The quickest way to set the time on your Fitbit

Most Fitbits sync the time automatically from your phone, so you may not need to do anything at all. Open the Fitbit app on your phone, go to your device settings, and check whether "Sync time with phone" or "Automatic time" is turned on. If it is, your Fitbit should show the correct time within a few minutes.

If automatic sync is off, or if your Fitbit is showing the wrong time even with sync enabled, you can set it manually in the app. The steps differ slightly depending on which Fitbit model you own and whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but the process takes less than a minute either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits automatically sync time from your phone, so check your device settings in the Fitbit app before adjusting anything manually.
  • If automatic sync is on but the time is still wrong, restart both your Fitbit and your phone, then wait a few minutes for the sync to complete.
  • To set the time manually on Fitbit Charge, Inspire, or Versa models, open the Fitbit app, tap your device tile, scroll to Time, and enter the correct time.
  • Older Fitbit models like the Flex 2 and Alta do not have manual time settings in the app and rely entirely on automatic phone sync.

Check if automatic time sync is already on

Before you adjust anything, open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select your device from the list, then scroll down to find the time or clock settings. Look for an option that says "Sync time with phone," "Automatic time," or "Set time automatically." If this toggle is already on, your Fitbit should be pulling the correct time from your phone.

If the toggle is on but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, the sync may not have completed yet. Close the Fitbit app completely, wait 30 seconds, then open it again. Some users find that restarting their phone helps the sync go through. Give it a few minutes after restarting before checking your Fitbit's display.

How to manually set the time on Fitbit Charge, Inspire, and Versa

If automatic sync is off or you prefer to set the time yourself, open the Fitbit app and tap your device tile at the top of the screen. Scroll down until you see a "Time" or "Clock" section. Tap on it to open the time settings.

You will see fields for the hour and minute. Tap each field and use the plus and minus buttons to enter the correct time. Make sure you are using the right format — 12-hour or 24-hour — depending on your preference and your device model. Once you have entered the time, tap the checkmark or "Save" button. The change should appear on your Fitbit within a few seconds.

If you do not see a Time option in your device settings, your Fitbit model may not support manual time adjustment. Older models like the Flex 2, Alta, and original Charge rely on automatic sync only and cannot be set manually through the app.

What to do if your Fitbit time keeps changing

If you set the time manually but it keeps reverting to the wrong time, automatic sync is likely still enabled and overriding your manual setting. Go back to your device settings in the Fitbit app and turn off the automatic time sync toggle. Once you do, your manual time setting should stick.

Another reason the time might change is if your phone's time is wrong. Check your phone's clock settings and make sure it is set to the correct time and timezone. If your phone is set to automatic time from your carrier or network, that setting will push through to your Fitbit as well.

Timezone settings on Fitbit devices

Some Fitbit models, particularly the Versa and Sense lines, have a separate timezone setting in addition to the time itself. If you travel or move to a different timezone, you may need to update both the time and the timezone in the app. Open your device settings, find the timezone option, and select your current location from the list.

If your Fitbit app does not show a timezone setting, your device is using the timezone from your phone automatically. Changing your phone's timezone will update your Fitbit as well, usually within a few minutes of sync.

Restarting your Fitbit if time sync is not working

If you have turned on automatic sync but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after waiting several minutes, try restarting your device. The restart method depends on your model. For most Fitbit Charge and Inspire models, hold the button on the side of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see a restart screen or the Fitbit logo appears. For Versa models, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap Settings, scroll to About, and select Restart.

After your Fitbit restarts, open the Fitbit app on your phone and make sure Bluetooth is enabled. The two devices should sync automatically within a minute or two. If the time is still incorrect after this, check that your phone's time and timezone are correct, as your Fitbit can only sync to what your phone is showing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?

Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone yet, or automatic sync may be turned off. Open the Fitbit app, check that sync is enabled, and wait a few minutes. If the time is still different, restart both devices and check that your phone's time is correct — your Fitbit can only match what your phone displays.

Can I set the time on my Fitbit without the app?

No. All Fitbit time adjustments must be made through the Fitbit app on your phone. You cannot set the time directly on the device itself. Some older models like the Flex 2 do not have manual time settings at all and rely entirely on automatic phone sync.

What if my Fitbit model does not have a time setting in the app?

Older Fitbit models like the Flex 2, Alta, and original Charge do not support manual time adjustment. These devices sync time automatically from your phone only. Make sure automatic sync is enabled in your device settings and that your phone's time is correct.

Does changing my phone's timezone update my Fitbit automatically?

Yes, if automatic time sync is enabled. Your Fitbit will pull the new timezone from your phone within a few minutes. Some Fitbit models also have a separate timezone setting in the app that you can adjust independently if needed.

How long does it take for Fitbit to sync the time from my phone?

Time sync usually happens within a few minutes of opening the Fitbit app, as long as Bluetooth is enabled and your phone and Fitbit are close together. If it takes longer than five minutes, try closing and reopening the app, or restart both devices.