The fastest way to set your Fitbit's time
Your Fitbit syncs the time automatically from your phone when you open the Fitbit app, so in most cases you do nothing — the time updates on its own. If your Fitbit is showing the wrong time, the quickest fix is to open the Fitbit app on your phone, let it sync for a few seconds, and then check your device. The app pulls the correct time from your phone's system clock, and your Fitbit reads it from there.
If automatic sync does not work, you can set the time manually through the app settings. This takes about two minutes and works the same way on both iPhone and Android phones.
Key Takeaways
- Your Fitbit automatically syncs the time from your phone when the Fitbit app opens, so manual adjustment is usually not needed.
- If the time is wrong after syncing, restart the Fitbit app or restart your phone to force a fresh connection.
- Manual time adjustment happens in the Fitbit app under your device settings, not on the Fitbit itself.
- Fitbits do not have their own time zone setting — they use whatever time zone your phone is set to.
Why your Fitbit might show the wrong time
The most common reason is that your phone and Fitbit have not synced recently. This happens when the Fitbit app has not opened in a while, or when your phone and Fitbit lost their Bluetooth connection. Fitbits do not keep accurate time on their own — they rely on your phone to tell them what time it is every time they connect.
A second reason is that your phone's clock is set wrong. If your phone is displaying the incorrect time, your Fitbit will mirror that error. Check your phone's system clock before assuming your Fitbit is broken.
Time zone changes also cause confusion. If you travel across time zones, your Fitbit updates automatically when your phone's time zone changes — but only after the app syncs. If you change your phone's time zone and then open the Fitbit app, the device will update within a few seconds.
How to sync the time automatically
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and wait for the sync to complete. You will see a small circular icon near the top of the app that spins while syncing is happening. Once it stops spinning, your Fitbit has received the current time from your phone. This usually takes five to ten seconds.
If the time is still wrong after syncing, close the Fitbit app completely and open it again. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close the app. On Android, swipe up from the bottom and hold, then swipe the Fitbit app away. Then reopen the app and wait for the sync to finish.
If that does not work, restart your phone. This clears any connection problems between your phone and Fitbit and forces a fresh sync when you open the app again.
Manual time adjustment through the Fitbit app
If automatic sync is not working, you can set the time manually. On your phone, open the Fitbit app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap your device name at the top of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Time Zone" or "Clock Format" depending on your Fitbit model.
Select your time zone from the list. The app will immediately send this information to your Fitbit. Your device should show the correct time within a few seconds. If you see "24-Hour Time" or "12-Hour Time" as an option, you can also choose your preferred format here.
Some older Fitbit models do not have a manual time zone setting in the app. If you cannot find the time zone option, your device relies entirely on automatic sync from your phone. In that case, make sure your phone's time zone is correct and open the Fitbit app to force a sync.
What to do if your Fitbit still shows the wrong time
Restart your Fitbit by holding the button on the side or back of the device for ten 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 about thirty seconds. Once it restarts, open the Fitbit app on your phone to sync the correct time.
If restarting does not fix it, unpair and re-pair your Fitbit with your phone. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, tap your device, and scroll to the bottom to find "Unpair This Device." Confirm the unpair, then follow the app's instructions to add your Fitbit again as if it were new. This resets the connection and often solves time sync problems.
Check that Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings. Your Fitbit cannot sync with the app if Bluetooth is off. Go to Settings on your phone, find Bluetooth, and make sure it is enabled.
Time zone changes when you travel
When you cross into a new time zone, your phone automatically updates its time if you have automatic time zone detection turned on. Your Fitbit will update the next time the Fitbit app syncs, which usually happens within a few minutes of opening the app. You do not need to do anything manually.
If your Fitbit does not update after you travel, open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync to complete. If your phone's time zone did not update automatically, go to your phone's Settings, find Date & Time, and turn on "Automatic Time Zone" or "Set Automatically" depending on your phone type. Then open the Fitbit app again.
Fitbit models with always-on displays and time
Some newer Fitbits like the Sense 2 and Versa 4 have always-on screens that show the time constantly. These models still sync time from your phone the same way — there is no separate time setting on the device itself. If the time is wrong on an always-on display, follow the same sync and restart steps described above.
The advantage of always-on displays is that you can see the time at a glance without raising your wrist or tapping the screen. The disadvantage is that the battery drains faster. If you turn off the always-on display in your Fitbit app settings, the time will still be correct when you do check your device — it just will not show until you wake the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit show a different time than my phone?
Your Fitbit has not synced with your phone recently. Open the Fitbit app and wait for the sync icon to stop spinning. If the time is still different after syncing, check that your phone's clock is correct — your Fitbit copies whatever time your phone displays.
Can I set the time directly on my Fitbit without the app?
No. Fitbits do not have a time setting on the device itself. All time adjustments happen through the Fitbit app on your phone. Your Fitbit gets its time from your phone and does not keep accurate time independently.
What if I do not have the Fitbit app installed anymore?
Reinstall the Fitbit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open it and let it sync with your Fitbit. The app will send the correct time to your device automatically.
Does my Fitbit automatically update for daylight saving time?
Yes, as long as your phone updates for daylight saving time. Your Fitbit syncs the time from your phone, so it changes automatically when your phone does. You do not need to adjust it manually.
My Fitbit is stuck on the wrong time even after restarting. What else can I try?
Unpair your Fitbit from the app and re-pair it as a new device. This resets the connection completely. If the time is still wrong after re-pairing, check that your phone's system clock is correct — your Fitbit cannot show the right time if your phone is displaying the wrong time.