The fastest way to change your Fitbit's time

The method depends on which Fitbit model you own. Most Fitbits update the time automatically when your phone's time changes, so the quickest fix is often to check your phone's clock first. If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after that, you can manually set it through the Fitbit app on your phone or through your Fitbit account online.

Fitbits that sync with your phone (Charge, Inspire, Versa, Sense, and most other current models) pull the correct time from your phone during sync. Older Fitbits like the Zip or One may require manual adjustment. The process takes under two minutes once you open the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits automatically sync to your phone's time, so checking your phone's clock is the first step.
  • If automatic sync doesn't work, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and look for a time or clock option.
  • Some older Fitbit models require you to manually enter the time through the app rather than syncing automatically.
  • After you change the time, open the Fitbit app and tap the sync button to send the new time to your device.

Automatic time sync through the Fitbit app

Most modern Fitbits sync automatically to your phone's time whenever the Fitbit app opens or when you manually sync. To trigger a sync, open the Fitbit app on your phone, tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner), select your device, and tap the sync button. The icon typically looks like two arrows forming a circle.

If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time after syncing, your phone's time may be set incorrectly. Go to your phone's settings, find Date & Time, and make sure it is set to automatic. Once your phone shows the correct time, open the Fitbit app again and sync. Your Fitbit should update within seconds.

Manual time adjustment in the Fitbit app

If automatic sync does not work, you can manually set the time. Open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon. Select your device from the list. Scroll down to find "Clock" or "Time" (the exact name varies by model). Tap that option.

You will see fields for the hour and minute. Tap each field and use the plus or minus buttons to set the correct time. Some models let you choose 12-hour or 24-hour format here as well. Once you have entered the time, tap Save or Done. Then sync your device again to send the change to your Fitbit.

Changing the time on older Fitbit models

Fitbits like the Zip, One, and Flex (first generation) do not sync time automatically. These models require manual time entry through the Fitbit app. Open the app, go to your device settings, and look for a Clock or Time option. Enter the time the same way as described above: tap the hour and minute fields and adjust with plus or minus buttons.

After saving, these older models may take a few minutes to display the new time on the device itself. If the time still does not update, try closing the Fitbit app completely and opening it again, then syncing once more.

What to do if the time keeps resetting

If your Fitbit time changes back to the wrong time after you set it, the problem is usually that your phone's time is still incorrect or your Fitbit is syncing to an old time stored in the app. First, double-check your phone's Date & Time settings and make sure automatic time is turned on. Restart your phone if the setting is already correct.

Next, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and manually set the time again. Make sure you tap Save. Then close the Fitbit app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps, do not just press the home button). Wait 10 seconds and open the app again. Tap sync. If the time resets again after this, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Fitbit app, as a corrupted app file can sometimes cause this issue.

Time zone changes and daylight saving time

When you travel to a different time zone, your Fitbit should update automatically if your phone updates. Most phones change their time automatically when you cross time zones, and your Fitbit will sync to that new time the next time you open the app or manually sync.

For daylight saving time, the same rule applies: if your phone updates automatically (which most do in the United States and other countries that observe it), your Fitbit will follow. If you live in a place that does not observe daylight saving time, or if your phone's automatic update is turned off, you will need to manually adjust your Fitbit's time using the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time even after I synced it?

Your phone's time is likely incorrect. Open your phone's settings, go to Date & Time, and turn on automatic time. Once your phone shows the correct time, open the Fitbit app and sync again. Your Fitbit should update within seconds.

Do I need to change the time on my Fitbit when I travel?

No, not usually. Your phone automatically updates to the new time zone when you travel, and your Fitbit syncs to your phone's time. If your phone's automatic time zone setting is turned off, you will need to manually update both your phone and your Fitbit.

Can I set the time directly on my Fitbit without using the app?

Most current Fitbits cannot be adjusted directly on the device. You must use the Fitbit app on your phone. Older models like the Zip and One also require the app. There is no button or menu on the Fitbit itself to change the time.

What if my Fitbit is not syncing with my phone at all?

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your phone and that the Fitbit app has permission to use Bluetooth. Close the app completely and open it again. If it still will not sync, try restarting your phone. If the problem continues, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo.