Change the time through the Fitbit app on your phone

The fastest way to change your Fitbit's time is through the Fitbit mobile app. Open the app, tap your profile icon, select your device, and look for "Time Zone" or "Time" in the settings. Choose your time zone from the list, and your Fitbit will sync to the correct time within a few seconds. This method works for almost all Fitbit models and requires no manual adjustment on the device itself.

If you recently moved to a different time zone or switched between daylight saving time and standard time, the app will update your Fitbit automatically once you change the setting. The sync happens over Bluetooth, so make sure your phone is near your Fitbit and both devices have Bluetooth enabled.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the primary way to change your device's time — open your profile, select your device, and adjust the time zone in settings.
  • Your Fitbit syncs the new time over Bluetooth within seconds, so keep your phone and device close during the change.
  • Some older Fitbit models allow manual time adjustment directly on the device using the side button, though this is less common on newer models.
  • If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, restart both your device and the app, then try the sync again.

Manual time adjustment on the device itself

Older Fitbit models like the Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Blaze have a manual time setting built into the device. Press and hold the side button until you see the settings menu, then navigate to "Time" using the button. You can adjust the hours and minutes directly on your wrist, though this method is slower than using the app and is not available on newer models like the Fitbit Sense or Fitbit Inspire.

If your Fitbit has this feature, the manual method is useful if your phone's Bluetooth is not working or if you need to change the time without opening the app. However, you will still need to sync your device to your phone afterward to ensure all your activity data is recorded with the correct timestamps.

Restart your Fitbit if the time won't update

If you changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still displays the wrong time, restart both devices. On your Fitbit, hold the side button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, then release. On your phone, close the Fitbit app completely and reopen it after 30 seconds.

Once both devices have restarted, open the Fitbit app and check that the time zone is still set correctly. Your Fitbit should sync again and display the correct time. If the problem persists, check that your phone's Bluetooth is turned on and that your Fitbit is within 30 feet of your phone.

Daylight saving time and automatic updates

Most Fitbit models automatically adjust for daylight saving time if you have set your time zone correctly in the app. When daylight saving time begins or ends in your region, your Fitbit will shift forward or backward by one hour without any action on your part. This automatic adjustment only works if your phone's time zone is also set correctly, since your Fitbit relies on your phone to know when the change occurs.

If your Fitbit did not adjust for daylight saving time, check that your phone's time zone matches your current location. Some phones allow you to set the time zone manually, which can override the automatic setting. Changing your phone's time zone back to automatic will usually fix the problem on your Fitbit as well.

Traveling to a new time zone

When you travel to a different time zone, update your Fitbit's time zone setting in the app before or after you arrive. Open the app, go to your device settings, and select the new time zone from the list. Your Fitbit will sync within seconds and begin recording your activity with the correct local time.

If you forget to change the time zone before traveling, your Fitbit will continue to record activity in your home time zone until you update it. This does not affect the accuracy of your step count or other metrics — only the timestamps on your activity log will be off. You can change the time zone back to your home location when you return, and all your travel data will remain in your Fitbit's history.

Check your Fitbit model if you are unsure how to proceed

Different Fitbit models have slightly different menu layouts and settings options. If you cannot find the time zone setting in your app, check the model name on your device or in your Fitbit account. You can find this information by opening the Fitbit app, tapping your profile icon, and looking at the device list — your model name will appear next to your device.

Fitbit's official support website has step-by-step guides for each model, including screenshots of the exact screens you will see. Searching for your model name plus "change time" will usually bring up the correct instructions. If your device is very old or no longer supported, the app may not have a time zone setting, and you will need to adjust the time manually on the device itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I changed it in the app?

Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone yet. Make sure Bluetooth is on, your phone is near your device, and the Fitbit app is open. Restart both your phone and Fitbit, then check the time zone setting again. If the problem continues, try unpairing and re-pairing your Fitbit in the app.

Can I change the time on my Fitbit without using the app?

Older models like the Fitbit Charge 2 allow manual time adjustment on the device itself using the side button. Newer models require the app. If your Fitbit does not have a manual time setting, you must use the app to change the time zone.

Does changing the time zone affect my activity history?

No. Changing the time zone only updates the timestamps on your future activity. Your past steps, heart rate, and other data remain the same — only the clock time shown in your activity log will change to reflect your new location.

What if my Fitbit is not syncing with my phone?

Check that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices, that you are within 30 feet of each other, and that the Fitbit app has permission to use Bluetooth on your phone. Restart both devices and try syncing again. If syncing still fails, remove your Fitbit from your phone's Bluetooth settings and re-pair it through the Fitbit app.