The quickest way to set the 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 in the top left, select your device, then tap the gear icon for settings. Scroll to "Time Zone" and choose your location — the time updates automatically. If you're traveling and need to change it manually, that same menu has a "Set Time" option where you can enter the exact time yourself.
On most Fitbit models, you can also change the time directly on the device itself, though the steps vary by model. Fitbit Charge and Inspire models let you hold the side button to access settings, then navigate to Time using the screen. Fitbit Versa and Sense watches have a settings app you tap from the home screen. The app method is simpler because you don't have to navigate tiny menus on a small screen.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app on your phone is the easiest place to change your time zone or set a manual time — just go to your profile, select your device, and tap settings.
- Your Fitbit syncs time automatically when you select a time zone, so you don't have to enter the time by hand unless you're in a place the app doesn't recognize.
- If you change your time zone while traveling, update it in the app before you leave or as soon as you arrive so your activity tracking stays accurate.
- Some Fitbit models let you change the time on the device itself, but the phone app is faster and less error-prone.
Changing your time zone in the Fitbit app
Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon — it's in the top left corner on most phones. You'll see a list of devices if you have more than one; tap the Fitbit you want to adjust. Tap the gear icon to open settings for that device.
Scroll down until you see "Time Zone" and tap it. The app shows a list of time zones organized by region. Find your current location and tap it. Fitbit automatically calculates the correct time for that zone and updates your device the next time it syncs — usually within a few minutes if your phone and Fitbit are close together and both have a connection.
If you're in a place the app doesn't list or you need to set a specific time that doesn't match your time zone, tap "Set Time" instead of "Time Zone." You can then enter the exact hour and minute manually. This is useful if you're in a location with an unusual time offset or if your device's clock has drifted.
Changing the time directly on your Fitbit device
Most Fitbit trackers and watches let you adjust the time without using your phone, though the steps depend on which model you own. On Fitbit Charge and Inspire models, hold down the side button until you see the settings menu. Use the side button to scroll through options until you reach "Time," then press to select it. You can then adjust the hour and minute using the button.
On Fitbit Versa and Sense watches, swipe down from the top of the screen to open quick settings, then tap the gear icon. Scroll to "Time" and tap it. You'll see options to change the time zone or set the time manually. The watch screen is small, so this method takes longer than using your phone, but it works if you don't have your phone nearby.
After you change the time on your device, sync it with the app to make sure the change sticks. Open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync to complete — you'll see a checkmark when it's done. If the time reverts after syncing, the app's time zone setting is overriding your manual change, so adjust the time zone in the app instead.
Why your Fitbit time matters for tracking
Your Fitbit uses the time to organize your activity data by hour and day. If the time is wrong, your steps, heart rate, and sleep data get logged at the wrong times in the app. This doesn't lose the data, but it makes your daily summary inaccurate — you might see steps recorded at 3 a.m. when you actually took them at 9 a.m.
The time also affects reminders and alarms. If your Fitbit is set to an old time zone and you set an alarm for 7 a.m., it might go off at the wrong time. Updating your time zone before you travel prevents this confusion and keeps your activity log organized by when things actually happened.
Syncing after you change the time
After you change the time in the app or on your device, your Fitbit needs to sync with your phone to confirm the change. Make sure your phone and Fitbit are within 30 feet of each other and that Bluetooth is on. Open the Fitbit app and pull down on the screen to manually sync, or wait a few minutes for it to sync automatically.
You'll see a checkmark or a "Synced" message when the sync is complete. If you don't see this, try closing the app completely and opening it again. If the sync still fails, restart your Fitbit by holding the side button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo, then try syncing again.
Traveling and changing time zones
When you travel to a new time zone, update your Fitbit's time before you leave or as soon as you arrive. If you update it before you leave, your activity data will be timestamped correctly from the moment you land. If you update it after you arrive, your activity from the flight will be logged in your old time zone, but everything after the change will be correct.
The app method is best for travel because you can change your time zone in seconds without fumbling with your device. If you're traveling frequently or crossing multiple time zones, you may want to turn off automatic time zone detection in your phone's settings so your Fitbit doesn't jump between zones unexpectedly. Check your phone's location settings and make sure "Automatic time zone" is on if you want the app to update your Fitbit's time automatically based on your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Fitbit update the time automatically?
Yes, if you set a time zone in the app, your Fitbit updates automatically when you sync. If you travel and your phone's location changes, the app may update your Fitbit's time zone automatically depending on your phone's settings. Manual time changes don't sync automatically — you have to open the app and sync manually after changing the time on the device itself.
What if my Fitbit time is still wrong after I change it?
Make sure the sync completed by checking for a checkmark in the app. If the time reverts, the app's time zone setting is overriding your manual change — go back to the app and adjust the time zone instead of setting the time manually. If syncing fails, restart your Fitbit and try again.
Can I set my Fitbit to a time that doesn't match my actual time zone?
Yes. In the Fitbit app, go to settings for your device and tap "Set Time" instead of "Time Zone." You can enter any time you want. This is useful if you want your Fitbit to show a different time than your phone, though it may cause confusion with your activity log.
Will changing the time erase my activity data?
No. Changing the time zone or adjusting the time does not delete any data. Your steps, heart rate, and sleep information stays on your device — it just gets reorganized by the new time. The data is still there; it's just logged under different hours.
How do I change the time if my Fitbit won't sync with my phone?
Change the time directly on your device using the side button or screen menu. Hold the side button to access settings, scroll to "Time," and adjust it manually. The change will stay on your device even if it doesn't sync with the app, though the app may show the old time until the sync works again.