Keeping the time accurate on a kids’ smart watch ensures they stay on schedule and parents stay connected. This guide walks you through setup, syncing, troubleshooting, and maintenance to keep the watch running on time every day.
Key Takeaways
- Sync with smartphone apps: Most kids’ smart watches rely on companion apps to set and maintain the correct time automatically.
- Enable automatic time zone updates: This ensures the watch adjusts when traveling or during daylight saving changes.
- Charge regularly: A dead battery can reset the watch and lose time settings, so consistent charging is essential.
- Update firmware: Manufacturers often release updates that improve time accuracy and fix bugs.
- Check network connection: Watches with cellular or Wi-Fi need a stable connection to sync time correctly.
- Use airplane mode wisely: Turning on airplane mode disables time syncing, so only use it when necessary.
- Reset if needed: If the time keeps resetting, a factory reset followed by proper setup can resolve persistent issues.
How to Keep Time Set on Kids Smart Watch
Keeping the time accurate on a kids’ smart watch might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in your child’s daily routine. Whether it’s making it to school on time, joining a video call with family, or simply knowing when it’s bedtime, a correctly set watch helps kids stay organized and gives parents peace of mind. Unfortunately, many parents face the frustrating issue of their child’s smart watch losing time, resetting unexpectedly, or showing the wrong time zone.
The good news? Most time-related problems on kids’ smart watches are preventable and fixable. In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to keep time set on kids smart watch—from initial setup to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and expert advice to ensure your child’s watch stays accurate day after day.
Whether you’re using a popular brand like Xplora, TickTalk, or VTech, or a lesser-known model, the principles in this guide apply to most GPS-enabled kids’ smart watches. Let’s dive in and make sure your child’s watch is always on time.
Why Time Accuracy Matters on Kids’ Smart Watches
Before we get into the how-to steps, it’s important to understand why keeping the time accurate matters so much. Kids’ smart watches are more than just timepieces—they’re communication tools, safety devices, and daily planners all in one. Here’s why time accuracy is crucial:
- Safety and location tracking: Many smart watches use GPS and cellular data to show your child’s location. If the time is wrong, location logs may be inaccurate, making it harder to track movements or respond in emergencies.
- Scheduled calls and messages: Features like “school mode” or “quiet hours” rely on the correct time to activate. If the watch is off by even 15 minutes, your child might miss an important call or be disturbed during class.
- Daily routines: Kids thrive on consistency. A watch that shows the wrong time can confuse bedtime, homework time, or meal schedules.
- Parental peace of mind: When you check the app and see your child’s location or activity, you want to know it’s current and reliable.
In short, a smart watch that can’t keep time is like a phone that can’t make calls—it loses its core purpose. That’s why learning how to keep time set on kids smart watch is so important.
Step 1: Initial Setup and Time Configuration
The first step to ensuring accurate timekeeping is setting up the watch correctly from the start. Most kids’ smart watches come with a companion app (like the Xplora app, TickTalk app, or VTech Kid Connect) that handles time synchronization. Here’s how to do it right:
Download and Install the Companion App
Start by downloading the official app for your smart watch from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Make sure you’re using the correct app—check the watch’s manual or packaging if you’re unsure. Open the app and create an account if required.
Visual guide about How to Keep Time Set on Kids Smart Watch
Image source: i02.appmifile.com
Pair the Watch with Your Phone
Follow the in-app instructions to pair the watch with your smartphone. This usually involves scanning a QR code on the watch or entering a pairing code. Once connected, the app will begin syncing data, including the current time.
Set the Correct Time Zone
During setup, the app will ask for your location or time zone. Make sure this is accurate. If you live near a time zone border or are setting up the watch while traveling, double-check the selection. An incorrect time zone is one of the most common reasons for time errors.
Enable Automatic Time Sync
Most apps have an option like “Sync time automatically” or “Use network time.” Turn this on. This ensures the watch pulls the correct time from your phone or cellular network, rather than relying on manual input.
Test the Time
After setup, check the watch face. Compare it to your phone’s time. If there’s a difference of more than a few seconds, go back into the app and force a sync. Some apps have a “Sync Now” button under device settings.
Pro Tip: Do this setup during daylight hours when both your phone and watch have strong signal. Weak connections can delay or interrupt the sync process.
Step 2: Enable Automatic Time Updates
Once your watch is set up, the next step is to make sure it stays accurate over time. This means enabling features that allow the watch to update its time automatically, even when you’re not actively managing it.
Turn On Network Time Sync
Most modern kids’ smart watches use either Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data to stay connected. When connected, they can sync time with network servers. In the companion app, look for settings like “Automatic time update” or “Sync with network time” and make sure it’s enabled.
Allow Background App Refresh
On your smartphone, go to Settings > Apps (or General > Background App Refresh on iOS) and ensure the smart watch app is allowed to refresh in the background. This lets the app send time updates to the watch even when you’re not using it.
Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi On (When Safe)
While it’s tempting to turn off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to save battery, these connections are essential for time syncing. Only disable them when necessary—like during school hours if the watch has a “school mode” that blocks distractions. Otherwise, keep them on to maintain accurate time.
Use Cellular Data Wisely
If your watch has a SIM card and cellular capability, it can sync time directly from the mobile network. This is especially useful when away from Wi-Fi. Make sure the SIM is active and has a data plan. Some carriers offer low-cost plans just for kids’ watches.
Example: The TickTalk 4 uses AT&T’s network to sync time. If the SIM is inactive or out of data, the watch may fall behind. Check your carrier account regularly to avoid disruptions.
