Change the time in the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit app. Open the app on your phone, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, then select your device from the list. Scroll down to find "Clock" or "Time Zone" — the exact name depends on your Fitbit model — and tap it. Choose your time zone from the list, and the time updates automatically within a few seconds.

If you don't see a time zone option in the app, your Fitbit syncs time automatically from your phone's settings. In that case, check that your phone's time is correct first. Go to your phone's Settings, find Date & Time, and make sure "Set automatically" is turned on. Your Fitbit will match your phone's time the next time they sync.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits update their time automatically from your phone when they sync, so you may not need to do anything.
  • If your Fitbit shows the wrong time, open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, find your device, and look for a Clock or Time Zone setting.
  • Some older Fitbit models require you to change the time directly on the device using the buttons, not through the app.
  • After changing the time, make sure your Fitbit and phone are close enough to sync — usually within 30 feet — so the change takes effect.

When your Fitbit doesn't sync automatically

Fitbits that don't have a Clock setting in the app usually sync time from your phone automatically. If your device is showing the wrong time and you've already checked your phone's time, the issue is usually that your Fitbit hasn't synced recently. Open the Fitbit app and pull down on the screen to force a sync. Keep your phone and Fitbit within 30 feet of each other while they connect.

If syncing doesn't fix it, restart both devices. Close the Fitbit app completely, turn off your phone's Bluetooth, wait 10 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on and reopen the app. If your Fitbit has a power button, hold it for 10 seconds to restart the device. This clears any connection problems that might be preventing the time from updating.

Older Fitbit models that use device buttons

Some older Fitbits — particularly the Fitbit Charge HR, Fitbit Surge, and original Fitbit Flex — don't have a time zone setting in the app. Instead, you change the time directly on the device using its buttons. The exact steps vary by model, but the general process is: hold down the button on your Fitbit until you see a clock icon or time display, then use the buttons to navigate to the time setting and adjust the hours and minutes.

Check your device's manual for the exact button sequence, since each model is different. You can find the manual by searching "[Your Fitbit model] user manual" online, or by opening the Fitbit app, going to your profile, selecting your device, and scrolling to find a help or manual link.

Daylight saving time changes

If you live in a place that observes daylight saving time, your Fitbit should update automatically when the time changes — as long as your phone updates automatically and your devices sync afterward. Most phones in the United States, Canada, and Europe update their time automatically on the day the change happens. Your Fitbit will match that change the next time it syncs.

If your Fitbit is still showing the old time after daylight saving time has passed, force a sync by opening the Fitbit app and pulling down on the screen. If that doesn't work, manually change your time zone in the Fitbit app to the correct one, then change it back. This sometimes forces the app to resync the time.

Traveling across time zones

When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit updates automatically if your phone does. Most phones detect your location and change the time zone automatically when you land, especially if you have location services turned on. Your Fitbit will sync to the new time the next time it connects to your phone.

If your Fitbit is still showing your home time zone after you've traveled, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and manually select the correct time zone. You can also turn off automatic time zone detection on your phone and set it manually — this sometimes helps if your phone isn't detecting the new location. Once you change the time zone in the app, force a sync by pulling down on the home screen.

What to do if the time keeps changing back

If you change the time but it reverts to the wrong time after a few minutes, your Fitbit is syncing with your phone and overwriting your change. This means your phone's time is still wrong. Check your phone's Settings, go to Date & Time, and make sure the time is correct and set to update automatically. If your phone is set to manual time, change it to automatic.

If your phone's time is correct but your Fitbit keeps changing back, unpair and re-pair your devices. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove This Device." Then open the Fitbit app again and follow the pairing steps to reconnect. This clears any conflicting settings that might be causing the time to reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?

Your Fitbit hasn't synced with your phone yet. Keep them within 30 feet of each other and open the Fitbit app to force a sync. If they're already paired and close together, restart both devices by closing the app and restarting your Fitbit's power button.

Can I change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour?

Yes, on most newer Fitbits. Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and look for a "Clock Format" or "Time Format" option. Choose between 12-hour and 24-hour display. Older models may not have this option and will use whatever format your phone uses.

Does changing the time affect my activity tracking?

No. Changing the time zone or clock time does not erase your activity history or change how your steps and workouts are recorded. Your Fitbit stores activity data with timestamps, so the history stays accurate even if you adjust the display time.

What if my Fitbit still shows the wrong time after I've synced it?

Unpair your Fitbit from the app and re-pair it. Go to your profile in the Fitbit app, select your device, scroll down, and tap "Remove This Device." Then set up the pairing again from scratch. This resets the connection and usually fixes persistent time problems.