Changing the time on a kids smart watch is quick and easy once you know the right steps. This guide walks you through setup, syncing, and troubleshooting for popular models so your child’s watch always shows the correct time.
Key Takeaways
- Most kids smart watches sync time automatically via a parent app. Check your device’s companion app first before manually adjusting.
- Manual time setting is available on some models through the watch menu. Look for “Settings,” “Clock,” or “Time” options on the screen.
- Always ensure the watch has a stable internet or Bluetooth connection. Poor connectivity can prevent automatic time updates.
- Time zone settings matter for accurate time display. Confirm your location is correctly set in the app or watch settings.
- Rebooting the watch can fix syncing issues. A simple restart often resolves time discrepancies.
- Keep the watch charged during setup. Low battery may interrupt software functions like time syncing.
- Consult the user manual for brand-specific instructions. Brands like VTech, Xplora, and TickTalk have unique interfaces.
How to Change Time on Kids Smart Watch: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Is your child’s smart watch showing the wrong time? Maybe it’s an hour off due to daylight saving, or it hasn’t updated after a trip across time zones. Don’t worry—changing the time on a kids smart watch is simpler than you think. Whether you’re setting up a new device or adjusting the clock after a glitch, this guide will walk you through every step clearly and safely.
In this comprehensive how-to, you’ll learn how to change the time on a wide range of kids smart watches—from popular brands like VTech, Xplora, TickTalk, and Garmin—using both automatic syncing and manual methods. We’ll cover everything from connecting to the parent app, adjusting time zones, troubleshooting common issues, and even what to do if the watch won’t update at all. By the end, you’ll feel confident managing your child’s wearable tech like a pro.
Why Accurate Time Matters on a Kids Smart Watch
You might wonder, “Does it really matter if the watch is 15 minutes off?” The truth is, accurate timekeeping is essential for safety, routine, and functionality. Many kids smart watches include features like school mode, GPS tracking, messaging, and alarms—all of which rely on correct time data.
Visual guide about How to Change Time on Kids Smart Watch
Image source: switchconcept.com.my
For example, if the watch thinks it’s 8:00 AM when it’s actually 8:30 AM, your child might miss a scheduled check-in or get confused about when to head to school. Worse, emergency alerts or location pings could be delayed if the internal clock is out of sync. That’s why keeping the time accurate isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reliability and peace of mind.
How Kids Smart Watches Get Their Time: Automatic vs. Manual
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand how kids smart watches receive time information. Most modern devices use one of two methods: automatic syncing or manual input.
Automatic Time Syncing via Parent App
The majority of kids smart watches connect to a smartphone app—like the VTech Kid Connect app, Xplora app, or TickTalk app—via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Once paired, the watch pulls the current time and date directly from your phone. This means that as long as your phone has the correct time and is connected to the internet, the watch should update automatically.
This method is ideal because it reduces user error and ensures consistency. For instance, when daylight saving time begins or ends, your phone updates automatically, and the watch follows suit—no extra steps needed.
Manual Time Setting on the Watch
Some watches, especially older models or budget-friendly options, allow you to set the time directly on the device. This is usually found in the watch’s settings menu under options like “Clock,” “Time & Date,” or “System.” While this gives you more control, it also increases the risk of mistakes—like entering the wrong hour or forgetting to adjust for time zones.
Manual setting is typically a backup option. If the watch loses connection to the app or hasn’t synced in a while, you can use this method to correct the time temporarily.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Time on a Kids Smart Watch
Now that you understand the basics, let’s get into the actual steps. We’ll cover both automatic and manual methods, with tips for troubleshooting along the way.
Step 1: Check the Current Time and Connection Status
Before making any changes, take a moment to assess the situation. Look at the watch screen and note the current time. Then, check if the watch is connected to your phone.
- Bluetooth connection: Most watches stay linked to your phone via Bluetooth. Open the companion app and see if it shows “Connected” or “Online.”
- Wi-Fi or cellular: Some advanced models (like the Xplora X5 Play) have SIM cards and can connect directly to mobile networks. Check the signal bars on the watch.
- Battery level: Ensure the watch has at least 30% charge. Low power can disrupt syncing.
If the watch is connected and still showing the wrong time, proceed to the next step. If it’s disconnected, reconnect it first—this often fixes the issue automatically.
Step 2: Use the Parent App to Sync Time (Recommended Method)
The easiest and most reliable way to change the time is through the parent app. Here’s how:
For VTech Smart Watches (e.g., VTech KidiCom)
- Open the VTech Kid Connect app on your smartphone.
- Tap on your child’s profile or device name.
- Go to Device Settings > Time & Date.
- Make sure “Automatic Time Sync” is turned on.
- If it’s already on but the time is wrong, tap Sync Now or Refresh.
- Wait 30–60 seconds for the watch to update.
Tip: If the app doesn’t have a “Sync Now” button, try force-closing the app and reopening it. This often triggers a fresh connection.
For Xplora Smart Watches (e.g., X5 Play)
- Launch the Xplora app and log in.
- Select your child’s watch from the dashboard.
- Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear or three dots).
