Changing the time on your smart watch is simple once you know where to look. This guide walks you through the process for popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit—whether you’re adjusting for time zones, daylight saving, or manual corrections.
Key Takeaways
- Most smart watches sync time automatically via smartphone or internet. Manual changes are rarely needed but possible on some models.
- Apple Watch time is controlled through the iPhone Watch app. You cannot change it directly on the watch unless in airplane mode.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch users can adjust time in the Settings menu. Options vary slightly between Tizen and Wear OS versions.
- Fitbit devices rely on smartphone sync for accurate timekeeping. Ensure your phone’s time is correct before syncing.
- Garmin watches allow manual time entry in the system settings. Useful when traveling across time zones without phone access.
- Always check for software updates. Outdated firmware can cause time sync issues.
- Daylight saving adjustments happen automatically on most devices. No action is usually required unless automatic sync is disabled.
How to Change Time on a Smart Watch
Smart watches have become essential tools for staying organized, tracking fitness, and staying connected. One of the most basic—and important—functions they perform is keeping accurate time. Whether you’re traveling across time zones, adjusting for daylight saving, or simply noticing a time discrepancy, knowing how to change the time on your smart watch is a valuable skill.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to adjust the time on some of the most popular smart watch brands, including Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, and Wear OS devices. You’ll learn how automatic syncing works, when manual adjustments are necessary, and how to troubleshoot common time-related issues. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently manage your watch’s time settings no matter where life takes you.
Why Smart Watches Usually Don’t Need Manual Time Changes
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s important to understand why most smart watches don’t require you to manually change the time. Modern smart watches are designed to sync with your smartphone or connect directly to the internet (via Wi-Fi or cellular) to pull the correct time from network servers. This ensures your watch stays accurate without any effort on your part.
Visual guide about How to Change Time on a Smart Watch
Image source: c8.alamy.com
For example, when you set up a new Apple Watch, it automatically syncs with your iPhone’s time. Similarly, Samsung Galaxy Watches use your phone’s time zone and network data to stay current. Even when you travel, these devices typically detect your new location and adjust accordingly.
However, there are situations where you might need to intervene:
- Your phone’s time is incorrect.
- You’re in an area with poor signal and the watch hasn’t synced.
- You’re using the watch in airplane mode for an extended period.
- You prefer to set a custom time (e.g., for training or testing purposes).
Knowing how to manually adjust the time gives you greater control and ensures your watch remains reliable in any situation.
How to Change Time on an Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is one of the most popular smart watches on the market, known for its seamless integration with iOS devices. However, Apple has designed the watch so that time changes are managed through the paired iPhone, not directly on the watch itself—unless you’re in a special mode.
Method 1: Sync Time via iPhone (Recommended)
This is the standard and most reliable way to ensure your Apple Watch shows the correct time.
Step 1: Open the Watch App on Your iPhone
Locate and tap the Watch app on your iPhone. This app is pre-installed on all iOS devices and is used to manage settings for your Apple Watch.
Step 2: Go to General Settings
Scroll down and tap on General. This section contains core system settings for your watch.
Step 3: Select Date & Time
Tap on Date & Time. Here, you’ll see an option labeled Set Automatically.
Step 4: Toggle “Set Automatically” On
Make sure the Set Automatically switch is turned on (green). When enabled, your Apple Watch will sync its time with your iPhone, which in turn gets the correct time from Apple’s servers based on your location and network.
Step 5: Verify the Time
Return to your Apple Watch face and check the time. It should now match your iPhone. If not, try restarting both devices and ensuring they are connected via Bluetooth.
Method 2: Manually Set Time (Airplane Mode Only)
In rare cases—such as when traveling internationally without your phone or during a flight—you may want to set the time manually. This is only possible when your Apple Watch is in Airplane Mode.
Step 1: Enable Airplane Mode
Swipe up from the bottom of your Apple Watch screen to open the Control Center. Tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode. This disconnects the watch from your iPhone and cellular/Wi-Fi networks.
Step 2: Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your watch (looks like a gear icon).
Step 3: Go to General > Date & Time
Navigate to General, then tap Date & Time.
Step 4: Turn Off “Set Automatically”
Toggle off Set Automatically. This will allow you to manually adjust the time.
Step 5: Adjust the Time
Tap on the time field. Use the digital crown or on-screen controls to set the correct hour and minute. You can also adjust the date if needed.
Step 6: Exit Airplane Mode (Optional)
Once you’ve set the time, you can turn off Airplane Mode. However, when the watch reconnects to your iPhone, it will likely revert to the synced time unless you keep “Set Automatically” off.
Pro Tip: Manually setting the time is not recommended for daily use. It’s best used temporarily, such as during long flights or when your phone is unavailable. Always re-enable automatic syncing when possible to maintain accuracy.
How to Change Time on a Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watches run on either Tizen OS (older models) or Wear OS (newer models). The process for changing the time varies slightly between the two, but both offer manual adjustment options.
For Galaxy Watches with Tizen OS (e.g., Galaxy Watch, Watch3)
Step 1: Open Settings
Swipe down from the top of the watch screen to open the Quick Panel. Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2: Tap on “About Watch” or “System”
Scroll down and select About Watch or System, depending on your model.
Step 3: Select “Date and Time”
Look for Date and Time and tap it.
Step 4: Toggle Off “Automatic Date and Time”
Turn off the switch for Automatic Date and Time. This allows manual input.
Step 5: Set the Time Manually
Tap on the time field and use the on-screen controls to adjust the hour and minute. You can also change the date and time zone if needed.
Step 6: Save and Exit
Once set, exit the menu. The new time will be applied immediately.
