The quickest way to set the time on your Fitbit
Most Fitbits set the time automatically when you first sync them to your phone. The device pulls the correct time from your phone's clock through the Fitbit app, so you do not have to enter it manually. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time, the fastest fix is to open the Fitbit app on your phone, go to your device settings, and tap "Sync Now" — this usually corrects the time within seconds.
If automatic sync does not work, you can adjust the time manually through the Fitbit app. The steps differ slightly depending on which Fitbit model you own and whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but the general process is the same across devices.
Key Takeaways
- Most Fitbits sync the time automatically from your phone when you first set up the device, so manual adjustment is rarely needed.
- If the time is wrong, open the Fitbit app, find your device settings, and tap "Sync Now" to pull the correct time from your phone.
- Manual time adjustment is available in the Fitbit app under device settings, though the exact menu location varies by Fitbit model.
- Time zone changes — such as when traveling — usually update automatically when your phone's time zone changes, but you can force a sync if needed.
Setting the time during initial Fitbit setup
When you first turn on a new Fitbit, the device does not have the correct time. You will pair it with the Fitbit app on your phone, and during that pairing process, the app automatically sends your phone's current time to the Fitbit. This happens without any action on your part — you straightforward follow the app's setup prompts and the time syncs in the background.
If you skip this step or the sync fails during setup, you can sync the time later by opening the Fitbit app, tapping your profile icon, selecting your device, scrolling to the bottom, and tapping "Sync Now." Your Fitbit will connect to your phone and pull the correct time.
How to manually adjust the time in the Fitbit app
If your Fitbit continues to show the wrong time after syncing, you can adjust it manually. Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select the Fitbit device that needs adjustment.
Scroll down to find "Clock" or "Time" in the device settings — the exact label depends on your Fitbit model. Tap that option and you will see fields to enter the hour and minute. Use the plus and minus buttons to set the correct time, then tap "Save" or "Confirm." The change will sync to your device within a few seconds.
Some older Fitbit models do not have a manual time adjustment option in the app. If you cannot find a clock or time setting after scrolling through the full device menu, your model likely requires you to sync through the app instead, or to adjust the time directly on the device itself using its buttons.
Adjusting time on the Fitbit device itself
A few Fitbit models allow you to adjust the time directly on the device without using the app. This is most common on Fitbit watches like the Versa and Sense series. To do this, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, find "Settings," and look for a "Clock" or "Time" option.
Use the device's buttons or touchscreen to change the hour and minute, then confirm the change. The time will update on your watch face when ready. However, most basic Fitbit trackers (like the Charge or Inspire series) do not have this option and require you to adjust the time through the app instead.
Why your Fitbit time might be wrong
The most common reason a Fitbit shows the wrong time is that it has not synced with your phone recently. Fitbits rely on periodic syncs to stay accurate — they do not have their own GPS or internet connection. If your phone's Bluetooth is off, or if you have not opened the Fitbit app in several days, your device may drift out of sync.
Time zone changes also cause problems. When you travel to a different time zone, your phone's clock updates automatically (if you have automatic time zone adjustment turned on), but your Fitbit does not update until the next sync. Opening the Fitbit app and tapping "Sync Now" will fix this within seconds.
If your Fitbit consistently shows the wrong time even after syncing, the device may have a software issue. Try restarting your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo, then release. After the restart, open the app and sync again.
Syncing across multiple devices and time zones
If you own multiple Fitbits or switch between devices, each one syncs independently with the Fitbit app. When you switch to a different Fitbit, open the app, tap your profile icon, and select the device you want to use. The app will sync that device's time with your phone's current time.
If you travel frequently and move between time zones, you do not need to manually adjust your Fitbit each time. As long as your phone's time zone setting is set to "Automatic," your phone will update to the local time zone, and your Fitbit will sync to that new time the next time you open the app or trigger a manual sync.
Troubleshooting when the time still will not sync
If you have tried syncing multiple times and your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that the Fitbit app has permission to access your phone's location and time settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure it is on. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit and check that location permission is granted.
If Bluetooth is on and permissions are set correctly, try closing the Fitbit app completely and reopening it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher, find Fitbit, and swipe up to close it. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit and tap "Force Stop," then reopen the app. After reopening, tap "Sync Now" again.
If the problem persists, restart both your phone and your Fitbit. Restart your phone normally, then restart your Fitbit by holding its button for 10 to 15 seconds. Once both devices are back on, open the Fitbit app and sync. This resolves most time sync issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?
Your Fitbit only updates its time when it syncs with your phone through the Fitbit app. If you have not opened the app in a while, or if Bluetooth is off, your Fitbit may be behind. Open the Fitbit app and tap "Sync Now" to pull the correct time from your phone when ready.
Does my Fitbit automatically update when I travel to a new time zone?
Not automatically — your Fitbit updates only when it syncs with your phone. If your phone's time zone is set to automatic, it will update to the local time zone when you arrive. Open the Fitbit app and sync to update your Fitbit to match. If your phone's time zone is set manually, you will need to change it yourself before syncing.
Can I set a 12-hour or 24-hour time format on my Fitbit?
Yes, most Fitbit models let you choose between 12-hour and 24-hour time format. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for "Clock Format" or "Time Format." Select your preferred format and tap save. The change syncs to your device within seconds.
What if my Fitbit will not sync no matter what I do?
Try restarting both your phone and your Fitbit, then check that Bluetooth is on and the Fitbit app has location permission. If syncing still fails, uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app — this often fixes persistent sync problems. You will not lose your data; it is stored on Fitbit's servers and will reappear when you log back in.