The quickest way to change your Fitbit's time
The fastest way to change the time on your Fitbit is through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app, tap your profile picture, select your device, scroll to "Time Zone," and choose your location. The device syncs automatically within a few minutes, and the time updates without you touching the watch or band.
If you do not have the app or prefer not to use it, most Fitbit models let you change the time directly on the device itself, though the steps vary by model. Some older Fitbits require a computer connection to Fitbit.com instead. The method you use depends on which Fitbit you own and whether it has a touchscreen.
Your Fitbit should update the time automatically when you cross time zones, as long as the app is installed and your phone's location services are on. If the time stays wrong after a sync, a manual change through the app usually fixes it.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app is the easiest way to change time zones — open your profile, find your device settings, and select the correct time zone.
- Most Fitbit models sync the time automatically from your phone within a few minutes of opening the app.
- If your Fitbit has a touchscreen, you can change the time directly on the device by holding down the button and navigating to settings.
- Older Fitbit models without touchscreens may require you to change the time through Fitbit.com on a computer.
- If the time does not update after syncing, restart the app or restart your Fitbit to force a fresh sync.
Changing the time through the Fitbit app
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Select the Fitbit device you want to adjust — if you have multiple devices, make sure you choose the right one. Scroll down until you see "Time Zone" and tap it.
A list of time zones appears. Find your location or the time zone you need and tap it. The app sends the change to your Fitbit within a few minutes. You do not need to do anything else — the device receives the update automatically as long as Bluetooth is on and your phone is nearby.
If you do not see a "Time Zone" option in your device settings, your Fitbit model may pull the time directly from your phone instead. In that case, make sure your phone's time is correct, and the Fitbit will match it after the next sync.
Changing the time directly on your Fitbit device
If your Fitbit has a touchscreen — like the Sense, Versa, or Ionic — you can change the time without the app. Hold down the button on the left side of the device until the settings menu appears. Swipe down to find "Settings" and tap it, then look for "Time" or "Time Zone."
Select your time zone from the list. The device updates when ready. This method works even if your phone is not nearby, but the app method is usually faster because you do not have to navigate a small screen.
Fitbit models without touchscreens — like the Charge or Inspire — do not have an on-device settings menu. These devices rely entirely on the app or a computer connection to change the time.
What to do if your Fitbit time does not update
If you changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, force a sync. Close the Fitbit app completely and open it again. This tells your device to pull the latest settings from your phone.
If that does not work, restart your Fitbit. The restart method depends on your model — for most devices, hold the button on the side until you see a restart screen, then confirm. After the restart, open the app and let it sync again.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and your phone is within 30 feet of your Fitbit. If the time still does not change after a restart and a fresh sync, the device may have a software issue. Check the Fitbit app for any available updates to your device's firmware.
Changing the time on older Fitbit models through a computer
Some older Fitbit models — particularly those released before 2015 — do not have the time zone setting in the app. Instead, you change the time through Fitbit.com on a computer. Log into your Fitbit account, go to your device settings, and look for "Time Zone" or "Clock."
Select your time zone and save the change. Plug your Fitbit into the USB charger that came with it, and connect it to the computer. The device syncs with your account and updates the time. This method is slower than using the app, but it works for devices that do not support app-based time changes.
If you no longer have access to a computer or the USB charger, consider upgrading to a newer Fitbit model. Newer devices are designed to work entirely through the app and do not require a computer connection.
Why your Fitbit time might be wrong in the first place
Your Fitbit time goes wrong most often when you travel across time zones and the app does not update automatically. This happens if location services are turned off on your phone, if Bluetooth disconnected during travel, or if the app has not synced in several hours.
The device can also show the wrong time if you manually changed your phone's time instead of letting it update automatically. Fitbit reads your phone's time zone setting, not the actual time on your phone's clock. If your phone is set to the wrong time zone, your Fitbit will be too.
Battery drain can also cause time issues on older models. If your Fitbit's battery is very low, it may lose the correct time until you charge it and sync again.
Keeping your Fitbit time accurate while traveling
Before you travel, make sure location services are on in your phone's settings. This lets the Fitbit app detect your location and update the time zone automatically. Open the app at least once per day while you are traveling to keep everything in sync.
If you are traveling to a place where your phone cannot connect to the internet, manually change your phone's time zone before you leave. Your Fitbit will sync to that setting as soon as you open the app again.
When you return home, the app updates your time zone back automatically as long as location services are on. You do not need to do anything — just make sure the app syncs at least once after you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Fitbit update the time automatically when I travel?
Yes, if location services are on in your phone's settings and the Fitbit app is installed. The app detects your location and updates the time zone automatically. If the time does not change after you arrive, open the app and let it sync — this usually takes a few minutes.
Can I change the time on my Fitbit without the app?
It depends on your model. Fitbits with touchscreens can change the time directly on the device through the settings menu. Fitbits without touchscreens require the app or a computer connection. Check your device manual to see which method applies to your model.
What if my Fitbit shows the wrong time even after I synced?
Close the app completely and reopen it to force a fresh sync. If that does not work, restart your Fitbit by holding the side button until you see the restart screen. After the restart, open the app again and let it sync. Make sure Bluetooth is on and your phone is nearby.
Do I need to change the time manually when I travel?
No, the app handles it automatically if location services are on. However, if you are traveling to a place without internet, you can manually change your phone's time zone before you leave, and your Fitbit will sync to that setting.
Why does my Fitbit time not match my phone?
Your Fitbit reads your phone's time zone setting, not the actual time displayed. If your phone's time zone is wrong, your Fitbit will be too. Check your phone's settings and make sure the time zone is correct, then open the Fitbit app to sync.