The quickest way to set the correct time
The time on your Fitbit updates automatically if your phone is nearby and connected. If it is not updating on its own, you can change it manually through the Fitbit app on your phone — this takes about one minute and works the same way across all Fitbit models.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but both routes go through the Fitbit app rather than through the device itself. Your Fitbit does not have a settings menu you can access directly on the watch or band.
If your time is wrong and you cannot use the app method — for example, if you do not have your phone with you — you can also reset your Fitbit to factory settings, which will pull the correct time from your phone the next time they sync. This is a heavier step and should only be your choice if the app method does not work.
Key Takeaways
- Your Fitbit syncs the time automatically from your phone whenever they are connected, so the fastest fix is often just to open the Fitbit app and wait a few seconds.
- If automatic sync does not work, you can manually set the time in the Fitbit app under your device settings, a process that takes less than a minute.
- The steps are slightly different on iPhone and Android, but both start by opening the Fitbit app and tapping your device name.
- Daylight saving time changes happen automatically on most Fitbits as long as your phone is set correctly, so you do not need to adjust manually twice a year.
How to change the time on iPhone
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the device you want to adjust — the name of your specific Fitbit model will appear at the top of the list.
Scroll down until you see "Time" or "Time Zone" depending on your Fitbit model. Tap it, and you will see options to set the time manually or to turn on automatic time sync. If automatic sync is already on, toggle it off and back on to force an when ready update. If you want to set the time by hand, tap the time field and use the plus and minus buttons to adjust the hours and minutes.
Once you have set the time, tap the back arrow or swipe left to return to the previous screen. The change should appear on your Fitbit within a few seconds.
How to change the time on Android
Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon, which is usually in the bottom right but may appear as three horizontal lines depending on your Android version. Select your device from the list.
Look for "Time" or "Time Zone" in the device settings. Tap it to open the time adjustment screen. You will see a toggle for automatic time sync — if it is already on, turn it off and back on to force the app to pull the current time from your phone when ready. If you need to set the time manually, tap the time field and adjust the hours and minutes using the plus and minus buttons.
Save your changes by tapping the checkmark or back button. Your Fitbit should show the new time within seconds.
Why your Fitbit time might be wrong
The most common reason is that your Fitbit has not synced with your phone recently. Fitbits do not keep perfect time on their own — they rely on periodic syncs with your phone to stay accurate. If you have not opened the Fitbit app in several days, or if your phone and Fitbit were not in Bluetooth range of each other, the time can drift.
A second reason is that automatic time sync is turned off. This sometimes happens after a factory reset or if you manually disabled it in settings. Turning it back on will fix the problem the next time your devices sync.
Time zone changes can also cause confusion. If you travel to a different time zone and your phone updates automatically but your Fitbit does not, it is usually because the sync has not happened yet. Open the Fitbit app and wait a few seconds for them to connect.
What happens during daylight saving time
Your Fitbit will adjust automatically for daylight saving time as long as your phone is set correctly and the two devices have synced since the time change. You do not need to manually adjust anything.
If your Fitbit is still showing the old time after daylight saving time has passed, it means the sync has not happened yet. Open the Fitbit app, wait for the connection to complete, and the time will update on its own.
When to reset your Fitbit instead
If you have tried the manual time adjustment and the app method and your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, a factory reset may help. This erases all data on your device and returns it to its original state, which forces it to pull fresh information from your phone including the correct time.
To reset your Fitbit, go to the Fitbit app, tap your device, scroll to the bottom, and look for "Clear User Data" or "Factory Reset" depending on your model. Tap it and confirm. Your Fitbit will restart and sync with your phone, pulling the correct time in the process.
Be aware that a factory reset will erase your activity history, heart rate data, and any custom watch faces you have set. You will need to set up your device again from scratch, so only do this if the simpler methods have not worked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit time keep changing on its own?
Your Fitbit is syncing with your phone and pulling the time from it. If your phone time is wrong, your Fitbit will be wrong too. Check that your phone is set to the correct time and time zone, then open the Fitbit app to let them sync.
Can I set the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?
No. Fitbits do not have a settings menu on the device itself. You must use the Fitbit app on your phone to change the time. The device relies on your phone to stay accurate.
What if my Fitbit and phone are not syncing?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices and they are within about 30 feet of each other. Close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it. If they still will not sync, restart both your phone and your Fitbit by turning them off and back on.
Does my Fitbit automatically adjust for time zones when I travel?
Yes, as long as your phone updates to the new time zone automatically and your Fitbit syncs with your phone after you arrive. If your phone does not auto-update time zones, you will need to change it manually, and then open the Fitbit app to sync.
Will changing the time affect my activity data or step count?
No. Changing the time only changes what the clock displays. Your step count, heart rate data, and activity history are stored separately and will not be affected by adjusting the time.