How to Change the Time on Kids Smart Watch

This guide walks you through how to change the time on kids smart watch devices, covering popular brands and common issues. Whether your watch syncs automatically or needs manual adjustment, you’ll find clear, simple steps to keep time accurate and your child on schedule.

Key Takeaways

Most kids smart watches sync time automatically via Bluetooth or mobile apps – check your device settings first before making manual changes.
Manual time adjustment is often found in the watch’s Settings menu under “Time & Date” or “System” – look for options like “Set Time” or “Clock.”
Always ensure the correct time zone is selected to avoid confusion, especially if traveling or during daylight saving changes.
Some watches require the companion app (like SeTracker, Xplora, or Tencent Kids) to update time settings – keep the app updated for best results.
Battery-saving modes may delay time syncing – temporarily disable power-saving features if the time isn’t updating.
Factory resetting should be a last resort – it erases all data, so back up contacts and settings first.
Regular time checks help maintain accuracy – make it a weekly habit to verify the time, especially after software updates.

How to Change the Time on Kids Smart Watch: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your child’s smart watch accurate is more than just a convenience—it’s about safety, routine, and reliability. Whether your kid uses the watch for school schedules, GPS tracking, or staying in touch, having the correct time ensures everything runs smoothly. But what happens when the time is off by a few minutes… or even hours? Don’t worry. Learning how to change the time on kids smart watch devices is easier than you think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method—from automatic syncing to manual adjustments—so you can keep your child’s smart watch on time, no matter the brand or model. We’ll cover popular devices like the Xplora, SeTracker-compatible watches, Tencent Kids Watch, and generic Android-based kids’ wearables. You’ll also learn troubleshooting tips, best practices, and how to avoid common mistakes.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently adjust the time on any kids’ smart watch, ensure it stays accurate, and understand why time settings matter for features like alarms, school mode, and location tracking.

Why Accurate Time Matters on a Kids Smart Watch

Visual guide about How to Change the Time on Kids Smart Watch

Image source: consumer.huawei.com

Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why this matters. A smart watch isn’t just a toy—it’s a mini communication and safety device. Here’s how accurate time affects its functionality:

School Mode Scheduling: Many watches let parents set “school mode” to disable calls and messages during class hours. If the time is wrong, the watch might block communication too early or too late.
Alarms and Reminders: Kids rely on alarms for homework, bedtime, or medication. A few minutes off could mean missing an important reminder.
Location Tracking: GPS logs often include timestamps. If the time is incorrect, it’s harder to track your child’s movements accurately.
Call and Message Logs: Parents reviewing call history need correct timestamps to understand when contacts were made.
Daylight Saving Time (DST): Watches that don’t auto-update can fall behind by an hour, causing confusion.

So, even a small time discrepancy can have real-world consequences. That’s why knowing how to change the time on kids smart watch devices is a must-have skill for any parent.

Step 1: Check If Your Watch Syncs Time Automatically

The easiest way to keep time accurate is to let the watch sync automatically. Most modern kids’ smart watches connect to a parent’s smartphone via Bluetooth and use the phone’s time settings. Here’s how to check:

Look for Auto-Sync in the Watch Settings

Turn on the smart watch and unlock the screen.
Swipe or tap to open the Settings menu (usually a gear icon).
Look for options like “Time & Date,” “Clock,” “System,” or “General.”
Check if there’s a toggle for “Automatic Time” or “Sync with Phone.”
If enabled, the watch should update whenever it connects to your phone.

Ensure Bluetooth and App Connection Are Active

Even if auto-sync is on, the watch needs a stable connection to work:

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone’s settings.
Open the companion app (e.g., SeTracker, Xplora, or Tencent Kids).
Check that the watch appears as “connected” in the app.
If not, restart both devices and reconnect.

Pro Tip: Some watches only sync time when the app is open. Keep the app running in the background for best results.

Test the Sync

Change the time on your phone (temporarily) and see if the watch updates within a few minutes. If it does, auto-sync is working. If not, proceed to manual adjustment.

Step 2: Manually Change the Time on the Watch

If auto-sync isn’t working or your watch doesn’t support it, you’ll need to set the time manually. Here’s how:

Access the Time Settings Menu

Open the Settings app on the watch.
Scroll to find “Time & Date” or “Clock Settings.”
Tap to enter the menu.

Disable Automatic Time (If Enabled)

Before making manual changes, turn off auto-sync:

Toggle off “Automatic Time” or “Use Network Time.”
This allows you to edit the time manually.

Set the Correct Time

Tap on “Set Time” or “Manual Time.”
Use the on-screen controls to adjust hours and minutes.
Some watches use a scroll wheel; others have “+” and “-” buttons.
Confirm your selection by tapping “OK” or “Save.”

Adjust the Date and Time Zone

Don’t forget these important details:

Set the correct date to ensure alarms and schedules work properly.
Choose the right time zone—especially important if you’ve traveled recently.
Enable “Daylight Saving Time” if your region observes it.

Example: If you’re in New York and it’s 3:15 PM on March 10, make sure the time zone is set to EST (Eastern Standard Time) and DST is enabled so it updates correctly in spring.

