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

Your Fitbit syncs time automatically when you first set it up, but if the time drifts or you travel across time zones, you can adjust it in two ways: through the Fitbit mobile app (the fastest method for most people) or directly on your device. The app method works for all Fitbit models. The on-device method varies slightly depending on whether you have a Fitbit with a touchscreen, buttons, or a combination of both.

The time usually corrects itself within a few minutes of syncing with your phone, so if you have just crossed a time zone, try syncing first before manually changing anything. If the time stays wrong after a sync, follow one of the methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the simplest way to change the time: open the app, tap your profile picture, select your device, and toggle the automatic time zone setting off and on again, or manually set the time in device settings.
  • On Fitbit devices with a touchscreen (Sense, Versa, Inspire), swipe to Settings, tap Time, and choose your time zone or manually enter the time.
  • On Fitbit devices with buttons only (Charge, Alta, Flex), hold the button to enter the menu, navigate to Settings, and adjust the time using the button controls.
  • Automatic time zone detection works when your phone's location services are on and your Fitbit is synced with the app.
  • If manual changes do not stick, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds, then sync again with the app.

Changing the time through the Fitbit app on your phone

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap your profile picture in the top-left corner (or bottom-right on some versions). Select your Fitbit device from the list. Scroll down to find "Time Zone" or "Time" in the device settings. If you see an automatic time zone toggle, turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on—this forces a refresh and usually corrects the time when ready.

If automatic time zone is already off or toggling it does not work, tap "Time Zone" and select your current location from the list. The app will update your device the next time it syncs, which happens automatically when your Fitbit is near your phone. To sync right away, pull down on the main screen of the app (on most models) or tap the sync icon if one appears.

Some older Fitbit models do not have a time zone setting in the app. If you cannot find it, try the on-device method instead, or check whether your Fitbit model supports automatic time adjustment by searching the Fitbit support site for your specific device name.

Changing the time on a Fitbit with a touchscreen

On Fitbit Sense, Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, Inspire 2, and Inspire 3, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu. Tap the gear icon to enter full Settings. Swipe down until you see "Time" and tap it. You will see options for time zone or a manual time entry field, depending on your model.

If you want automatic time zone detection, make sure your phone's location services are turned on and your Fitbit is synced with the app. If you prefer to set the time manually, tap the time field and use the plus and minus buttons (or swipe up and down on some models) to adjust the hours and minutes. Tap the checkmark or back arrow to save your change.

Changing the time on a Fitbit with buttons only

On Fitbit Charge 5, Charge 4, Charge 3, Alta, Alta HR, Flex 2, and similar button-based models, hold down the main button (usually on the side or bottom) for about 3 seconds until the menu appears. Use the button to navigate down through the menu options until you reach "Settings." Press the button to enter Settings, then navigate to "Time" or "Clock."

Once you are in the Time menu, you will see options to adjust hours and minutes. Press the button to move to the next field (hours to minutes, for example), and hold the button to increase the number, or tap it repeatedly to cycle through. When the time is correct, hold the button again to save and exit. If you do not see a Time option in Settings, your model may only support automatic time adjustment through the app.

What to do if the time keeps reverting or not changing

If you change the time but it reverts to the wrong time after a few minutes, your Fitbit is likely syncing with the app and overwriting your manual change. Check the Fitbit app to see whether automatic time zone is turned on. If it is, either leave it on and change your phone's time zone setting instead, or turn it off in the app and make your change on the device again.

If the time still will not stick, restart your Fitbit by holding the main button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see a restart message or the screen goes blank. Wait for the device to power back on, then make your time change again. After restarting, avoid opening the app for at least 2 minutes to prevent an when ready sync that might override your change.

Syncing your Fitbit after changing the time

Changes made on your device sync to the app automatically when your Fitbit is within Bluetooth range of your phone (usually 30 feet). If you want to sync when ready, open the Fitbit app and pull down on the main screen, or look for a sync button or icon. On some phones, you may need to swipe down from the top of the app screen instead.

If you made the change in the app, your Fitbit will receive the update the next time it syncs. This usually happens within a few minutes, but you can force a sync by opening the app while your device is nearby. If your Fitbit and phone are not syncing at all, check that Bluetooth is on on your phone, that you are logged into the Fitbit app, and that your device is not in airplane mode.

Time zone changes when traveling

When you travel to a new time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically if automatic time zone detection is on in the app and your phone's location services are enabled. This usually happens within an hour of landing, but you can speed it up by opening the Fitbit app to force a sync.

If automatic detection does not work, turn off automatic time zone in the app, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. If that fails, manually select your new time zone from the list in the app or on your device. Some older Fitbit models do not support automatic time zone changes, so check your device settings to see what options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit time keep changing back to the wrong time?

Your Fitbit is syncing with the app and overwriting your manual change. Check whether automatic time zone is on in the Fitbit app. If it is, either turn it off before making changes, or change your phone's time zone instead. If automatic time zone is off, restart your Fitbit and avoid syncing for a few minutes after you make the change.

Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?

Yes. On touchscreen models, swipe to Settings, tap Time, and adjust your time zone or time manually. On button-based models, hold the main button to open the menu, navigate to Settings, then Time, and use the button to adjust. However, if automatic time zone is on in the app, your device will override manual changes when it syncs.

My Fitbit does not have a Time option in Settings. What do I do?

Some older Fitbit models only support automatic time adjustment through the app. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for "Time Zone." Make sure automatic time zone is on and your phone's location services are enabled. If you still cannot find a time setting, your model may not support manual time changes.

How long does it take for a time change to sync to my Fitbit?

Changes made in the app sync automatically within a few minutes when your Fitbit is near your phone. You can force an when ready sync by opening the app and pulling down on the main screen. Changes made directly on your device sync the next time the app opens or when you manually trigger a sync.

Do I need to restart my Fitbit to change the time?

No, a restart is not necessary for a normal time change. However, if your time change is not sticking or the device is not responding, restart by holding the main button for 10 to 15 seconds. This can clear temporary glitches that prevent time updates from taking effect.