Switching your smart watch from military (24-hour) time to standard 12-hour format is simple once you know where to look. This guide walks you through the process on popular brands like Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and Wear OS devices—no tech expertise required.
Key Takeaways
- Most smart watches let you change time format directly in settings: You don’t need to reset your device or contact support—just navigate to the clock or display menu.
- Your phone often controls the watch’s time format: On paired devices like Apple Watch or Wear OS, changing the time format on your smartphone automatically updates your watch.
- Garmin and Fitbit use companion apps for adjustments: These brands require you to open their mobile app (Garmin Connect or Fitbit app) to toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour time.
- Always check for software updates: Outdated firmware can cause settings glitches—keeping your watch updated ensures smooth functionality.
- Factory resets are a last resort: If all else fails, a reset may fix persistent issues, but back up your data first.
- Military time isn’t just for the military: Many users prefer 24-hour format for clarity, but switching back is quick and reversible.
- Custom watch faces may override system settings: Some third-party faces lock the time format—try switching to a default face if changes aren’t sticking.
How to Get Smart Watch Off Military Time: A Complete Guide
If you’ve ever glanced at your smart watch and seen “17:30” instead of “5:30 PM,” you’re not alone. Many smart watches default to military time—also known as 24-hour format—especially if they’re set to regions where that style is standard, like much of Europe. While some people love the precision of 24-hour time, others find it confusing or unnecessary for daily use. The good news? Turning off military time on your smart watch is usually just a few taps away.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions for the most popular smart watch brands, including Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and Wear OS (Google) devices. Whether you’re a first-time smart watch user or just need a quick refresher, you’ll learn exactly where to go, what to tap, and how to troubleshoot common issues. By the end, your watch will display time in the familiar 12-hour AM/PM format—no confusion, no frustration.
We’ll also share practical tips to avoid accidentally switching back, explain why your phone might be calling the shots, and help you decide whether military time is actually worth keeping. Let’s get started!
Why Is My Smart Watch Showing Military Time?
Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand why your watch is displaying 24-hour time in the first place. Military time isn’t just for soldiers—it’s the standard timekeeping method in many countries, including most of Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. Smart watch manufacturers often set regional defaults based on your location or language settings.
For example, if your phone is set to French, German, or Spanish, your paired watch may automatically adopt 24-hour format. Even if you’re in the U.S., traveling abroad or using a global app can trigger this change. Additionally, some fitness-focused watches (like Garmin or Polar) default to military time to align with athletic timing conventions.
The key takeaway: Your watch isn’t broken—it’s just following preset rules. And those rules are easy to override.
How to Turn Off Military Time on Apple Watch
Apple Watch syncs tightly with your iPhone, so changing the time format usually starts on your phone—not the watch itself. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Settings on Your iPhone
Unlock your iPhone and tap the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
Visual guide about How to Get Smart Watch Off Military Time
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Step 2: Go to General > Language & Region
Scroll down and tap General, then select Language & Region.
Step 3: Check Region and Time Format
Under Region, make sure it’s set to a country that uses 12-hour time (like United States, Canada, or Australia). If it’s set to France, Germany, or another 24-hour region, change it.
Step 4: Toggle 24-Hour Time (if available)
Some iOS versions show a 24-Hour Time toggle under Language & Region. If you see it, turn it OFF.
Step 5: Wait for Sync
Your Apple Watch should update within a few seconds. If not, force-quit the Watch app on your iPhone and reopen it.
Pro Tip: If you use a custom watch face (like Infograph or Modular), double-check that it supports 12-hour format. Some faces only show 24-hour time unless you edit complications.
How to Disable Military Time on Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watches run on Wear OS (formerly Tizen), and the process differs slightly depending on your model and software version. Here’s the most reliable method:
Step 1: Open the Galaxy Wearable App
On your paired Android phone, launch the Galaxy Wearable app (previously called Samsung Gear).
Step 2: Tap Watch Settings
Tap your watch name at the top, then select Watch settings.
Step 3: Find Clock or Display Settings
Look for Clock or Display—this varies by model. On newer Galaxy Watches, go to Advanced features > Clock.
Step 4: Toggle 24-Hour Format Off
You’ll see a switch labeled 24-hour format. Turn it OFF.
Step 5: Confirm on Your Watch
Check your watch face—it should now show “3:45 PM” instead of “15:45.”
Note: If you don’t see the option in the app, try changing the time format directly on your watch: Swipe down from the top, tap Settings (gear icon), then General > Date and time > 24-hour format.
How to Switch Garmin Watch from Military Time
Garmin devices are popular among runners and outdoor enthusiasts—and they love 24-hour time. But you can easily switch back:
Step 1: Open Garmin Connect App
Launch the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Tap Your Device
Tap the Devices tab (bottom right), then select your watch.
