still supported by visiting Fitbit's official support page and searching your model number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Fitbit automatically update the time when I travel?

Newer Fitbit models with GPS and location services may update automatically, but most require manual adjustment. The safest approach is to change the time zone in the Fitbit app before or after you travel. Older models never update automatically and always need manual adjustment.

What if the time zone option doesn't appear in my Fitbit app?

Your device may not support app-based time changes. Try adjusting the time directly on the device using its buttons or touchscreen. If that doesn't work, your Fitbit model may be too old to support time zone changes. Check your device manual or contact Fitbit support with your model number.

Will changing the time affect my activity tracking or sleep data?

No. Changing the time zone or clock time will not erase or alter your existing activity or sleep records. Your data is timestamped when it's recorded, so adjusting the clock afterward only affects how future activities are labeled with the time of day.

Why does my Fitbit keep reverting to the wrong time?

This usually happens because your phone's time is set incorrectly, and your Fitbit syncs to match it. Check your phone's clock and correct it if needed. If your phone is correct but your Fitbit still reverts, restart your device by unplugging and replugging the charger, then update the time zone in the app again.

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

Yes, on most newer models. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and look for "Clock Format" or "Time Format". You can usually choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military time) display. Older models may not have this option and will use whatever format they were designed with.