Change the time in the Fitbit app on your phone
The fastest way to fix the time on your Fitbit is through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, select your device, and scroll to "Time Zone". Choose your time zone from the list. The Fitbit will sync automatically when it connects to your phone, usually within a few minutes.
This method works for all Fitbit models — Charge, Inspire, Sense, Versa, and others. You do not need to restart the device or manually sync anything. The time updates the next time your Fitbit communicates with the app.
If you travel and your phone automatically changes time zones, your Fitbit will follow. If you want to keep your Fitbit on a different time than your phone, you will need to change the time zone setting in the app instead of letting it auto-detect.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and tap "Time Zone" to change the time.
- The time syncs automatically when your Fitbit next connects to your phone, usually within minutes.
- If your phone's time zone changes automatically when you travel, your Fitbit will update to match.
- Some older Fitbit models may require you to manually sync the device after changing the time zone.
Manual sync if the time does not update
If you changed the time zone but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after waiting a few minutes, force a manual sync. Open the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon, select your device, and scroll to the top. Tap the sync icon (it looks like two arrows in a circle). Wait for the sync to complete — you will see a checkmark when it is done.
Manual sync works best if your phone and Fitbit are close together and Bluetooth is turned on. If the sync fails, try turning Bluetooth off and back on, then syncing again. Restart your Fitbit if the problem continues — hold the button on the side of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo, then release.
Change time zone on your Fitbit without the app
Most newer Fitbit models do not have a time zone setting on the device itself — you must use the app. However, some older models like the Fitbit Ionic and some Versa versions have a settings menu on the watch face itself.
If your Fitbit has a touchscreen, swipe down from the top of the screen to open quick settings. Look for "Settings" and tap it. Scroll to "Time Zone" or "Clock" and select your zone. This method is slower than using the app and is not necessary — the app method works for all models.
What happens when daylight saving time changes
When daylight saving time begins or ends, your Fitbit will update automatically if your phone updates automatically. The Fitbit app checks your phone's time zone setting and syncs to match. You do not need to do anything.
If you manually set your time zone instead of using auto-detect, you will need to change it manually when daylight saving time happens. This is rare — most people leave auto-detect on and let the system handle it.
Fix the time if you changed it by mistake
If you set the wrong time zone, just go back into the Fitbit app and select the correct one. Open the app, tap your profile, select your device, and tap "Time Zone" again. Choose the right zone and the Fitbit will sync within a few minutes. There is no penalty for changing it multiple times.
If you are not sure which time zone you are in, your phone's settings will show you. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time. On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time. Your phone's time zone is the correct one to use in the Fitbit app.
Why your Fitbit time might be wrong
Your Fitbit shows the wrong time for three main reasons: the time zone setting does not match where you are, the device has not synced with your phone recently, or the battery is very low. A Fitbit with a dead battery will lose its time and reset to a default when you charge it again.
If you just got a new Fitbit, it may show the wrong time until you open the app and complete the setup. During setup, the app automatically sets the time zone based on your phone's location. If you skip this step or do not open the app, the Fitbit will not know what time zone you are in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Fitbit automatically change time when I travel?
Yes, if your phone automatically changes time zones when you travel. Your Fitbit syncs to your phone's time zone setting, so it will update when your phone does. If you want your Fitbit to stay on a different time, you can turn off auto-detect in the Fitbit app and manually set the time zone.
What if the Fitbit app will not let me change the time zone?
Make sure you are signed into the Fitbit app with the account that owns the device. If you are using someone else's account, you cannot change settings. Also check that your phone has Bluetooth turned on and is within range of your Fitbit. If the option is still missing, restart the Fitbit app and try again.
Can I set my Fitbit to a time zone that does not exist?
No. The Fitbit app only shows real time zones that are currently in use. You cannot create a custom time or set it to something like "half an hour ahead". You must choose from the list of actual time zones in the app.
Will changing the time affect my activity tracking or sleep data?
Changing the time zone will not erase your data, but it may shift when your Fitbit thinks activities and sleep happened. If you change the time zone after logging an activity, the activity timestamp will stay the same. Future activities will use the new time zone.