Switching your smart watch to 12-hour time is simple and improves readability for daily use. This guide walks you through the process on popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit with clear, easy-to-follow steps.
Key Takeaways
- Most smart watches support 12-hour time format: Whether you use Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, or Fitbit, switching from 24-hour to 12-hour time is usually just a few taps away.
- Settings are often found in the companion app: While some watches allow on-device changes, many require adjustments through their smartphone apps for full customization.
- Apple Watch mirrors iPhone settings: Changing the time format on your iPhone automatically updates your Apple Watch—no need to adjust the watch directly.
- Garmin and Fitbit use dedicated mobile apps: Use the Garmin Connect or Fitbit app to access time format options under device or display settings.
- Always sync after making changes: After updating the time format, ensure your watch syncs with your phone to apply the new setting properly.
- Troubleshooting tip: If the change doesn’t appear, try restarting your watch or checking for software updates.
- 12-hour format uses AM/PM indicators: This format displays time from 1:00 AM to 12:59 PM and 1:00 PM to 12:59 AM, making it familiar for users in the U.S. and other regions.
How to Change Smart Watch to 12 Hour Time
If you’ve ever glanced at your smart watch and seen “18:30” instead of “6:30 PM,” you’re not alone. Many smart watches default to the 24-hour (military) time format, especially if you’re in a region where it’s commonly used. But if you prefer the more familiar 12-hour clock with AM and PM, you’re in luck—changing your smart watch to 12-hour time is usually quick and easy.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to switch your smart watch from 24-hour to 12-hour time format across all major brands, including Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and Wear OS devices. We’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, highlight where to find the settings, and offer troubleshooting tips if things don’t go as planned.
Whether you’re setting up a new watch or just want to customize your display, this guide will help you make the switch in minutes. No technical expertise required—just follow along, and you’ll have your watch showing time the way you like it.
Why Choose 12-Hour Time?
Before we dive into the how-to steps, let’s talk about why you might want to use the 12-hour format in the first place. The 12-hour clock divides the day into two periods: AM (ante meridiem, meaning “before midday”) and PM (post meridiem, meaning “after midday”). Times run from 12:00 AM (midnight) to 11:59 AM, then from 12:00 PM (noon) to 11:59 PM.
This format is widely used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, among other countries. It’s the standard on most digital clocks, smartphones, and household appliances. For many people, it feels more natural and intuitive than the 24-hour system, which counts from 00:00 to 23:59.
Using 12-hour time on your smart watch can make it easier to quickly read the time during daily activities—like checking if it’s time for lunch (12:30 PM) or bedtime (10:00 PM). It also aligns with how most people speak about time in casual conversation (“See you at 7” instead of “See you at 19:00”).
Additionally, if you’re sharing your watch face with others—like family members or coworkers—using 12-hour time ensures everyone understands the display without confusion.
How to Change Apple Watch to 12-Hour Time
Apple Watch is one of the most popular smart watches on the market, and thankfully, changing the time format is straightforward. The good news? You don’t need to adjust the watch directly. Apple Watch automatically mirrors the time format set on your iPhone.
Step 1: Open the Settings App on Your iPhone
Unlock your iPhone and tap the Settings app (it looks like a gray gear icon). This is where all your device preferences are managed.
Visual guide about How to Change Smart Watch to 12 Hour Time
Image source: m.media-amazon.com
Step 2: Scroll Down and Tap “General”
In the Settings menu, scroll down until you see General. Tap it to open a list of system-wide options.
Step 3: Select “Language & Region”
Inside General, look for Language & Region and tap it. This section controls how dates, times, and numbers are displayed across your iPhone and connected devices.
Step 4: Tap “iPhone Region” or “Region”
You’ll see your current region listed (e.g., United States, United Kingdom). Tap on it to view available regions. If your region already uses 12-hour time (like the U.S.), you’re all set. If not, select a region that does.
Pro Tip: Changing your region may affect other settings like calendar format and currency. Only change it if you’re comfortable with those adjustments.
Step 5: Check “24-Hour Time” Toggle (Alternative Method)
If you don’t want to change your region, there’s another way. Go back to Settings > General > Language & Region > Time Format. Here, you’ll see a toggle for 24-Hour Time. Make sure it’s turned off to use 12-hour format.
Step 6: Wait for Your Apple Watch to Sync
Once you’ve made the change on your iPhone, your Apple Watch will automatically update within a few seconds. You don’t need to do anything on the watch itself.
Verify the Change
Raise your wrist or tap the screen to wake your Apple Watch. Check the time display—it should now show “6:30 PM” instead of “18:30.”
Note: If the change doesn’t appear, try restarting your Apple Watch by holding the side button and Digital Crown until the power-off slider appears. Slide to turn it off, then press the side button to turn it back on.
How to Change Samsung Galaxy Watch to 12-Hour Time
Samsung Galaxy Watches run on Wear OS (formerly Tizen), and the process for changing the time format varies slightly depending on your model and software version. Here’s how to do it using the Galaxy Wearable app.
Step 1: Open the Galaxy Wearable App
On your Android phone, open the Galaxy Wearable app (previously called Samsung Gear). This app manages all settings for your Galaxy Watch.
Step 2: Tap on Your Watch Name
If you have multiple devices, select the Galaxy Watch you want to configure.
Step 3: Go to “Watch Settings”
Tap on Watch Settings (or “Settings” depending on your app version). This opens a menu with customization options.
Step 4: Select “Display”
Scroll down and tap Display. This section controls brightness, screen timeout, and time format.
