Setting your Samsung smart watch to 24-hour time format is quick and easy. This guide walks you through the process on various Galaxy Watch models using both the watch interface and the Galaxy Wearable app. Perfect for users who prefer military or international timekeeping.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple methods available: You can change the time format directly on your Samsung smart watch or via the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
- Works across models: This guide applies to Galaxy Watch, Watch Active, Watch 3, Watch 4, Watch 5, Watch 6, and newer models.
- No restart required: Changes take effect immediately after saving—no need to reboot your device.
- Syncs with phone settings: If your phone uses 24-hour time, your watch may automatically follow—but manual adjustment ensures accuracy.
- Customizable watch faces: Some watch faces display 24-hour time by default; others require format changes in settings.
- Troubleshooting tips included: If the setting doesn’t stick, we cover common fixes like app updates and cache clearing.
- User-friendly process: Even first-time smart watch users can follow these steps without confusion.
How to Set Samsung Smart Watch to 24 Hour Time
If you’re used to reading time in the 24-hour format—also known as military time—you’ll want your Samsung smart watch to match that preference. Whether you’re a pilot, healthcare worker, traveler, or just someone who finds 24-hour time clearer and more efficient, setting your Galaxy Watch to display time this way is simple. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to change your Samsung smart watch from 12-hour to 24-hour time format. We’ll cover multiple methods, including using the watch itself and the Galaxy Wearable app, and we’ll include troubleshooting tips to ensure everything works smoothly.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to set your Samsung smart watch to 24-hour time, regardless of which model you own. We’ll also explain why you might want to use this format, how it syncs with your phone, and how to customize your watch face for the best experience. Let’s get started!
Why Use 24-Hour Time on Your Samsung Smart Watch?
Visual guide about How to Set Samsung Smart Watch to 24 Hour Time
Image source: vintagewatchinc.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why someone might prefer the 24-hour time format. The 24-hour clock eliminates ambiguity between AM and PM, which can be especially helpful in professional settings or when scheduling events across time zones. For example, “18:00” is clearly 6 PM, whereas “6:00” could be morning or evening without context.
Many people around the world—especially in Europe, Asia, and the military—use 24-hour time as the standard. If you’re traveling or working with international teams, having your watch display time this way can reduce confusion. Additionally, some users simply find it easier to read and plan their day without worrying about AM/PM distinctions.
Samsung smart watches are designed to adapt to your lifestyle, and that includes time format preferences. Whether you’re using a Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 5, Watch 6, or an older model like the Watch Active 2, the option to switch to 24-hour time is built right in. Let’s explore how to make that change.
Method 1: Change Time Format Directly on Your Samsung Smart Watch
The easiest and most direct way to set your Samsung smart watch to 24-hour time is by using the settings menu on the watch itself. This method works for all recent Galaxy Watch models and doesn’t require your phone. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Wake Up Your Watch
Tap the screen or press the home button (usually the lower physical button on the side) to wake up your Samsung smart watch. You should see the current watch face with the time displayed.
Step 2: Access the Settings Menu
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings panel. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) labeled “Settings” and tap it. Alternatively, you can press and hold the home button to open the app drawer, then scroll to find and tap the Settings app.
Step 3: Navigate to “Watch Settings” or “General”
Once in Settings, scroll down and look for an option labeled “General” or “Watch settings,” depending on your model. On newer watches like the Galaxy Watch 5 or Watch 6, it may be under “General management.” Tap to enter.
Step 4: Find “Date and Time”
Inside the General or Watch settings menu, look for “Date and time.” Tap on it to open the time-related options.
Step 5: Toggle “Use 24-hour format”
You’ll see a toggle switch labeled “Use 24-hour format” or “24-hour clock.” Simply tap the switch to turn it on. When enabled, the switch will turn blue or green (depending on your watch theme), indicating the setting is active.
Step 6: Exit and Confirm
Press the back button or swipe left to exit the settings. Return to your watch face, and you should now see the time displayed in 24-hour format. For example, instead of “3:45 PM,” it will show “15:45.”
That’s it! Your Samsung smart watch is now set to 24-hour time. This change takes effect immediately, and you won’t need to restart your watch.
Method 2: Change Time Format Using the Galaxy Wearable App
If you prefer managing your watch settings from your smartphone, the Galaxy Wearable app (formerly Samsung Gear) offers a convenient way to adjust the time format. This method is especially useful if your watch screen is small or hard to navigate.
Step 1: Open the Galaxy Wearable App
On your Android or iOS device, open the Galaxy Wearable app. Make sure your Samsung smart watch is connected via Bluetooth. You’ll see your watch’s name and battery level at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Tap on “Watch Settings”
In the app, tap on the “Watch settings” option. This will open a list of customizable features for your watch.
Step 3: Select “General” or “General Management”
Scroll down and find the “General” or “General management” section. Tap to enter.