For Galaxy Watches with Wear OS (e.g., Galaxy Watch4, Watch5, Watch6)
Step 1: Open Settings
Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon.
Step 2: Scroll to “System”
Tap on System, then select Date & time.
Step 3: Disable “Automatic date & time”
Toggle off Automatic date & time. This unlocks manual settings.
Step 4: Adjust Time and Date
Tap on Set time or Set date to make changes. Use the scroll wheels or digital crown to input the correct values.
Step 5: Confirm Changes
Tap OK or Done to save. Your watch will now display the manually set time.
Note: If your Galaxy Watch is paired with a Samsung phone, it may sync time automatically via the Galaxy Wearable app. Ensure your phone’s time is correct to avoid conflicts.
How to Change Time on a Fitbit Device
Fitbit smart watches and fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit Sense, Versa, or Charge series, rely heavily on smartphone syncing for time accuracy. Unlike some competitors, Fitbit does not allow direct time changes on the device. Instead, you must adjust the time on your phone or through the Fitbit app.
Step 1: Ensure Your Phone’s Time Is Correct
Go to your smartphone’s settings and verify that the time and time zone are accurate. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time. On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & time. Enable “Automatic date & time” if available.
Step 2: Open the Fitbit App
Launch the Fitbit app on your phone and make sure it’s connected to your device via Bluetooth.
Step 3: Sync Your Fitbit
Tap the Account tab (usually a profile icon), then select your device. Tap Sync Now. This forces your Fitbit to update its time based on your phone’s current settings.
Step 4: Check the Time on Your Fitbit
After syncing, check the clock face on your Fitbit. It should now reflect the correct time.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the time is still wrong, try restarting both your phone and Fitbit. Also, ensure the Fitbit app has permission to access your location, as this helps determine the correct time zone.
Important: Fitbit devices do not support manual time entry. If you’re traveling and your phone is off or in airplane mode, your Fitbit may display an outdated time until the next sync. Plan accordingly when crossing time zones.
How to Change Time on a Garmin Watch
Garmin watches, popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, offer more flexibility when it comes to time settings. Many models allow manual time entry, which is especially useful when traveling or when GPS signal is unavailable.
Step 1: Access the Main Menu
Press the Menu button (usually the bottom right button) on your Garmin watch.
Step 2: Navigate to “Settings”
Scroll to Settings and press the center button to enter.
Step 3: Select “System”
Choose System from the list of options.
Step 4: Tap “Time”
Select Time. Here, you’ll see options for time format, time zone, and manual time setting.
Step 5: Choose “Set Time”
Tap Set Time. Use the up/down buttons or touchscreen (if available) to adjust the hour and minute.
Step 6: Confirm and Save
Once set, press Done or OK to save the changes.
Bonus Feature: Many Garmin watches can also set time automatically using GPS. When you’re outdoors, the watch can detect your location and adjust the time zone accordingly. To enable this, go to Settings > System > Time > Auto Time and select “GPS” or “Network” (if supported).
How to Change Time on a Wear OS Watch (e.g., Fossil, TicWatch, Mobvoi)
Wear OS by Google powers a variety of smart watches from brands like Fossil, TicWatch, and Mobvoi. These devices typically sync time automatically but allow manual adjustments when needed.
Step 1: Open Settings
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel. Tap the gear icon to enter Settings.
Step 2: Scroll to “System”
Tap on System, then select Date & time.
Step 3: Turn Off “Automatic date & time”
Toggle off the Automatic date & time switch. This enables manual input.
Step 4: Set the Time
Tap on Set time and use the on-screen controls to adjust the hour and minute. You can also change the date and time zone.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Tap OK or Done to apply the new time.
Sync Tip: If your Wear OS watch is paired with an Android phone, it will usually sync time automatically. Ensure your phone’s time is correct and that Bluetooth is enabled for seamless updates.
Troubleshooting Common Time Issues
Even with automatic syncing, you might encounter time discrepancies. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:
Time Is Off by One Hour
This often happens during daylight saving time transitions. Check if your device has automatically adjusted. If not, manually update the time or ensure “Automatic date & time” is enabled.
Watch Shows Wrong Time After Travel
Some devices don’t detect time zone changes immediately. Force a sync by reconnecting to your phone or enabling GPS (on supported models). Alternatively, manually set the new time zone.
Time Doesn’t Update After Phone Change
If you’ve switched phones, re-pair your smart watch and ensure the new phone’s time is correct. Re-sync the device through the companion app.
Watch Freezes or Lags When Changing Time
Restart the watch by holding the power button. If the issue persists, check for software updates in the settings menu.
No Option to Change Time
Some devices, like Fitbit and Apple Watch (outside airplane mode), don’t allow manual time changes. In these cases, fix the time on your phone and sync again.
Best Practices for Accurate Timekeeping
To avoid time issues in the future, follow these tips:
- Keep automatic syncing enabled unless you have a specific reason to disable it.
- Update your watch’s software regularly to ensure compatibility and bug fixes.
- Check your phone’s time settings if your watch seems off—many devices depend on the phone.
- Use GPS or network time when traveling to automatically adjust for time zones.
- Restart your watch periodically to refresh connections and clear glitches.
Conclusion
Changing the time on a smart watch is usually a straightforward process, but the exact steps depend on the brand and model you own. While most devices handle timekeeping automatically, knowing how to manually adjust the time gives you peace of mind—especially when traveling or dealing with technical hiccups.
Whether you’re using an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, or a Wear OS device, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to keep your watch accurate and reliable. Remember to rely on automatic syncing when possible, but don’t hesitate to take manual control when needed.
With these tips, your smart watch will always show the right time—so you can focus on what matters most.