Where to find the time setting on your Fitbit

The steps to change your Fitbit's time depend on which model you own and whether you're using the Fitbit app on your phone or the device itself. Most Fitbits sync time automatically from your phone when they're connected via Bluetooth, so the fastest route is often to check your phone's time first — if it's wrong, your Fitbit will update within a few minutes once you open the Fitbit app.

If automatic sync isn't working or you need to set the time manually, the location of the time setting varies. On trackers with a screen (like Charge, Inspire, or Sense models), you'll usually find it in the device settings menu. On older clip-on models without a screen, you must change the time through the Fitbit app on your phone — there's no way to do it directly on the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits update their time automatically from your phone's time when the Fitbit app is open and Bluetooth is on, so checking your phone's clock first often solves the problem.
  • Fitbits with screens let you change the time in the device settings menu, while older models without screens require you to change the time through the Fitbit app.
  • The exact menu path depends on your Fitbit model, but you're usually looking for "Settings" or "Clock" in the main menu.
  • If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after you've changed it, restart the device and make sure Bluetooth is turned on so it can sync with your phone.

Changing the time through the Fitbit app on your phone

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Scroll down and select your device name. Look for a "Time Zone" or "Clock" option — this is where you set the time for your Fitbit. Select your time zone from the list, and the app will send the new time to your device within a few seconds.

If you don't see a time zone option in your device settings within the app, your Fitbit model may rely entirely on automatic sync. In that case, make sure your phone's time is correct, turn Bluetooth on, and open the Fitbit app. Your Fitbit should update to match your phone's time within a minute or two. If it doesn't, try closing and reopening the app, or restart your Fitbit.

Changing the time directly on your Fitbit device

If your Fitbit has a screen, you can usually change the time without using your phone. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the menu, then look for "Settings." Tap Settings and scroll until you find "Clock," "Time," or "Time Zone." Select your time zone or the specific time you want to set. The exact wording and menu structure varies by model — Charge models might say "Time Zone," while Sense models might say "Clock."

After you've made the change, the time should update immediately on your Fitbit's display. If it doesn't, or if the time reverts to the wrong setting after a few minutes, your Fitbit may be set to sync automatically with your phone. In that case, check your phone's time and make sure Bluetooth is on so the devices can communicate.

What to do if your Fitbit time keeps changing back

If you set the time manually but it changes back to the wrong time, your Fitbit is likely set to sync automatically with your phone. This is the default setting on most models. To stop automatic syncing, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for an option like "Sync Time" or "Automatic Time Zone." Turn this off if you want to keep a manual time setting.

However, most people find it easier to leave automatic sync on and simply correct their phone's time instead. This way, your Fitbit will always match your phone without you having to adjust it manually. If you travel across time zones frequently, automatic sync is especially useful — your Fitbit will update as soon as your phone does.

Restarting your Fitbit if the time won't update

If you've changed the time but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, a restart often fixes the problem. To restart your Fitbit, hold down the button on the side or back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait for the device to turn back on — this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.

After the restart, check whether the time has updated. If it still shows the wrong time, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that the Fitbit app is open. Then try syncing manually by swiping down on the Fitbit app's main screen. If the time still won't change after these steps, your Fitbit may have a software issue — try unpairing and re-pairing the device in the Fitbit app.

Time zone changes when you travel

When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit will update automatically if you have automatic time sync turned on in the Fitbit app. As soon as your phone's time changes (either automatically or because you set it manually), your Fitbit will sync to the new time within a few minutes. You don't need to do anything — just make sure Bluetooth stays on.

If you prefer to keep your Fitbit on your home time zone while traveling, turn off automatic sync in the Fitbit app before you leave. Then your Fitbit will keep the original time no matter what time zone your phone is in. To turn automatic sync back on when you return home, go to your device settings in the Fitbit app and toggle "Sync Time" back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?

Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone yet. Make sure Bluetooth is on, open the Fitbit app, and wait a minute or two. If the time still doesn't match, check whether automatic time sync is turned on in your device settings within the app. If it's off, turn it back on or manually set your time zone.

Can I set a custom time on my Fitbit that's different from my phone?

Yes, if your Fitbit has a screen and you turn off automatic time sync in the Fitbit app. Then you can set any time you want directly on the device. However, if automatic sync is on, your Fitbit will always match your phone's time and you won't be able to keep a different time.

What if my Fitbit doesn't have a screen?

Older Fitbit models without screens can only be set through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app, go to your device settings, select your time zone, and the time will update on your device. These models don't have a manual time-setting option on the device itself.

Does restarting my Fitbit erase my data?

No. Restarting your Fitbit only turns it off and back on — it doesn't erase any of your activity data, heart rate records, or settings. Your data is stored on the device and in the Fitbit app, and a restart won't affect either one.