Set the time manually through the Fitbit app

Your Fitbit syncs time automatically when you first pair it with your phone, but you can change it manually if the time drifts or you travel across time zones. The fastest way is through the Fitbit app on your phone — open the app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and look for "Time Zone" or "Time" in the settings. Choose your time zone from the list, and the device updates within a few seconds.

If you do not see a time zone option in your device settings, your Fitbit may sync time only through your phone's clock. In that case, changing your phone's time zone will change your Fitbit's time automatically the next time they sync. This happens whenever your Fitbit is within Bluetooth range of your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits sync time automatically from your phone and update it when you change time zones through the Fitbit app.
  • If your Fitbit does not have a dedicated time zone setting, changing your phone's time zone will sync to the device on the next connection.
  • Some older Fitbit models require you to unpair and re-pair the device to force a time sync if the app setting does not work.
  • Daylight saving time changes happen automatically on Fitbits that support time zone settings, with no manual adjustment needed.

Adjust time zone when you travel

When you cross time zones, your Fitbit should update automatically if location services are on and your phone's time zone changes. However, if your device still shows the wrong time after your phone updates, open the Fitbit app and manually select your new time zone from the settings menu. The change takes effect when ready.

Some Fitbit models — particularly older Charge or Flex versions — do not have a time zone setting in the app. If yours does not, the only way to update the time is to change your phone's time zone. Your Fitbit will sync to that time the next time Bluetooth connects, which usually happens within a few minutes if the device is nearby.

Force a time sync if the app setting does not work

If you changed the time zone in the Fitbit app but your device still shows the wrong time after waiting a few minutes, try disconnecting and reconnecting Bluetooth. Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, forget the Fitbit, then open the Fitbit app and tap the sync button. This forces the device to reconnect and pull the correct time from your phone.

If that does not work, unpair the device completely and re-pair it. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select the device, and choose "Remove This Device." Then go through the pairing process again as if it were new. This resets the time sync and usually fixes the problem. You will not lose your data — it stays in your Fitbit account and syncs back when you re-pair.

Check your phone's time zone settings

Your Fitbit can only show the correct time if your phone's time is correct. Before adjusting your Fitbit, verify that your phone's clock matches your actual location. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure "Set Automatically" is on. On Android, open Settings > System > Date & Time and toggle "Use Network-Provided Time" on.

If automatic time is already on but your phone shows the wrong time, your phone may not have connected to a network recently. Turn airplane mode off, wait a minute for your phone to connect to the network, and the time should update. Once your phone is correct, your Fitbit will sync to the right time on the next connection.

Understand which Fitbit models have time zone settings

Newer Fitbit models — including Sense, Versa 3, Charge 5, and Inspire 3 — have a dedicated time zone setting in the app. Older models like Charge 4, Versa 2, and Inspire 2 may have limited time zone support. The easiest way to know what your device supports is to open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and scroll through the options. If you see "Time Zone," your model has the feature.

If your model does not show a time zone option, it relies entirely on your phone's time. This is not a problem for daily use, but it means you cannot set a different time zone on your Fitbit than on your phone. If you need that flexibility, check whether your device is may be able to access for a software update through the Fitbit app, as some older models gained time zone support through updates.

Daylight saving time updates automatically

If your Fitbit has time zone support, it handles daylight saving time changes automatically. When your region switches to or from daylight saving time, your device updates at the same moment your phone does — no manual adjustment needed. This happens because your Fitbit pulls the time zone rules from your phone's operating system, which includes daylight saving schedules.

If you live in a region that does not observe daylight saving time, your Fitbit will not change its time during the spring or fall transitions. The device respects your time zone setting, so if you are in Arizona or Hawaii, your Fitbit stays on standard time year-round while other regions shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I changed the time zone?

Your phone and Fitbit may not have synced yet. Make sure Bluetooth is on, bring the device close to your phone, and open the Fitbit app to trigger a manual sync. If the time is still wrong after a few minutes, restart your phone and try again. If the problem persists, unpair and re-pair the device.

Can I set my Fitbit to a different time zone than my phone?

No. Your Fitbit always pulls its time from your phone, either through the time zone setting in the app or through your phone's system clock. If you need your Fitbit on a different time than your phone, you would have to change your phone's time zone, which affects all your phone's apps and functions.

Does my Fitbit update automatically when I travel to a new time zone?

Yes, if your phone's time zone updates automatically. Most phones do this when location services are on and they connect to a network in the new region. Your Fitbit syncs to your phone's new time zone within a few minutes. If your phone does not update automatically, you can manually change the time zone in the Fitbit app.

What if my Fitbit is stuck on the old time after daylight saving time?

This usually means your phone did not update to daylight saving time. Check your phone's date and time settings and make sure automatic time is on. Once your phone updates, your Fitbit will sync to the correct time on the next connection. If your phone is correct but your Fitbit is still wrong, try restarting your Fitbit by charging it fully and letting it sit for a few minutes.