The fastest way to set the time on your Garmin
Most Garmin watches update the time automatically when they connect to your phone via Bluetooth. If your watch shows the wrong time, the quickest fix is to open the Garmin Connect app on your phone, go to your device settings, and toggle the automatic time setting off and back on. This forces a resync within a few seconds.
If automatic sync does not work or you do not have your phone nearby, you can change the time directly on the watch itself. The exact steps depend on which Garmin model you own — the menu structure differs between running watches like the Forerunner series, outdoor watches like the Epix, and fitness trackers like the Vivosmart. But the core process is the same: find the settings menu, locate the time or system settings, and adjust the hour and minute manually.
Key Takeaways
- Garmin watches normally set their time automatically through your phone, so check that Bluetooth is on and the Garmin Connect app is up to date before changing anything manually.
- If automatic time is not working, turning the setting off and back on in the Garmin Connect app usually fixes the problem in seconds.
- Manual time changes on the watch itself are done through the settings menu, but the exact path varies by watch model.
- Some Garmin watches let you set a second time zone for travel without changing your primary time.
Syncing time automatically through your phone
When your Garmin watch pairs with your phone, it pulls the correct time from your phone's clock automatically. This happens in the background whenever Bluetooth is active and the Garmin Connect app is running. If your watch time drifts or shows the wrong time after a long period without syncing, reconnecting usually fixes it.
Open the Garmin Connect app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select your device. Scroll to find the time or system settings section. Look for an option labeled "Automatic Time" or "Set Time Automatically" and make sure it is turned on. If it is already on, toggle it off, wait five seconds, and toggle it back on. Your watch should sync within a minute.
If the time still does not update, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that your watch is within range. Also verify that the Garmin Connect app has permission to access your phone's location and time settings — on Android, this is in Settings > Apps > Garmin Connect > Permissions, and on iPhone, it is in Settings > Garmin > Location.
Changing the time manually on your watch
If you need to set the time without your phone or if automatic sync is not available on your model, you can adjust it directly on the watch. The starting point is always the settings menu, but how you reach it depends on your watch type.
On Forerunner running watches (like the Forerunner 255 or 955), press the Menu button (usually on the left side of the watch), scroll down to Settings, and select System. Look for Time or Date & Time and press Select. Use the up and down buttons to change the hour, press Select to move to the minutes, adjust those the same way, and press Start to save.
On Epix and Fenix outdoor watches, the process is similar but the menu structure is slightly different. Press Menu, go to Settings, select System, then Time. Adjust the hour and minute using the up and down buttons, and press Start to confirm.
On Vivosmart and other fitness trackers, press and hold the Menu button to open settings, scroll to Time, and adjust using the side buttons. The exact button names vary, so check your watch face for labels.
Setting a second time zone for travel
Many Garmin watches let you set a second time zone without changing your primary time. This is useful if you travel frequently or work across time zones. The second time zone appears on a separate watch face or in a widget that you can swipe to.
In the Garmin Connect app, go to your device settings and look for Time Zone or World Clock. Add a second time zone by selecting the city or region you want. On the watch itself, you can usually access this second time by swiping to the World Clock widget or by creating a custom watch face that displays both times. Check your specific model's manual to see whether this feature is available — older Garmin watches may not support it.
Why your Garmin time might be wrong
Garmin watches lose time accuracy if they have not synced with your phone in several days or if Bluetooth was off during a software update. The watch itself does not receive GPS time signals the way some outdoor devices do — it relies entirely on your phone for the correct time. If your phone's clock is wrong, your watch will be wrong too.
Another common cause is that you manually changed the time on your watch and then forgot to turn automatic sync back on. Once you set the time manually, the watch stops updating it automatically until you re-enable that setting in the Garmin Connect app.
If your watch keeps losing time even after syncing, the battery may be low. Garmin watches use less power when the battery is critically low, and timekeeping is sometimes deprioritized. Charge your watch fully and sync again.
Daylight saving time and automatic adjustments
Garmin watches that sync with your phone automatically adjust for daylight saving time when your phone does. You do not need to change anything manually — the watch follows your phone's clock.
If you travel to a different time zone, your watch will update automatically if location services are on and the Garmin Connect app can detect your new location. If you want to keep your watch on your home time zone while traveling, turn off automatic time in the Garmin Connect app before you leave, and your watch will stay on the time you set manually.
Troubleshooting when the time will not change
If you have tried to change the time and it is not sticking, first check whether automatic time is still on. Even if you manually set the time, automatic sync will override it within a few minutes. Turn off automatic time in the Garmin Connect app, make your manual change on the watch, and leave automatic time off if you want the change to stay.
If the watch is not responding to button presses in the settings menu, try restarting it. Hold the Power button (or the button labeled Power/Start) for 10 seconds until the watch shuts down, then press it again to turn it back on. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes lock the menu.
If you still cannot access the settings menu, your watch may need a software update. Connect it to your phone via Bluetooth, open the Garmin Connect app, and check for updates in the device settings. After updating, try changing the time again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Garmin watch keep showing the wrong time after I change it?
Automatic time sync is probably still on and overriding your manual change. Open the Garmin Connect app, go to your device settings, and turn off automatic time. Then change the time on your watch again. The time will stay as you set it until you turn automatic sync back on.
Can I set my Garmin watch to a different time zone than my phone?
Not directly — your watch syncs to your phone's time zone. But many Garmin watches have a second time zone feature that displays an additional clock without changing your primary time. Check the Garmin Connect app for a World Clock or Time Zone setting to add a second location.
Does my Garmin watch update automatically when daylight saving time changes?
Yes, if automatic time is on and your phone updates for daylight saving time. Your watch will sync and adjust automatically. If you turn off automatic time, you will need to change it manually when the time changes.
What do I do if my Garmin watch is stuck on the wrong time and will not sync?
Restart your watch by holding the Power button for 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure Bluetooth is on and your phone is nearby. Open the Garmin Connect app and check that it has permission to access your phone's location and time. If the problem persists, check for a software update in the app's device settings.
Can I set the time on my Garmin without the app?
Yes. Press the Menu button on your watch, go to Settings, select System, then Time or Date & Time. Use the up and down buttons to adjust the hour and minute, then press Start to save. The exact menu path varies by model, so check your watch manual if you cannot find these options.