This guide walks you through changing the time display on a budget Chinese smart watch, covering manual settings, app syncing, and troubleshooting common issues. Whether your watch is off by hours or stuck in the wrong format, you’ll get it fixed in minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Most cheap Chinese smart watches sync time via a companion app – check if your watch uses apps like Da Fit, Wearfit, or VeryFit.
- Manual time adjustment is possible on some models – navigate to Settings > Time or Display to change it directly on the watch.
- Ensure your phone’s time and time zone are correct – incorrect phone settings often cause sync errors.
- Re-pairing the watch can fix persistent time issues – disconnect and reconnect via Bluetooth to reset the connection.
- 12-hour vs. 24-hour format can be changed in settings – look for “Time Format” or “Display Mode” options.
- Firmware updates may improve time accuracy – check the app for available updates to enhance performance.
- Factory reset as a last resort – if nothing works, resetting the watch can restore default time settings.
Introduction: Why Your Cheap Chinese Smart Watch Time Might Be Wrong
So you just got a sleek, affordable smart watch from China — maybe from AliExpress, Banggood, or Amazon — and it looks great. But the moment you unbox it, you notice something annoying: the time is off. Maybe it’s stuck in the wrong time zone, showing military time when you prefer AM/PM, or just plain wrong by several hours.
Don’t worry — this is super common with budget smart watches, especially those made by lesser-known brands. The good news? Fixing the time display is usually quick and easy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method to change the time on your cheap Chinese smart watch, whether it’s a square-faced fitness tracker or a round sporty model.
You’ll learn how to adjust the time manually, sync it with your phone, change the time format, and troubleshoot when things go wrong. By the end, your watch will show the correct time — every time.
Understanding How Time Works on Budget Smart Watches
Visual guide about How to Change Time Display on Cheap Chinese Smart Watch
Image source: d2kbvjszk9d5ln.cloudfront.net
Before we dive into the steps, it helps to understand why these watches often have time issues in the first place.
Most cheap Chinese smart watches don’t have built-in GPS or internet connectivity. Instead, they rely on your smartphone to set and update the time. When you pair the watch with your phone via Bluetooth, it pulls the current time and time zone from your device. This is called “time syncing.”
However, if the pairing is weak, the app crashes, or your phone’s time is incorrect, the watch may display the wrong time. Some models also come with factory-default times (like Beijing time) and don’t auto-adjust until synced.
Additionally, many of these watches use third-party apps — not official ones like Wear OS or Apple Watch apps — which can be glitchy or poorly translated. That’s why knowing which app your watch uses is the first step to fixing the time.
Step 1: Identify Your Smart Watch Model and App
Not all cheap Chinese smart watches are the same. Some use proprietary apps, while others rely on universal fitness apps. Here’s how to figure out which one you have.
Check the Packaging or Manual
If you still have the box or instruction booklet, look for the app name. Common ones include:
– Da Fit
– Wearfit
– VeryFit
– FitCloud
– H Band
– Zeroner Health
These apps are usually free on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Look at the Watch Interface
Turn on your watch and swipe through the menus. If you see icons like “Heart Rate,” “Steps,” or “Sleep,” it’s likely a fitness tracker that uses one of the apps above. Some watches also display the app name during startup.
Search Online with Your Watch Model
If you know the model number (often printed on the back or in settings), search “[Model Name] + app” on Google. For example, “ID115 Plus app” usually leads to Da Fit.
Download the Correct App
Once you identify the app, download it to your phone. Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is on, then open the app and follow the pairing instructions. Most apps will guide you through connecting the watch.
Step 2: Sync Time via the Companion App
This is the most reliable way to set the correct time on your smart watch. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Open the App and Connect Your Watch
Launch the app (e.g., Da Fit) and make sure your watch is nearby and powered on. The app should detect the watch automatically. If not, tap “Add Device” or “Scan” and select your watch from the list.
Check Auto-Sync Settings
Most apps have an auto-sync feature that updates the time whenever the watch connects to your phone. Go to:
– Settings > Device Settings > Auto Sync Time
– Or: Profile > My Devices > [Your Watch] > Sync Time
Make sure this option is turned on. If it’s off, the watch won’t update the time even when connected.
Manually Trigger a Sync
If the time is still wrong, try forcing a sync:
1. Open the app.
2. Tap on your watch’s name or image.
3. Look for a “Sync” or “Refresh” button (often a circular arrow icon).
4. Tap it and wait 10–15 seconds.
The watch should vibrate or show a “Sync Complete” message. Check the time — it should now match your phone.
Verify Your Phone’s Time and Time Zone
Your phone’s time must be accurate for the sync to work. Here’s how to check:
– On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time > Enable “Set Automatically.”
– On Android: Go to Settings > System > Date & Time > Turn on “Automatic date & time” and “Automatic time zone.”