Step 3: Maintain Regular Charging Habits
One of the most overlooked causes of time loss on kids’ smart watches is a dead or low battery. When the watch powers off completely, it often resets to factory settings—including the time. Here’s how to prevent that:
Charge Daily
Make charging part of your child’s nightly routine—like brushing teeth or putting on pajamas. Most kids’ smart watches last 1–2 days on a single charge, so daily charging ensures they never run out of power during the day.
Use the Right Charger
Always use the charger that came with the watch. Third-party chargers may not provide the correct voltage, leading to slow charging or battery damage. If you’ve lost the original, buy a replacement directly from the manufacturer.
Avoid Overcharging
While most modern watches have built-in protection against overcharging, it’s still best to unplug once fully charged. Leaving it plugged in overnight is generally safe, but avoid charging for more than 12 hours straight.
Check Battery Health
If the watch dies quickly or won’t hold a charge, the battery may be degrading. Contact customer support—many brands offer battery replacements under warranty.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to check the watch’s battery level every few days. Some apps show battery percentage, so you can intervene before it dies.
Step 4: Update Firmware and App Regularly
Manufacturers frequently release software updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance timekeeping accuracy. Ignoring these updates can leave your watch vulnerable to time-sync issues.
Check for App Updates
Go to your phone’s app store and check if the smart watch app has an update available. Enable automatic updates if possible, so you don’t have to remember.
Update Watch Firmware
Open the companion app and go to the device settings. Look for “Firmware Update” or “System Update.” If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. This usually requires the watch to be charged and connected to Wi-Fi.
Why Updates Matter
Updates often include fixes for time drift, daylight saving time errors, and sync failures. For example, a 2023 update for the Xplora X5 Play resolved an issue where the watch would lose time after entering airplane mode.
Example: A parent reported that their child’s VTech KidiCom Advance 2 kept showing the wrong time after traveling. After updating the firmware, the watch now correctly adjusts for time zones automatically.
Step 5: Manage Airplane Mode and Connectivity
Airplane mode is useful for saving battery or avoiding distractions, but it disables all wireless connections—including time syncing. Here’s how to use it wisely:
Only Use When Necessary
Turn on airplane mode during school, sleep, or travel—but turn it off as soon as possible. The longer it’s on, the more likely the watch is to lose sync.
Reconnect After Airplane Mode
When you turn off airplane mode, give the watch a few minutes to reconnect to Wi-Fi or cellular. Then open the app and force a time sync if needed.
Avoid Long Periods Offline
If the watch will be offline for more than a day (e.g., during a camping trip), consider setting the time manually before leaving. Just remember to reset it when you return.
Pro Tip: Some watches have a “Do Not Disturb” mode that blocks calls and messages but keeps time syncing active. Use this instead of airplane mode when possible.
Step 6: Handle Daylight Saving Time and Travel
Time changes—like daylight saving time or traveling across time zones—can confuse smart watches if not handled properly.
Enable Automatic DST Adjustment
In the companion app, look for a setting like “Adjust for daylight saving time” and turn it on. This ensures the watch springs forward or falls back automatically.
Update Location When Traveling
If you’re traveling to a new time zone, open the app and update your location. Some watches use GPS to detect time zones, but it’s safer to confirm manually.
Test After Time Changes
After daylight saving time begins or ends, check the watch the next morning. If it’s off by an hour, force a sync in the app.
Example: A family traveling from California to New York noticed their child’s watch was an hour behind. They opened the TickTalk app, updated the location, and the watch corrected itself within minutes.
Troubleshooting Common Time Issues
Even with the best care, time problems can still happen. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:
Watch Shows Wrong Time After Charging
This usually means the watch reset during a power loss. Reopen the app, reconnect the watch, and force a time sync. If it happens often, check the battery health.
Time Drifts Gradually
If the watch gains or loses a few minutes each day, it may not be syncing properly. Check that automatic sync is enabled and the watch has a stable connection.
Watch Won’t Sync at All
Try restarting both the watch and your phone. If that doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the app, then re-pair the watch.
Time Resets to 12:00 After Update
This is a known issue with some firmware updates. Go into the app settings and manually set the time, then enable auto-sync.
Airplane Mode Won’t Turn Off
Hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart. Once it boots up, airplane mode should be off.
Pro Tip: Keep the user manual or support website handy. Most brands have FAQ sections dedicated to time issues.
Best Practices for Long-Term Accuracy
To keep your child’s smart watch accurate for months or years, follow these best practices:
- Sync weekly: Even if everything seems fine, open the app once a week and tap “Sync Now” to ensure everything is up to date.
- Monitor battery: Teach your child to tell you if the watch feels warm or dies quickly—this could signal a battery issue.
- Keep the app updated: Set your phone to auto-update apps so you never miss a fix.
- Store properly: When not in use, keep the watch in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures can affect battery and performance.
- Involve your child: Teach them to check the time and report any issues. This builds responsibility and helps you catch problems early.
Conclusion
Keeping the time set on a kids’ smart watch doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With the right setup, regular maintenance, and a few smart habits, you can ensure your child’s watch stays accurate and reliable. From enabling automatic sync to charging daily and updating firmware, each step plays a role in maintaining precise timekeeping.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. A watch that’s off by a minute or two isn’t the end of the world, but one that resets daily or shows the wrong time zone can cause real problems. By following this guide, you’ll minimize those issues and give your child a tool that supports their routine, safety, and independence.
So take a few minutes today to check your watch’s settings, update the app, and sync the time. Your future self—and your punctual child—will thank you.