Step 5: Tap “Time Format”
Look for Time Format and tap it. You’ll see two options: 12-hour and 24-hour.
Step 6: Choose “12-hour”
Tap 12-hour to select it. The change should apply immediately to your watch face.
Step 7: Check Your Watch
Look at your Galaxy Watch screen. The time should now display in 12-hour format with AM or PM.
Alternative Method (On-Watch): Some Galaxy Watch models allow you to change the time format directly on the device. Swipe down from the top of the watch screen to open the quick settings panel, then tap the gear icon to access settings. Navigate to Display > Time Format and select 12-hour.
How to Change Garmin Watch to 12-Hour Time
Garmin watches are popular among fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. To change the time format, you’ll need to use the Garmin Connect app.
Step 1: Open the Garmin Connect App
Launch the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. Make sure your watch is paired and synced.
Step 2: Tap the Menu Icon
Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner to open the main menu.
Step 3: Select Your Watch
Tap on your watch’s name under “Devices” to access its settings.
Step 4: Tap “Settings”
Scroll down and tap Settings (or “Device Settings”).
Step 5: Find “System” or “General”
Look for a section labeled System, General, or Device Information.
Step 6: Tap “Time Format”
Inside System or General, find Time Format and tap it.
Step 7: Choose “12 Hour”
Select 12 Hour from the options. The change will sync to your watch within a few seconds.
Step 8: Confirm on Your Watch
Check your Garmin watch screen. The time should now show in 12-hour format (e.g., 3:45 PM).
Note: On some older Garmin models, you may need to change the time format directly on the watch. Press the menu button, navigate to Settings > System > Time Format, and select 12-hour.
How to Change Fitbit to 12-Hour Time
Fitbit devices, including the Versa, Sense, and Charge series, allow you to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats through the Fitbit app.
Step 1: Open the Fitbit App
Launch the Fitbit app on your smartphone. Ensure your device is connected.
Step 2: Tap Your Profile Icon
Tap the profile icon (usually a person silhouette) in the top-left corner.
Step 3: Select Your Device
Tap on your Fitbit device from the list.
Step 4: Tap “Settings”
Scroll down and tap Settings (or “Clock Display” on some models).
Step 5: Find “Time Format”
Look for Time Format and tap it.
Step 6: Choose “12 Hour”
Select 12 Hour from the options. The change will apply the next time your watch syncs.
Step 7: Sync Your Device
To ensure the change takes effect, manually sync your Fitbit by pulling down on the app’s dashboard or tapping the sync button.
Step 8: Check the Display
Look at your Fitbit screen. The time should now appear in 12-hour format with AM or PM.
Tip: If you don’t see the Time Format option, make sure your Fitbit app and device firmware are up to date. Go to Account > About > Check for Updates.
How to Change Wear OS Watch to 12-Hour Time
Wear OS watches (like those from Fossil, TicWatch, and Mobvoi) use Google’s operating system. The time format is usually controlled by your phone’s settings, but you can also adjust it on the watch.
Method 1: Change on Your Phone
Since Wear OS mirrors your Android phone’s settings, changing the time format on your phone will update your watch.
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Tap System > Date & time.
- Turn off Use 24-hour format.
- Your Wear OS watch will update automatically.
Method 2: Change Directly on the Watch
If you prefer to adjust it on the watch:
- Swipe down from the top of the watch screen to open quick settings.
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
- Scroll to System > Date & time.
- Toggle off Use 24-hour format.
Verify the Change
Check your watch face. The time should now display in 12-hour format.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix common problems when changing your smart watch to 12-hour time.
Issue 1: Time Format Won’t Change
If your watch still shows 24-hour time after making changes, try these steps:
- Restart your watch: Power it off and back on. This often resolves syncing issues.
- Check your phone’s settings: Ensure your phone is set to 12-hour format, especially for Apple Watch and Wear OS.
- Update the companion app: Open your app store and check for updates to the watch’s app (e.g., Galaxy Wearable, Garmin Connect).
Issue 2: Watch Doesn’t Sync
If changes aren’t appearing, your watch may not be syncing properly.
- Open the companion app and tap Sync Now.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
- Move closer to your phone to improve connection.
Issue 3: Time Format Option Is Missing
Some older watch models or firmware versions may not display the time format option.
- Check for a software update in the companion app.
- Visit the manufacturer’s support page for model-specific instructions.
- Contact customer support if the issue persists.
Issue 4: AM/PM Not Displaying
If your watch shows “6:30” but no AM or PM, the format may not be fully applied.
- Double-check that 12-hour format is selected.
- Try switching to 24-hour and back to 12-hour to reset the setting.
- Restart the watch after making the change.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep your apps updated: Manufacturers often improve settings and fix bugs in app updates.
- Use the companion app: Even if your watch has on-device settings, the app usually offers more control.
- Sync regularly: Sync your watch daily to ensure all settings are current.
- Check regional settings: If you travel, your watch may revert to local time formats. Adjust as needed.
- Customize your watch face: Some watch faces display time differently. Choose one that clearly shows AM/PM if needed.
Conclusion
Changing your smart watch to 12-hour time is a simple but powerful way to personalize your device and make it more user-friendly. Whether you’re using an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, or Wear OS device, the process is usually just a few taps away.
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily switch from 24-hour to 12-hour format and enjoy a time display that matches your daily routine. Remember to use the companion app for the most reliable results, and don’t hesitate to restart or resync your watch if something doesn’t look right.
Now that you know how to change smart watch to 12 hour time, you can focus on what really matters—staying connected, tracking your fitness, and making the most of your wearable tech. Happy timing!