- Choose Device Settings > Time Zone.
- Select your correct time zone (e.g., Pacific, Eastern, Central).
- The watch will automatically update within a minute.
Note: Xplora watches rely heavily on correct time zone settings. If you’ve traveled recently, this is likely the culprit.
For TickTalk Smart Watches
- Open the TickTalk app and go to the Devices tab.
- Tap on your child’s watch.
- Scroll to General Settings > Date & Time.
- Toggle on “Set Automatically” if it’s off.
- If the time is still incorrect, tap “Sync with Phone.”
- Wait for the confirmation message.
Pro Tip: TickTalk watches sync best when both the phone and watch are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 3: Manually Set the Time on the Watch (If Needed)
If the app method doesn’t work—or if your watch doesn’t support automatic syncing—you can set the time manually. Here’s how:
Accessing the Settings Menu
- Wake up the watch by pressing the side button or tapping the screen.
- Swipe left or right to find the Settings icon (usually a gear).
- Tap to open it.
- Look for options like “Clock,” “Time,” “Date & Time,” or “System.”
Adjusting the Time
- Tap on “Time” or “Set Time.”
- Use the on-screen arrows or dial to change the hour and minute.
- Confirm your selection by tapping “OK” or “Save.”
- Repeat for the date if needed.
Example: On a VTech KidiCom 3, go to Settings > Clock > Set Time. Use the + and – buttons to adjust.
Important: Manual setting doesn’t account for daylight saving or time zone changes. You’ll need to adjust it again when those occur.
Step 4: Verify the Time Change
After syncing or manually setting the time, double-check that the change took effect.
- Look at the watch screen—does it match your phone’s time?
- Test a feature that uses time, like an alarm or reminder.
- Ask your child to confirm the time with you.
If the time is correct, great! If not, move on to troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Common Time Sync Issues
Even with the best steps, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Issue 1: Watch Won’t Sync with the App
Possible Causes: Bluetooth interference, outdated app, or poor signal.
Solutions:
- Restart both the watch and your phone.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your phone.
- Update the parent app to the latest version.
- Move closer to the watch (within 10 feet) to improve Bluetooth range.
- Reset the watch’s connection in the app (usually under “Forget Device” or “Re-pair”).
Issue 2: Time is Off by One Hour (Daylight Saving)
This is a classic issue. Your phone may have updated, but the watch didn’t.
Solutions:
- Check if “Automatic Time Zone” is enabled in the app.
- Manually adjust the time forward or backward by one hour.
- Wait 24 hours—some watches update slowly after DST changes.
Issue 3: Watch Shows Wrong Time After Travel
If you’ve flown to a new time zone, the watch might still be set to your home zone.
Solutions:
- Open the parent app and update the time zone to your current location.
- If the watch has GPS, enable it to auto-detect the zone.
- Manually set the time if the app doesn’t support location-based updates.
Issue 4: Watch Freezes or Won’t Respond
Sometimes the watch gets stuck and won’t accept changes.
Solutions:
- Force restart the watch (usually by holding the power button for 10–15 seconds).
- Charge the watch fully—low battery can cause glitches.
- Reset the watch to factory settings (only as a last resort—this erases data).
Brand-Specific Tips for Changing Time
Not all kids smart watches are created equal. Here’s what to know for popular brands.
VTech
- Uses Bluetooth-only connection—no Wi-Fi or SIM.
- Time syncs only when the app is open and nearby.
- Manual time setting is available but not recommended for long-term use.
Xplora
- Supports 4G LTE and GPS for real-time updates.
- Time zone must be set correctly in the app.
- Watch updates automatically when connected to cellular network.
TickTalk
- Syncs via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- “Set Automatically” must be enabled for accurate time.
- App notifications confirm successful syncing.
Garmin Bounce
- Uses Garmin Jr. app for syncing.
- Time updates when the watch syncs with the app daily.
- Manual override available in watch settings.
Best Practices for Maintaining Accurate Time
Once you’ve fixed the time, keep it that way with these habits:
- Keep the app updated: Developers often fix sync bugs in new versions.
- Charge the watch regularly: A dead battery can reset the clock.
- Check time after travel: Always verify the time zone in the app.
- Enable auto-sync: Turn on “Automatic Time” in both the app and watch settings.
- Restart weekly: A quick reboot helps clear glitches and refresh connections.
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 the manufacturer if:
- The watch won’t connect to the app after multiple attempts.
- The screen is frozen or unresponsive.
- Time resets every time the watch is turned off.
- You see error messages like “Sync Failed” or “Time Error.”
Most brands offer live chat, email, or phone support. Have your model number and purchase date ready.
Conclusion
Changing the time on a kids smart watch doesn’t have to be frustrating. With the right approach—using the parent app for automatic syncing or manually adjusting when needed—you can keep your child’s device accurate and reliable. Remember to check connections, update settings, and troubleshoot common issues like time zones and daylight saving.
By following this guide, you’re not just fixing a clock—you’re ensuring your child’s smart watch works safely and effectively every day. Whether it’s for school, play, or peace of mind, a correctly set watch is a small detail that makes a big difference.