If these are off, your phone might be using the wrong time zone (like GMT instead of your local one), causing the watch to display the wrong time.
Step 3: Change Time Format (12-Hour vs. 24-Hour)
Some watches default to 24-hour format (also called military time), which can be confusing if you’re used to AM/PM. Here’s how to switch it.
Via the Watch Settings
1. Wake up your watch and swipe to the main menu.
2. Look for a “Settings” icon (usually a gear or wrench).
3. Scroll to “Time” or “Display.”
4. Tap “Time Format” or “Clock Style.”
5. Choose “12H” or “24H” as preferred.
Not all watches have this option on-device, so if you don’t see it, try the app method below.
Via the Companion App
1. Open the app and go to your device settings.
2. Look for “Display Settings” or “Watch Face.”
3. Find “Time Format” and select “12-Hour” or “24-Hour.”
4. Sync the watch to apply changes.
Some apps also let you customize the watch face — choose one that shows the time format you like.
Step 4: Manually Set the Time (If Sync Fails)
If your watch won’t sync with the app — maybe due to a broken Bluetooth connection or app crash — you can set the time manually. Not all cheap smart watches support this, but many do.
Access Time Settings on the Watch
1. Swipe to the settings menu.
2. Look for “Time,” “Clock,” or “System.”
3. Tap “Set Time” or “Adjust Time.”
Adjust Hours and Minutes
Use the touchscreen or side buttons to change the time:
– Tap the hour field and scroll up/down.
– Repeat for minutes.
– Some watches let you set seconds or AM/PM.
Save and Exit
Once set, tap “Save” or “OK.” The watch should update immediately.
Note: Manual time will reset if the watch powers off or loses connection to the app. It’s best to fix the sync issue long-term.
Step 5: Fix Common Time Sync Issues
Even after following the steps, you might still have problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common ones.
Watch Shows Wrong Time Zone
If your watch is hours off (e.g., showing Beijing time when you’re in New York), your phone’s time zone is likely wrong.
– Go to your phone’s Date & Time settings.
– Turn on “Automatic time zone” or manually select your correct zone.
– Re-sync the watch.
Time Resets After Reboot
This happens when the watch can’t retain time data. Try:
– Re-pairing the watch: Unpair it in the app, restart both devices, then reconnect.
– Updating the app: Go to the app store and check for updates.
– Charging the watch: Low battery can cause memory loss.
App Won’t Connect or Sync
If the app says “Connection Failed” or “Sync Error”:
1. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
2. Force close the app and reopen it.
3. Restart your phone and watch.
4. Reinstall the app if needed.
Watch Displays “–:–” or Blank Time
This means the time data is corrupted. Try:
– Performing a factory reset (see below).
– Re-syncing after a full charge.
– Checking for firmware updates in the app.
Step 6: Update Firmware for Better Time Accuracy
Some cheap smart watches have buggy software that affects timekeeping. Updating the firmware can fix this.
Check for Updates in the App
1. Open the companion app.
2. Go to “Device” or “My Watch.”
3. Look for “Firmware Update” or “System Update.”
4. If an update is available, tap “Download” and follow the prompts.
The watch will usually restart during the update. Don’t disconnect it until it’s complete.
Why Firmware Matters
Firmware updates can improve:
– Time sync reliability
– Bluetooth stability
– Battery life
– Overall performance
Even if your time is working now, updating can prevent future issues.
Step 7: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If nothing else works, a factory reset can restore your watch to default settings — including the correct time. Warning: This will erase all data (steps, sleep logs, etc.).
How to Factory Reset
Method varies by model, but common ways include:
– Hold the side button for 10–15 seconds until the reset screen appears.
– Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory Reset.
– Use the app: Some apps have a “Reset Device” option under settings.
After resetting, re-pair the watch with your phone and sync the time.
When to Use This Option
Only reset if:
– The time is consistently wrong.
– The watch freezes or crashes.
– You’re planning to sell or give away the watch.
Tips to Keep Your Watch Time Accurate
Once your time is fixed, follow these tips to avoid future issues:
– Keep the companion app updated.
– Don’t disable Bluetooth on your phone.
– Charge the watch regularly — low battery can cause sync failures.
– Avoid extreme temperatures, which can affect internal clocks.
– Re-sync weekly to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion: Your Watch Time Is Now Under Control
Changing the time display on a cheap Chinese smart watch doesn’t have to be frustrating. With the right app, a few taps, and some troubleshooting, you can have your watch showing the correct time in minutes.
Remember: most time issues come from sync problems, not broken hardware. Start with the app, check your phone’s settings, and only go manual or reset if needed.
Now that your watch is synced and accurate, you can focus on what really matters — tracking your steps, monitoring your heart rate, or just looking cool with a high-tech gadget on your wrist.
Happy timing!