The quickest way to change your Fitbit's time
The fastest route depends on which Fitbit model you own. Most Fitbits update the time automatically when they sync with your phone, so if you just changed time zones or your phone's clock is correct, you may not need to do anything. If your Fitbit's time is still wrong after syncing, you can adjust it manually through the Fitbit app on your phone in about two minutes.
The Fitbit app is where all manual time changes happen — there is no way to change the time directly on the device itself. You will need the Fitbit app installed on your phone (iOS or Android) and your Fitbit paired to that phone.
Key Takeaways
- Most Fitbits sync with your phone and update their time automatically, so check that your phone's time is correct first.
- Manual time changes happen only in the Fitbit app, not on the device itself.
- The steps differ slightly between Fitbit Inspire, Charge, Sense, and Versa models, but all use the same app menu.
- If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after you change it in the app, restart both your phone and your Fitbit.
How to change the time in the Fitbit app
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Scroll down and select your device name. Look for a section called "Device" or "Settings" — the exact label varies by Fitbit model. Tap into that section and find the option for "Time" or "Clock".
Once you are in the time settings, you will see your current time zone and the option to change it. Select your correct time zone from the list. Some Fitbits also let you toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour format in this same menu. After you make your change, tap Save or Done. Your Fitbit should sync with your phone within a few seconds, and the time on your device will update.
If you do not see a time or clock option in your device settings, your Fitbit model may update time automatically only and does not have a manual override. This is common on older Inspire models and some Charge models. In that case, make sure your phone's time is set correctly and restart both devices.
Why your Fitbit time might be wrong in the first place
The most common reason is that your Fitbit has not synced with your phone since you changed time zones or your phone's clock changed. Fitbits rely on their paired phone to know what time it is — they do not have their own GPS or internet connection. If you travel across time zones and your phone updates automatically, your Fitbit should follow within the next sync.
A second reason is that your phone's time is set to manual instead of automatic. If your phone is not set to update its time automatically, your Fitbit will stay stuck on whatever time your phone is showing. Check your phone's settings: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on "Set Automatically"; on Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time and turn on "Automatic date & time".
Occasionally a Fitbit will straightforward fail to sync even though it is paired. This usually clears itself within an hour, but if it persists, try restarting your Fitbit. The restart method depends on your model — some require you to hold the button for 10 seconds, others require you to unplug them from the charger and plug them back in. Check your device manual or the Fitbit support site for your specific model.
Syncing your Fitbit after you change the time
After you change the time in the app, your Fitbit should sync automatically within a few seconds if it is nearby and Bluetooth is on. You do not need to do anything else. If the time still has not changed after 30 seconds, try opening the Fitbit app again and tapping the sync button (usually a circular arrow icon at the top of the app).
If syncing still does not work, restart your Fitbit. The steps vary: Fitbit Inspire models usually restart by plugging them into the charger for 10 seconds and unplugging; Charge and Sense models restart by holding the button on the side for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo; Versa models restart by holding the back button for 10 seconds. After the restart, open the Fitbit app and sync again.
What to do if the time keeps reverting
If you change the time in the app but it keeps going back to the wrong time, your Fitbit may be syncing with a phone that has the wrong time set. This happens most often when you have the Fitbit app installed on more than one phone. Check all phones that have the Fitbit app and make sure they all show the same correct time. Your Fitbit will sync with whichever phone it connects to most recently.
Another possibility is that your Fitbit is set to sync with a phone that is still in a different time zone. If you travel and leave your Fitbit paired to an old phone that stayed behind, your Fitbit may keep syncing with that phone and reverting to its time zone. Unpair your Fitbit from any old phones you no longer use. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and look for an "Unpair" or "Remove Device" option.
Time zone changes when you travel
When you cross a time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically if your phone updates automatically. Most phones do this on their own — iOS updates when you land if location services are on, and Android updates based on your carrier's network. Your Fitbit will follow within the next sync.
If your Fitbit does not update after you travel, manually change your phone's time zone first, then sync your Fitbit. Go to your phone's date and time settings, make sure "Automatic" is on, and let your phone detect your new location. Then open the Fitbit app and sync. If your Fitbit still shows the old time, use the manual time change steps described earlier in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?
No. Fitbits do not have a built-in menu for changing the time on the device itself. All time changes must go through the Fitbit app on your phone. The device relies on your phone to know what time it is.
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even though my phone is correct?
Your Fitbit has not synced with your phone yet. Open the Fitbit app and tap the sync button. If it still does not update after 30 seconds, restart your Fitbit by unplugging it or holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds, then sync again.
What happens to my Fitbit's time if I do not sync for a week?
Your Fitbit will keep the time it last synced, even if a week passes. It does not have a real-time clock that runs independently. Once you sync again, it will update to your phone's current time.
Does changing the time affect my Fitbit's activity tracking or sleep data?
Changing the time zone may shift when your Fitbit thinks certain activities happened, but it does not erase or change the data itself. If you change the time in the middle of the day, activities logged before the change will still be recorded — they may just appear under a different clock time in your history.
My Fitbit is paired to an old phone I no longer use. How do I stop it from syncing with that phone?
Open the Fitbit app on the old phone, go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Unpair" or "Remove Device." Then pair your Fitbit only with your current phone. Your Fitbit will sync only with the phone it is currently paired to.