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. Open the app, 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. Your Fitbit will sync within a few seconds, and the time will update automatically.
This method works for almost all Fitbit models — Charge, Inspire, Versa, Sense, and others. The app handles the sync over Bluetooth, so your phone and Fitbit need to be close to each other and already paired. If you haven't set up the app yet, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create an account, and add your device before you can change the time.
Key Takeaways
- The Fitbit app is the standard way to change time zones; open your profile, find your device, and select "Time Zone."
- Your Fitbit syncs the new time over Bluetooth within seconds of you making the change in the app.
- Some older Fitbit models allow manual time adjustment on the device itself, but most require the app.
- If your Fitbit shows the wrong time after a change, restart the device and re-sync with the app.
- Daylight saving time changes happen automatically if your phone's time updates; your Fitbit follows when it syncs.
Manual time adjustment on the device (older models only)
A few older Fitbit models — primarily the Fitbit Ionic and some Versa versions — allow you to adjust the time directly on the watch face. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings menu, find "Settings," and look for a "Time" or "Clock" option. Not all older models have this feature, and newer Fitbits do not.
Even if your device has manual time adjustment, using the app is more reliable because it pulls the correct time from your phone automatically. Manual adjustment is useful only if your Fitbit is not syncing with your phone or if you need a temporary offset for travel.
What to do if the time won't update
If you changed the time zone in the app but your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, restart your device first. Power it off completely (the method varies by model — check your device manual), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then open the Fitbit app and force a sync by swiping down on the main screen.
If the time still does not update, check that Bluetooth is turned on for your phone and that your Fitbit is within range. Unpair and re-pair the device if the sync continues to fail. On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings, forget the Fitbit, then open the Fitbit app and add the device again. This usually resolves sync problems that prevent time updates.
Daylight saving time and automatic updates
Your Fitbit does not change for daylight saving time on its own. Instead, it follows your phone's time. When your phone automatically updates for daylight saving (which happens on the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November in the United States), your Fitbit will update the next time it syncs with the app.
If you travel across time zones, your Fitbit will update automatically as long as your phone's time zone setting changes and the device syncs. You do not need to manually adjust anything — just let your phone update, and your Fitbit will follow within a few minutes of the next sync.
Changing time on Fitbit without the app
You cannot change the time on most modern Fitbits without the app. The app is the control center for time zone settings on Charge, Inspire, Sense, and Versa models. If you do not have a smartphone or cannot use the app, you will need to borrow a phone to set up your Fitbit and change the time.
Some very old Fitbit trackers (like the original Charge or Charge HR) had limited manual controls, but these models are no longer supported by current app versions. If you own an older model and cannot access the app, contact Fitbit support to learn whether your device has manual time adjustment or if an older app version is still available.
Time zone settings for travel
When you travel to a new time zone, you have two options: change your phone's time zone setting (which will update your Fitbit automatically), or leave your phone on your home time zone and manually adjust your Fitbit's time zone in the app. Most people find it simpler to change their phone's time zone, since that updates everything at once.
If you want your Fitbit to show a different time than your phone, open the Fitbit app, go to your device settings, and select a different time zone. Your Fitbit will display that time zone while your phone shows another. This is useful if you work in one time zone but live in another, though it can be confusing if you forget which device is set to which time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show the wrong time after I change it?
The most common cause is that your Fitbit has not synced with your phone yet. Open the Fitbit app and swipe down to force a manual sync. If the time still does not update, restart your Fitbit and try syncing again. Check that Bluetooth is on and that your phone and Fitbit are close to each other.
Does my Fitbit update automatically for daylight saving time?
No, your Fitbit does not change on its own. It updates when your phone's time changes and the two devices sync. When daylight saving time happens, your phone will update automatically (if you have automatic time enabled), and your Fitbit will follow the next time it connects to the app.
Can I set my Fitbit to a different time zone than my phone?
Yes. Open the Fitbit app, go to your device profile, and select a different time zone from the list. Your Fitbit will display that time while your phone shows another. This is helpful for people who travel frequently or work in a different time zone than where they live.
What if I don't have a smartphone to change the time?
You will need a smartphone to set up your Fitbit and change its time zone. The app is the only way to adjust time settings on modern Fitbit models. If you do not have regular access to a phone, you may not be able to update your Fitbit's time after the initial setup.