Step 3: Use the Companion App to Update Time

Many kids’ smart watches rely on a mobile app for configuration. This is often the most reliable way to change settings, including time.

Open the Companion App

Popular apps include:

SeTracker – for generic GSM kids’ watches
Xplora App – for Xplora smart watches
Tencent Kids Watch App – for Tencent and some Xiaomi models
Wetelekids – for certain Chinese-brand watches

Connect the Watch to the App

Open the app and log in with your account.
Ensure the watch is paired via Bluetooth or SIM connection.
Tap on your child’s profile or device name.

Navigate to Time Settings

Look for sections like:

“Device Settings”
“Clock & Alarm”
“System Settings”

Sync or Update Time

Some apps have a direct “Sync Time” button. Others require you to:

Tap “Edit” or “Settings.”
Adjust the time and date fields.
Tap “Save” or “Send to Device.”

Pro Tip: After saving, restart the watch to ensure changes take effect.

Step 4: Handle Time Changes for Travel or Daylight Saving

Traveling across time zones or dealing with daylight saving time? Here’s how to keep your watch accurate.

When Traveling

Before the trip, check if your watch supports automatic time zone detection.
If not, manually update the time zone in the settings.
Use the companion app to push the new time zone to the watch.
Test the time after arrival to confirm accuracy.

Example: Flying from Los Angeles (PST) to Chicago (CST)? Change the time zone in the app or watch settings to Central Time.

Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Most modern watches auto-update for DST if “Automatic Time” is on.
If not, manually add or subtract one hour on the designated date.
Set a calendar reminder for the first Sunday in November (fall back) and second Sunday in March (spring forward).

Note: Some older or budget watches don’t support DST. In that case, manual adjustment is essential.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Time Issues

Even with the best setup, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common time-related issues.

Watch Time Is Still Wrong After Syncing

Check Bluetooth connection: Re-pair the watch with your phone.
Restart both devices: Turn off the watch and phone, wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on.
Update the app: Go to your app store and install the latest version.
Check for watch firmware updates: Some brands push updates that fix time bugs.

Time Resets After Powering Off

This usually means the watch doesn’t have a backup battery for the internal clock.

Re-sync the time each time the watch is turned on.
Keep the watch charged—low battery can cause settings to reset.
Contact the manufacturer—some models have known issues.

App Says “Sync Failed”

Ensure the watch is within 10 meters of the phone.
Close other Bluetooth apps that might interfere.
Try syncing at a different time of day (network congestion can affect GSM watches).

Watch Shows Wrong Time Zone

Go to Settings > Time Zone and select the correct one.
In the app, check if “Auto Time Zone” is enabled.
Manually set the offset if needed (e.g., UTC-5 for EST).

Time Drifts Gradually (e.g., Loses 2 Minutes Per Day)

This is a hardware issue with the internal clock.

Re-sync daily until a firmware update is available.
Contact customer support—some brands offer replacements for defective units.

Brand-Specific Instructions

Not all kids’ smart watches are the same. Here’s how to change the time on popular models.

Xplora Smart Watches

Open the Xplora App on your phone.
Tap your child’s profile.
Go to “Device Settings” > “Clock.”
Toggle off “Automatic Time” if needed.
Set the correct time and save.
The watch will update within a few minutes.

SeTracker-Compatible Watches (Generic GSM Models)

Open the SeTracker App.
Tap the watch icon.
Go to “Device Info” > “Set Time.”
Enter the current time and date.
Tap “Send” to update the watch.

Tencent Kids Watch (Xiaomi, imoo, etc.)

Open the Tencent Kids Watch App.
Select your child’s device.
Tap “Settings” > “Time & Date.”
Adjust the time and enable “Auto Sync.”
Save and wait for confirmation.

Wetelekids or Wetelewatch Models

Launch the Wetelekids App.
Connect to the watch.
Go to “Device Management” > “Time Settings.”
Manually input the time or tap “Sync Now.”

Best Practices for Maintaining Accurate Time

To avoid future issues, follow these simple habits:

Check the time weekly: Make it part of your routine, like checking the weather.
Keep the app updated: Developers often fix bugs in new versions.
Charge the watch regularly: Low battery can disrupt settings.
Use auto-sync when possible: It’s the most reliable method.
Teach your child to report time issues: They might notice if alarms don’t go off.

When to Contact Customer Support

If you’ve tried everything and the time still won’t update, it might be a hardware or software issue. Contact support if:

The watch resets to a default time every day.
The app crashes when trying to sync.
The time is off by more than 10 minutes despite correct settings.
You suspect a faulty internal clock.

Most brands offer email or chat support. Have your watch model number and purchase date ready.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change the time on kids smart watch devices is a small but essential skill for modern parenting. Whether your watch syncs automatically or needs manual input, this guide gives you the tools to keep time accurate and your child safe. From using the companion app to troubleshooting common issues, you’re now equipped to handle any time-related challenge.

Remember: a few minutes spent checking the clock can prevent missed alarms, confused schedules, and unnecessary worry. Make time accuracy a priority, and your child’s smart watch will work smarter—not harder—for your family.