Change the time directly in the Fitbit app on your phone
The fastest way to fix your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit app itself. Open the app on your phone, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, then select your device from the list. Scroll down until you see "Time Zone" and tap it. Choose your time zone from the list — the app will automatically set the correct time once you select it.
This method works for almost all Fitbit models: Charge 5, Sense, Versa 3, Inspire 3, and others. The change syncs to your watch or band within a few seconds. You do not need to restart your device or manually enter a time.
If you cannot find the Time Zone option, your device may be set to sync time automatically from your phone. In that case, check that your phone's time is correct first — your Fitbit will match it. You can verify this by going back to your device settings in the app and looking for an "Auto-Sync Time" toggle.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and choose Time Zone to change the time automatically.
- Most Fitbit devices sync time from your phone, so if your Fitbit shows the wrong time, check that your phone's time is correct first.
- The time change takes effect within seconds and does not require restarting your device.
- If you travel across time zones, you only need to change your time zone in the app — you do not have to manually adjust the time.
- Some older Fitbit models may require you to adjust time through the device itself rather than the app, though this is rare.
Adjust time on your Fitbit device if the app method does not work
If your Fitbit has a screen and buttons, you can change the time directly on the device. Press and hold the back button (or the button on the left side, depending on your model) until you see the settings menu. Look for "Time" or "Clock" in the menu and tap or press to select it. You should see options to adjust the hour and minute — use the buttons to change each one.
This method is slower than using the app and is usually only necessary if your Fitbit is not syncing with your phone properly. After you change the time on the device, open the Fitbit app and sync your device by pulling down on the screen — this ensures the app knows about the change.
Check your phone's time and time zone settings
Your Fitbit pulls its time from your phone by default, so if your watch shows the wrong time, your phone may be the real problem. Go to your phone's Settings app, find Date and Time (or Clock), and make sure the time is correct. Check that "Set Automatically" or "Auto-Sync Time" is turned on — this setting tells your phone to get the correct time from your mobile network.
If your phone's time is wrong and auto-sync is on, restart your phone. Sometimes the network connection drops and your phone stops updating. After the restart, open the Fitbit app and let your device sync — it should pick up the correct time within a minute.
If you have recently traveled, your phone may have switched to the wrong time zone automatically. Check the time zone setting in your phone's Date and Time menu and change it to match where you are now. Your Fitbit will follow once it syncs.
Sync your Fitbit after making time changes
After you change the time in the Fitbit app, your device should sync automatically within a few seconds. If it does not, you can force a sync by opening the app, going to your device settings, and pulling down on the screen. Wait for the spinning icon to stop — this means the sync is complete.
On some devices, you can also sync by opening the Fitbit app and closing it completely, then opening it again. This triggers a background sync that updates your device with any changes you made in the app.
What to do if the time keeps changing back
If you set the time and it reverts to the wrong time later, your Fitbit is probably syncing with your phone's incorrect time. The real fix is to correct your phone's time first. Go to your phone's Settings, find Date and Time, and make sure the time is right and auto-sync is on.
If your phone's time is correct but your Fitbit keeps showing the wrong time, try unpairing and re-pairing your device. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove This Device." Then open the app again and follow the steps to add your Fitbit back. During the setup, make sure you select the correct time zone.
If the problem persists after re-pairing, your Fitbit may have a software issue. Check the Fitbit website to see if there is a firmware update available for your model. Updates sometimes fix time-related bugs.
Daylight saving time and automatic adjustments
When daylight saving time starts or ends, your Fitbit should adjust automatically if you have auto-sync turned on. Your phone receives the time change from your mobile network, and your Fitbit syncs with your phone. You do not need to do anything manually.
If your Fitbit does not adjust when daylight saving time changes, check that your phone adjusted correctly first. Sometimes phones in areas that do not observe daylight saving time do not update, or your phone's auto-sync setting is off. Once your phone is correct, open the Fitbit app and force a sync by pulling down on the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?
Your Fitbit syncs time from your phone, so if they show different times, your phone's time is probably wrong. Check your phone's Date and Time settings and make sure auto-sync is on. If your phone is correct, force a sync in the Fitbit app by pulling down on the screen.
Can I set a custom time that is not my actual time zone?
No. The Fitbit app only lets you choose from real time zones. If you want your Fitbit to show a different time than your actual location, you would have to change your phone's time zone, but this affects all your apps and is not recommended.
Does changing the time zone affect my activity history?
No. Your activity data is stored with timestamps, so changing your time zone does not erase or move your workouts. The app will display your past activities in the new time zone, but the data itself stays the same.
What if I cannot find the Time Zone setting in the Fitbit app?
Make sure you are on the latest version of the Fitbit app — older versions may not have the Time Zone option. Go to your phone's app store and check for updates. If you are up to date and still cannot find it, try unpairing your device and re-pairing it, which sometimes restores missing settings.
Do I need to change the time manually when I travel?
No. When you travel to a new time zone, your phone automatically updates to the local time (if auto-sync is on), and your Fitbit syncs with your phone. You only need to make sure your phone's time zone is set correctly for where you are.