The quickest way to update your Fitbit's time
Your Fitbit syncs its time automatically when you open the Fitbit app on your phone, so the fastest fix is to open the app, let it connect to your device, and wait a few seconds. If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after that, you can manually set it in the app's device settings. The process differs slightly depending on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but both take less than a minute once you know where to look.
Most of the time, your Fitbit falls behind or jumps ahead because it lost its connection to your phone's time source. This happens after a long flight, a factory reset, or if the app hasn't synced in several days. The manual method below will fix it in either case.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Fitbit app and let it sync with your device — this usually corrects the time automatically without any manual steps.
- If the time is still wrong after syncing, go to your device settings in the app and look for a time or clock option.
- On iPhone, tap the gear icon, select your device, scroll to Time Zone, and choose your location.
- On Android, the steps are similar but the menu names vary slightly — look for Device Settings or Clock in your device's profile.
- If your Fitbit still won't update after manual adjustment, restart both the app and your device, then sync again.
How to change the time on iPhone
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon (usually a gear or person symbol) at the bottom right of the screen. Find your device in the list — it will show the model name like "Fitbit Charge 5" or "Fitbit Sense 2". Tap on it to open that device's settings.
Scroll down until you see Time Zone. Tap it and select your current time zone from the list. The app will show your region (for example, "America/New_York" or "Europe/London"). Once you select it, the app sends the update to your Fitbit within a few seconds. Your device should now display the correct time.
If you don't see a Time Zone option, your Fitbit model may use a simpler setup. In that case, look for Set Device Time or just Time in the same settings menu. Tap it and confirm your time zone the same way.
How to change the time on Android
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon at the bottom right. Select your device from the list. On Android, the settings menu is sometimes labeled Device Settings instead of a gear icon — look for whichever appears next to your device name.
Scroll down to find Time Zone or Clock. Tap it and choose your current time zone from the list provided. Android Fitbit apps sometimes organize this under Advanced Settings if you don't see it in the main device menu. Once you select your time zone, the app syncs the change to your watch or tracker when ready.
Some older Fitbit models on Android do not have a time zone menu at all. If you cannot find one after scrolling through all available settings, try closing the app completely, restarting your phone, and opening the app again. This forces a fresh sync that often corrects the time on its own.
Why your Fitbit time gets out of sync
Your Fitbit stores its own internal clock, but it relies on your phone to keep that clock accurate. Every time the app syncs, it checks your phone's time and updates the device if there is a difference. If you travel across time zones without opening the app, or if your phone's time is set incorrectly, your Fitbit will show the wrong time until the next sync.
Factory resets and long periods without syncing can also cause drift. If you reset your Fitbit or haven't opened the app in weeks, the device's internal clock may have drifted slightly, and it will not correct itself until you manually set the time zone again.
What to do if the time still won't change
Close the Fitbit app completely — on iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe the app away; on Android, go to Settings, Apps, Fitbit, and tap Force Stop. Wait 10 seconds, then reopen the app and let it sync for at least 30 seconds. This clears any stuck data that might be preventing the update.
If the time is still wrong after that, restart your phone entirely. Turn it off, wait 5 seconds, and turn it back on. Open the Fitbit app again and check whether the time has corrected. A full phone restart often resolves sync issues that a straightforward app close does not.
If you have tried both steps and the time remains incorrect, check that your phone's own time is set correctly. Go to your phone's Settings, find Date & Time, and make sure it is set to automatic or to the correct time zone. Your Fitbit cannot be more accurate than the phone it syncs with.
Syncing your Fitbit after a time change
When you travel across time zones or when daylight saving time begins or ends, your Fitbit should update automatically the next time you open the app. You do not need to manually change anything — just open the app and let it sync for a few seconds. The device will read your phone's current time zone and adjust itself.
If you are traveling and want to make sure your Fitbit updates before you land, open the app while still on the plane (in airplane mode if needed) and let it sync. Once you land and turn off airplane mode, the app will sync again and correct the time to your new location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I synced it?
Your phone's time may be set incorrectly. Check your phone's Settings and confirm the date and time are right. If your phone is correct but your Fitbit is still wrong, close the Fitbit app completely, restart your phone, and sync again. This usually fixes stuck time data.
Do I need to change the time manually when I travel?
No. Open the Fitbit app after you arrive and it will detect your new time zone automatically. You only need to manually set the time if the app fails to sync or if you want to change it before traveling.
Can I set the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?
Most Fitbit models do not have a time-setting option on the device itself — you must use the app. A few older models have a settings menu on the watch, but even those sync with the app for accuracy. Use the app method described above for the fastest and most reliable result.
What if my Fitbit is not connecting to the app at all?
If the app will not sync, the time cannot be updated. Restart both your phone and your Fitbit (hold the button on the device for 10 seconds until you see a restart screen). Then open the app and try syncing again. If it still will not connect, contact Fitbit support — this is a pairing issue, not a time issue.