The quickest way to update your Fitbit's 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 picture, select your device, scroll to "Time Zone", and choose your location. The device syncs automatically within a few minutes and displays the correct time.
If you do not have the Fitbit app or prefer not to use it, you can also change the time directly on some Fitbit models using the device buttons, though this method is slower and works differently depending on which Fitbit you own. Most people find the app method simpler because it handles time zones automatically and does not require remembering button sequences.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app syncs your time zone automatically when you select your location in the Time Zone settings.
- Your Fitbit updates its time within a few minutes of syncing with the app, so you do not need to manually enter hours and minutes.
- If you move to a different time zone, changing your location in the app updates your device time without any extra steps.
- Some older Fitbit models let you adjust time using device buttons, but the app method works on all current models.
Using the Fitbit app to change your time zone
Start by opening the Fitbit app on your phone and making sure you are logged into your account. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen. You will see a list of your devices — select the Fitbit you want to update.
Scroll down until you find "Time Zone" in the device settings. Tap it and choose your current location from the list. The app will show you time zones organized by region and city. Once you select your location, the app saves the change automatically. Your Fitbit will sync with your phone within a few minutes and display the new time.
If you travel frequently or move to a new time zone, you can repeat this process whenever you need to. The app remembers your location, so if you return to a place you have lived before, you can select it again without re-entering details.
What happens during the sync process
After you change your time zone in the app, your Fitbit does not update when ready. Instead, it waits for the next sync — the moment when your device communicates with the app to exchange data. This usually happens within a few minutes if your phone and Fitbit are close together and both have Bluetooth turned on.
You can speed up the sync by opening the Fitbit app and swiping down on the home screen, which forces an when ready sync. After syncing completes, check your Fitbit's display to confirm the time has changed. If the time still shows the old zone after five minutes, try turning Bluetooth off and back on, then open the app again.
Changing time on Fitbit models without the app
Older Fitbit models like the Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Blaze have a manual time adjustment feature built into the device itself. To use it, you typically hold down the side button until you see a settings menu, then navigate to "Time" using the buttons. The exact steps vary by model, so check your device manual if you are unsure which buttons to press.
Manual adjustment requires you to enter the hour and minute separately, which takes longer than using the app. You also have to remember to change it yourself if you travel, whereas the app does this automatically based on your phone's location. For this reason, the app method is recommended whenever possible.
Why your Fitbit time might be wrong
If your Fitbit shows the wrong time even after you have changed the time zone, the most common cause is that it has not synced with your phone yet. Make sure Bluetooth is on, open the Fitbit app, and swipe down to force a sync. Wait a few minutes and check again.
Another reason the time might be incorrect is if your phone's time zone is set wrong. Your Fitbit pulls its time zone information from your phone, so if your phone thinks you are in a different location, your Fitbit will too. Check your phone's settings and make sure the time zone matches where you actually are. On most phones, you can turn on automatic time zone detection, which updates based on your location.
If you recently changed your phone's time zone but your Fitbit has not updated, try restarting the Fitbit app or restarting your phone. Occasionally the connection between the two devices needs to be refreshed before the change takes effect.
Daylight saving time and your Fitbit
When daylight saving time begins or ends, your Fitbit should update automatically if you are using the app method. The app knows when daylight saving time changes in your region and adjusts the time accordingly during the next sync. You do not need to do anything — the change happens in the background.
If your Fitbit does not update when daylight saving time changes, force a sync by opening the app and swiping down. If it still shows the wrong time after syncing, check that your phone's time zone is set to update automatically. Your Fitbit cannot adjust for daylight saving time if your phone is not set up to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change the time on my Fitbit when I travel?
No. If you change your phone's time zone when you travel, your Fitbit will update automatically the next time it syncs with the app. You do not need to manually adjust anything on the device itself.
Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?
This usually means your Fitbit has not synced with your phone since you changed the time zone. Open the Fitbit app and swipe down to force a sync. If the times still do not match after five minutes, restart the app or turn Bluetooth off and back on.
Can I set a custom time that is not a real time zone?
No. The Fitbit app only lets you choose from actual time zones. If you need a time that does not match a standard zone, you would have to manually adjust it on older Fitbit models that support manual time entry, but most current models do not have this option.
What if the time zone I need is not in the app?
The Fitbit app includes all standard time zones worldwide. If you cannot find your location, try searching by the nearest major city or by the time zone name (like "Eastern Standard Time"). If your area observes daylight saving time, make sure you select the correct zone for the current season.