Step 3: Go to Settings > System > Time Format
Tap Settings, then System, and look for Time Format.
Step 4: Select 12-Hour
Choose 12 Hour from the dropdown or toggle menu.
Step 5: Sync Your Watch
Tap Sync to apply changes. Your watch will update within minutes.
Alternative Method (On-Watch): On many Garmin models (like Forerunner or Fenix), press the Menu button, go to Settings > System > Time Format, and select 12 Hour.
How to Change Fitbit from Military Time
Fitbit uses its mobile app for most settings, including time format:
Step 1: Open the Fitbit App
Launch the Fitbit app on your phone.
Step 2: Tap Your Profile Icon
Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-left corner.
Step 3: Select Your Device
Choose your watch from the list (e.g., Fitbit Versa, Sense).
Step 4: Find Clock Face or Settings
Tap Clock Faces or Settings, depending on your model.
Step 5: Look for Time Format Option
Some Fitbit watches show Time Format under Settings. If not, check individual clock face options—many let you choose 12-hour vs. 24-hour display.
Step 6: Apply and Sync
Save your choice and sync your watch via the app.
Important: Not all Fitbit clock faces support 12-hour format. If your preferred face only shows 24-hour time, browse the gallery for one labeled “12-hour” or “AM/PM.”
How to Disable Military Time on Wear OS (Google) Watches
Wear OS watches (like those from Fossil, Mobvoi, or Google Pixel Watch) follow your phone’s time settings—but you can also adjust them directly:
Step 1: Check Your Phone’s Time Format
On your Android phone, go to Settings > System > Date & time. Ensure Use 24-hour format is turned OFF.
Step 2: Change on Watch (Optional)
Swipe down from the top of your watch screen, tap Settings, then System > Date & time. Toggle off Use 24-hour format.
Step 3: Restart if Needed
Sometimes a quick restart helps: Hold the side button, select Restart, and check the time afterward.
Tip: If your watch face is custom (e.g., from Facer or Watchmaker), it may ignore system settings. Switch to a default Google face temporarily to test.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear steps, things don’t always go smoothly. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:
Issue: Changes Don’t Stick
If your watch reverts to military time after a few minutes, your phone’s region or language settings may be overriding it. Double-check Language & Region on iPhone or Date & time on Android. Also, ensure your watch isn’t set to “Auto” time zone, which can pull regional formats.
Issue: No Time Format Option in App
Older watch models or outdated apps may hide this setting. Update your companion app (Garmin Connect, Fitbit, etc.) and watch firmware. Go to the app’s Device section and look for Software Update.
Issue: Custom Watch Face Blocks Change
Third-party faces often lock the time format. Temporarily switch to a stock face (like “Digital” or “Analog”) to apply your preferred format, then reinstall your favorite face.
Issue: Watch Won’t Sync
Restart both your phone and watch. On Apple Watch, unpair and re-pair if needed. For Wear OS, forget the watch in Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
Issue: Time Is Wrong After Change
This usually means your time zone is off. Manually set the correct time zone in your watch or phone settings instead of using “Automatic.”
Should You Keep Military Time?
Before you rush to disable it, consider: Military time isn’t just for the army—it’s used in healthcare, aviation, and public transit worldwide. It eliminates AM/PM confusion (“Is 8:00 the morning or night?”) and aligns with international standards.
That said, if you’re in the U.S., Canada, or the UK, 12-hour format is deeply ingrained in daily life. Sticking with it makes reading appointments, TV schedules, and casual conversations easier.
Ultimately, it’s personal preference. The beauty of smart watches is flexibility—you can switch back anytime!
Final Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Keep your watch charged: Low battery can cause sync delays or settings resets.
- Update regularly: Manufacturers often fix bugs in time formatting via firmware updates.
- Use official apps: Avoid third-party tools that claim to “unlock” settings—they can cause instability.
- Document your settings: Take a screenshot of your preferred configuration so you can restore it after updates.
- Teach family members: If others use your watch, show them how to check the time format to avoid accidental changes.
Conclusion
Getting your smart watch off military time doesn’t require a tech degree—just knowing where to look. Whether you’re using an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, or Wear OS device, the process is straightforward and reversible. Remember: Your phone often controls the watch’s time format, so always check there first. And if you hit a snag, don’t panic—most issues are fixable with a quick sync, restart, or settings tweak.
Now that you’re armed with this guide, you can confidently switch to 12-hour time and enjoy a clearer, more familiar view of your day. No more squinting at “19:45” when you just want to know if it’s time for dinner!