Change the time through the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to update your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit mobile app, which syncs the correct time automatically in most cases. Open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, select your device, and scroll to "Time Zone." Choose your current time zone from the list. The app will then push the correct time to your Fitbit within a few seconds.

If you've recently traveled or your region switched to daylight saving time, this is the method to use. The app handles the adjustment without you having to manually enter numbers on the device itself. After you change the time zone, your Fitbit will display the correct local time the next time it syncs with your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app's time zone setting is the simplest way to update your device's time and works for most users.
  • Your Fitbit syncs time automatically when connected to your phone via Bluetooth, so manual time entry is rarely necessary.
  • If the app method doesn't work, you can restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears.
  • Some older Fitbit models like the Charge HR and Surge require manual time adjustment through the device itself, not the app.
  • Daylight saving time changes happen automatically once you update your time zone in the app.

Why your Fitbit time might be wrong

Your Fitbit displays an incorrect time for a few common reasons. If you recently traveled across time zones, your device kept the old time until you updated the setting. If your phone's Bluetooth connection dropped for an extended period, your Fitbit may not have synced the current time. Daylight saving time transitions can also leave your Fitbit behind if the automatic update didn't trigger.

The device itself doesn't have a built-in clock that stays accurate over time—it relies on syncing with your phone to stay current. This is why restarting your Fitbit and reconnecting it to your phone often fixes time problems without any manual adjustment needed.

Restart your Fitbit if the time won't update

If changing the time zone in the app didn't work, restart your Fitbit to force a fresh sync with your phone. The restart method depends on your model. For most current Fitbits (Inspire, Charge, Sense, Versa), hold down the button on the left side of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, then release. The device will power off and back on.

After the restart completes, open the Fitbit app on your phone and make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Your Fitbit will sync automatically and pull the correct time from your phone. Wait 30 seconds to a minute for the sync to finish before checking the time on your wrist.

Manual time adjustment for older Fitbit models

Older Fitbit models like the Charge HR, Surge, and some Flex versions don't sync time through the app and require manual adjustment on the device itself. To change the time on these models, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for a "Time" or "Clock" option. Tap it and use the plus and minus buttons to set the hours and minutes to your current local time.

These older devices won't automatically update for daylight saving time, so you'll need to manually adjust them twice a year if your region observes the change. Check your device's manual or the Fitbit support website if you're unsure whether your model supports automatic time syncing through the app.

Check your phone's time zone setting

Before troubleshooting your Fitbit, verify that your phone itself has the correct time zone set. Your Fitbit pulls its time from your phone, so if your phone is set to the wrong time zone, your Fitbit will be wrong too. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, then Date & Time, and make sure "Set Automatically" is turned on. On Android, open Settings, go to System, then Date & Time, and toggle "Automatic date & time" on.

Once your phone's time is correct, open the Fitbit app and update your device's time zone setting. Your Fitbit should sync within seconds and display the right time.

Reconnect your Fitbit to your phone if it won't sync

If your Fitbit isn't syncing with your phone at all, the Bluetooth connection may have been lost. Open the Fitbit app and look for a "Sync Now" button, usually found on the device screen in the app. Tap it to force an immediate sync. If that doesn't work, unpair your Fitbit from your phone and set it up again.

To unpair, go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, find your Fitbit in the list of connected devices, and select "Forget" or "Remove." Then open the Fitbit app and follow the setup steps to reconnect your device. This process typically takes two to three minutes and will restore the Bluetooth connection so your Fitbit can sync time and data again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I changed the time zone?

Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone yet. Open the Fitbit app and tap "Sync Now" to force an immediate update. If it still shows the wrong time after syncing, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds, then sync again.

Do I need to manually change my Fitbit's time for daylight saving time?

No, if your Fitbit syncs through the app. Once you update your phone's time zone setting, your Fitbit will automatically adjust for daylight saving time the next time it syncs. Older models like the Charge HR require manual adjustment twice a year.

Can I set a different time zone on my Fitbit than my phone?

No. Your Fitbit always uses the time zone you set in the Fitbit app, which is tied to your phone's location and settings. If you need a different time displayed, you would need to change your phone's time zone first.

What if my Fitbit still shows the wrong time after restarting?

Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that the Fitbit app has permission to access Bluetooth. If the problem persists, unpair your Fitbit from your phone and set it up again. This usually fixes sync issues that a simple restart doesn't resolve.