The quickest way to change your Fitbit's time

The fastest route depends on which Fitbit model you own. Most Fitbits sync automatically to your phone's time when you open the Fitbit app, so if your device shows the wrong time, the app usually fixes it within seconds. If automatic sync doesn't work, you can manually set the time in the app settings — a process that takes about two minutes and requires your phone to be nearby.

Some older Fitbit models (Fitbit Ionic and Fitbit Versa 1 and 2) let you change the time directly on the device itself using the touchscreen, which is useful if you don't have your phone with you. Newer models like the Charge 5, Inspire 3, and Sense require the phone app — there is no on-device time setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fitbits automatically sync to your phone's time when you open the Fitbit app, so check that first before trying manual steps.
  • If automatic sync fails, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and toggle the time zone or time format option off and back on.
  • Fitbit Ionic, Versa 1, and Versa 2 models have an on-device time setting you can adjust directly without your phone.
  • Your phone's time must be correct for the Fitbit app to sync the right time to your device.

Automatic time sync through the Fitbit app

When you open the Fitbit app on your phone, your Fitbit should connect and automatically update to match your phone's time. This happens in the background without any action from you. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time, open the app and wait 10 to 15 seconds for the sync to complete.

Before you do anything else, check that your phone's time is actually correct. If your phone is set to the wrong time, your Fitbit will sync to that wrong time. Go to your phone's settings and confirm the date and time are accurate.

Manual time adjustment in the Fitbit app

If the automatic sync didn't work, you can manually reset the time through the app. Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Select your device from the list, then scroll down to find the time zone or time format setting.

Toggle the time zone setting off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. This forces the app to resync your device to your phone's current time. The change should appear on your Fitbit within a minute. If you see a time format option (12-hour or 24-hour), make sure it matches your preference before closing the settings.

Changing time directly on Fitbit Ionic and Versa models

If you own a Fitbit Ionic, Versa 1, or Versa 2, you can change the time on the device itself without using your phone. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu. Look for a clock or time icon and tap it to enter the time settings.

Use the touchscreen to adjust the hours and minutes to the correct time. The device will display the time in either 12-hour or 24-hour format depending on your settings. Once you've set the time, swipe back to exit the settings menu. The change takes effect immediately.

What to do if the time keeps resetting

If your Fitbit's time resets to an incorrect time every time you open the app, the problem is usually that your phone's time is wrong or your time zone setting is incorrect. Check your phone's settings and make sure the date, time, and time zone all match your actual location.

If you've recently traveled across time zones, your phone may have automatically updated but your Fitbit app settings might still be set to your old time zone. Open the Fitbit app, go to device settings, and manually select your current time zone. Then toggle the time zone setting off and on again to force a resync.

Daylight saving time and automatic updates

When daylight saving time begins or ends, your Fitbit should automatically adjust if your phone adjusts. This happens because the Fitbit syncs to your phone's time. However, if your Fitbit doesn't update automatically, manually toggle the time zone setting off and on in the Fitbit app to trigger a resync.

Some users find that their Fitbit updates to daylight saving time a day or two after their phone does. This is normal and usually corrects itself within 48 hours. If the time is still wrong after that, force a manual resync through the app settings.

Troubleshooting when nothing works

If you've tried automatic sync and manual adjustment and your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, restart both your phone and your Fitbit. On your phone, turn it off completely and turn it back on. On your Fitbit, hold the button on the side or back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear, then release.

After both devices restart, open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync to complete. If the time is still incorrect, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that your Fitbit is paired with the app. You can verify this in the Fitbit app under device settings — if your device is not listed as connected, unpair it and pair it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your Fitbit syncs to your phone's time when the app opens, but the sync can fail if Bluetooth is off, the app hasn't fully loaded, or your phone's time is wrong. Open the Fitbit app and wait 15 seconds for the sync to complete. If the time is still different, check that your phone's time is correct and toggle the time zone setting in the Fitbit app off and on.

Can I change the time on my Fitbit without my phone?

Only Fitbit Ionic, Versa 1, and Versa 2 models have on-device time settings. Newer models like Charge 5, Inspire 3, and Sense require the Fitbit app on your phone. If you have a newer model and no phone nearby, you'll need to wait until you can access the app to change the time.

Does my Fitbit automatically update for daylight saving time?

Yes, your Fitbit should automatically adjust when daylight saving time begins or ends, because it syncs to your phone's time. If it doesn't update on the same day as your phone, open the Fitbit app and manually toggle the time zone setting off and on to force a resync.

What if my Fitbit is paired but won't sync the time?

Restart both your phone and your Fitbit. On your Fitbit, hold the side button for 10 to 15 seconds until the logo appears. On your phone, turn it off and back on. Then open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync to complete. If it still doesn't work, unpair and repair your Fitbit in the app.