Step 4: Choose “Date and Time”
Look for “Date and time” in the list and tap on it. You’ll see options related to time zone, automatic time, and format.
Step 5: Enable “Use 24-hour format”
Toggle the “Use 24-hour format” switch to the on position. The change will sync automatically to your watch within a few seconds.
Step 6: Check Your Watch
Return to your watch face and confirm that the time is now displayed in 24-hour format. If it doesn’t update right away, try swiping down and back up on the watch screen to refresh.
Using the Galaxy Wearable app gives you more control and is ideal if you’re already managing other watch features like notifications, alarms, or health settings from your phone.
Method 3: Sync with Your Phone’s Time Format
Samsung smart watches are designed to sync with your smartphone’s settings, including time format. If your phone is already set to 24-hour time, your watch may automatically follow—but this isn’t always guaranteed. Here’s how to ensure they’re in sync.
Step 1: Check Your Phone’s Time Format
On an Android phone, go to Settings > System > Date & time > Use 24-hour format. Toggle it on if it’s off. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time > 24-Hour Time and enable it.
Step 2: Ensure Auto Sync is Enabled
In the Galaxy Wearable app, go to Watch settings > General > Date and time. Make sure “Automatic date and time” is turned on. This allows your watch to pull time settings from your phone.
Step 3: Manually Sync if Needed
If the watch doesn’t update, open the Galaxy Wearable app, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Sync now.” This forces a refresh of all settings, including time format.
While syncing is convenient, we recommend manually confirming the 24-hour setting on your watch, as some users report inconsistencies—especially after software updates.
Customizing Your Watch Face for 24-Hour Time
Not all watch faces display time in the same way. Some are designed to show 12-hour time by default, even if your system setting is 24-hour. To get the most out of your format change, consider using a watch face that supports 24-hour display.
How to Change Your Watch Face
Press and hold your current watch face until the face selection screen appears. Swipe left or right to browse available options. Look for faces labeled “Digital,” “Minimal,” or “Professional”—these often support 24-hour time.
Download New Watch Faces
In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap “Watch faces” and browse the gallery. Use the search bar to find “24-hour” or “military time” faces. Download and apply your favorite.
Customize Within the Face
Some watch faces allow further customization. After applying a face, tap “Customize” to adjust complications, colors, and time format. Ensure the time display is set to 24-hour if the option exists.
Choosing the right watch face ensures your 24-hour time is not only accurate but also easy to read at a glance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, you might run into a few hiccups when setting your Samsung smart watch to 24-hour time. Here are common problems and how to fix them.
Issue 1: The Setting Doesn’t Stick
If you toggle “Use 24-hour format” but it reverts to 12-hour time, try the following:
– Restart your watch by holding the home and back buttons for 7 seconds.
– Ensure your watch software is up to date via the Galaxy Wearable app > Watch settings > About watch > Software update.
– Clear the cache of the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone (Android: Settings > Apps > Galaxy Wearable > Storage > Clear cache).
Issue 2: Watch Face Still Shows 12-Hour Time
Some third-party or themed watch faces override system settings. Switch to a default Samsung face (like “Classic” or “Digital Minimal”) to test. If it works, the issue is with the face—not the setting.
Issue 3: Sync Problems with Phone
If your watch won’t sync the time format from your phone:
– Turn Bluetooth off and on again on both devices.
– Unpair and re-pair your watch in the Galaxy Wearable app.
– Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network during setup.
Issue 4: Software Glitches After Update
Occasionally, a software update can reset preferences. After updating, double-check your time format settings and reapply if needed.
Most issues are minor and resolved with a restart or re-sync. If problems persist, contact Samsung support or visit a service center.
Tips for a Better 24-Hour Time Experience
Now that your watch is set to 24-hour time, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Use it for scheduling: When setting alarms or calendar events, the 24-hour format reduces errors—especially for evening appointments.
- Pair with world clock: Add a world clock complication to your watch face to track multiple time zones in 24-hour format.
- Teach others: If family or coworkers use your watch, briefly explain how to read 24-hour time (e.g., “14:00 is 2 PM”).
- Combine with Do Not Disturb: Set DND from 22:00 to 07:00 for a full night’s rest without confusion.
- Check fitness tracking: Some health apps display workout times in 24-hour format—consistent settings improve readability.
These small adjustments enhance usability and help you stay organized throughout the day.
Conclusion
Setting your Samsung smart watch to 24-hour time is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your device and improve time management. Whether you use the watch’s built-in settings, the Galaxy Wearable app, or sync with your phone, the process is straightforward and takes just a few taps. With this guide, you’ve learned not only how to make the change but also how to troubleshoot issues and optimize your watch face for the best experience.
The 24-hour format is more than just a preference—it’s a clarity tool that reduces ambiguity and aligns with global standards. Once you make the switch, you may wonder how you ever managed without it. So go ahead, update your settings, and enjoy a smarter, more efficient way to track time on your Samsung smart watch.