The quickest way to change your Fitbit's time

The fastest way to change the time on your Fitbit is through the Fitbit app on your phone. Open the app, tap your profile picture, select your device, scroll to "Time Zone," and choose your location. The Fitbit will sync within a few seconds and display the correct time.

If you don't have the Fitbit app installed or prefer not to use it, you can also change the time directly on some Fitbit models using the device buttons, though this method varies by model and takes longer. Most newer Fitbits rely on the app because it's more reliable and handles daylight saving time automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fitbit app is the easiest way to change your time zone — open your profile, find your device settings, and select "Time Zone."
  • Your Fitbit syncs with your phone's time automatically once you change the time zone in the app, so manual adjustment on the device itself is rarely needed.
  • If the time still shows wrong after syncing, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo.
  • Older Fitbit models like the Charge 2 and Blaze allow manual time changes through device buttons, but the app method works on all models.

Change your time zone in the Fitbit app

Start by opening the Fitbit app on your phone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner (it looks like a person's silhouette). From there, select the Fitbit device you want to adjust — if you have multiple devices, make sure you're choosing the right one.

Once you're in your device settings, scroll down until you see "Time Zone." Tap it and choose your location from the list. The app will show your current time zone selected. After you pick a new one, the Fitbit will sync automatically within a few seconds, and the time on your device should update immediately.

If you're traveling and need to change time zones temporarily, this is the same process — just select the new time zone and your Fitbit adjusts. When you return home, change it back the same way.

What to do if your Fitbit time doesn't update after syncing

Sometimes the time zone changes in the app but your Fitbit doesn't reflect it right away. The first step is to restart your Fitbit. Hold down the button on your device for about 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, then release. This forces the device to restart and usually picks up the time zone change from your phone.

If restarting doesn't work, open the Fitbit app and check that your phone's Bluetooth is turned on. Your Fitbit needs Bluetooth to sync with your phone. Go to your phone's settings, turn Bluetooth off and back on, then open the Fitbit app again and wait for the sync to complete.

As a last resort, you can unpair and re-pair your Fitbit with the app. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove This Device." Then add it back by tapping the plus icon and following the setup steps. This usually takes a few minutes but solves most sync problems.

Manual time changes on older Fitbit models

If you have an older Fitbit like the Charge 2, Blaze, or Ionic, you can change the time directly on the device without using the app, though it's slower. On the Charge 2, hold down the button until you see the settings menu, then navigate to "Settings" and find "Clock." Use the button to scroll through the hours and minutes until the time matches what you need.

On the Blaze and Ionic, the process is similar but the menu layout differs slightly. Press the back button to access the main menu, find "Settings," then "Clock," and adjust the time using the device buttons. This method works but takes longer than using the app, and you have to do it manually every time you travel across time zones.

Even if your older Fitbit allows manual adjustment, using the app is still recommended because it handles daylight saving time changes automatically. If you set the time manually, you'll need to remember to adjust it twice a year when daylight saving time starts and ends.

Why your Fitbit might show the wrong time

The most common reason a Fitbit displays the wrong time is that the time zone in the app doesn't match where you actually are. This happens most often when you travel and forget to update the setting, or when daylight saving time changes and your phone updates automatically but your Fitbit doesn't sync in time.

Another reason is a weak or broken Bluetooth connection. If your Fitbit hasn't synced with your phone in a while, it won't pick up time zone changes. Check that Bluetooth is on and that your Fitbit is within 30 feet of your phone. If they're too far apart, move closer and open the Fitbit app to force a sync.

Occasionally, the Fitbit app itself has a bug that prevents time zone changes from syncing. If you've tried restarting your device and reconnecting Bluetooth but the time is still wrong, check the app store to see if there's an update available for the Fitbit app. Installing the latest version often fixes sync issues.

Daylight saving time and your Fitbit

If you use the Fitbit app to set your time zone, daylight saving time changes happen automatically. You don't have to do anything — your Fitbit will adjust on its own when daylight saving time starts in March and ends in November. This is one of the main reasons the app method is better than manually setting the time on your device.

If you manually set the time on your Fitbit without using the app, you'll need to remember to adjust it twice a year. Set a phone reminder for the second Sunday in March (spring forward) and the first Sunday in November (fall back) so you don't forget. Most people find this annoying enough that they switch to using the app instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, older models like the Charge 2 and Blaze let you adjust the time using the device buttons, but it's slower and you have to do it manually for daylight saving time. Newer Fitbits require the app. Using the app is easier because it syncs automatically and handles time zone changes for you.

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

Your Fitbit may not have synced with your phone yet. Make sure Bluetooth is on, open the Fitbit app, and wait for the sync to finish. If that doesn't work, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds. If the problem persists, try unpairing and re-pairing your device in the app.

Does my Fitbit automatically adjust for daylight saving time?

Yes, if you set your time zone through the Fitbit app. The app handles daylight saving time changes automatically, so your Fitbit will adjust on its own in March and November. If you manually set the time on your device, you have to adjust it yourself twice a year.

What should I do if my Fitbit won't sync with the app?

First, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 seconds. Then check that Bluetooth is on and that your phone and Fitbit are within 30 feet of each other. If syncing still fails, turn Bluetooth off and back on, then open the Fitbit app again. If nothing works, unpair your device and set it up again from scratch.