Fitbit devices are popular for tracking fitness metrics, monitoring health, and even keeping an eye on daily routines like sleep and activity. But when the time is incorrect on your Fitbit, it can affect how you track your day. Whether you’ve traveled to a new time zone or your device hasn’t synced properly, changing the time on a Fitbit is an essential skill every user should know. This guide will walk you through how to change the time on your Fitbit in easy, beginner-friendly steps.
Why Does the Time on Fitbit Matter?
Your Fitbit works in sync with your daily schedule. Accurate timekeeping ensures that the data it collects—steps, calories burned, exercise logs, and sleep patterns—are tracked correctly throughout the day. If the time is off, your device could record activities in the wrong time window, which can disrupt your goals and mislead your health insights.
Luckily, adjusting the time on a Fitbit is straightforward, and in most cases, automatic. However, if your device displays the wrong time, here’s how to quickly fix it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Time on Fitbit
There are two primary methods to change the time on your Fitbit, and both involve the Fitbit app or website. You can either manually adjust the settings or fix any time issues through automatic syncing.
Method 1: Change Time on Fitbit via Automatic Sync
Fitbit devices are designed to sync the time automatically with your phone’s time settings. In most cases, this automatic syncing should handle the job for you. If the time on your Fitbit is incorrect, make sure the device is syncing properly with your phone. Here’s how to enable automatic syncing.
Steps to Ensure Automatic Sync:
- Open the Fitbit App:
- Ensure that your Fitbit device is paired with your phone through the Fitbit app.
- Open the app on your smartphone.
- Go to Your Profile:
- In the top left corner of the Fitbit app, tap the profile icon.
- Select Your Device:
- Choose your Fitbit device from the list of connected devices.
- Sync Your Device:
- Scroll down to find the “Sync Now” button. This will sync your Fitbit with the correct time based on your phone’s time settings.
If syncing does not fix the issue, proceed to manually change the time zone.
Method 2: Manually Change the Time on Fitbit
If automatic syncing doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to manually change the time settings. This is particularly useful when you travel to a different time zone or if your phone settings do not automatically update. Here’s how to manually adjust the time on your Fitbit.
Steps for Manual Time Change:
- Access Time Settings in the App:
- Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon at the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select Your Device:
- Choose your Fitbit device from the list of connected trackers.
- Modify Time Zone:
- Scroll down to find “Advanced Settings.”
- Tap on “Time Zone.”
- Disable the automatic time zone option by toggling it off.
- Set the Time Zone:
- After disabling automatic time zone detection, manually select your current time zone from the list.
- Sync Your Fitbit:
- After changing the time zone, return to the device settings and tap “Sync Now” to apply the new time setting.
How to Change Time on Fitbit via Fitbit Dashboard (Web)
You can also change the time on your Fitbit using the Fitbit Dashboard on a computer. This option works well if you don’t have the Fitbit app installed or prefer to manage settings through a web interface.
Steps to Change Time via Web Dashboard:
- Log into Your Fitbit Account:
- Open your web browser and go to fitbit.com.
- Log in with your Fitbit account credentials.
- Access Settings:
- Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the dashboard.
- Choose “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Change Time Zone:
- In the settings menu, find the “Personal Info” tab.
- Scroll down to “Time Zone.”
- Uncheck the “Set Automatically” box, then choose your correct time zone from the list.
- Save Changes:
- Once you’ve selected your time zone, click “Submit” to save the settings.
- Sync Your Fitbit:
- Sync your Fitbit device with the updated settings by going to the Fitbit app or by reconnecting it through the dashboard.
Common Issues When Changing Time on Fitbit
Sometimes, even after following these steps, you might still encounter problems with the time on your Fitbit. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:
- Fitbit Fails to Sync:
- Ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is enabled and the Fitbit is within range of the phone. Restart your phone and the Fitbit if necessary.
- Time Is Off After Traveling:
- After changing time zones, make sure your phone’s time settings are correct and that the automatic sync function is enabled in the Fitbit app.
- Fitbit App is Out of Date:
- Ensure that the Fitbit app is updated to the latest version. Older app versions might not sync properly with newer Fitbit devices.
- Phone Settings Affecting Fitbit:
- Check your phone’s settings, especially if you’re using the automatic time zone function. Your phone’s clock settings will influence the time displayed on your Fitbit.
How Often Should You Sync Your Fitbit?
To keep your Fitbit accurate, it’s good practice to sync it regularly—especially after traveling or changing time zones. A daily sync ensures your Fitbit is up to date with the latest data and that any necessary adjustments to time settings are made.
Conclusion
Changing the time on your Fitbit is an easy process, whether you’re relying on automatic sync or making manual adjustments. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your Fitbit is always displaying the correct time, helping you accurately track your daily fitness and health goals.
Make sure to sync your device regularly, especially after traveling or noticing discrepancies in the time. With these simple steps, you’ll keep your Fitbit running smoothly and recording your data accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my Fitbit showing the wrong time?
Your Fitbit may display the wrong time if it hasn’t synced properly with your phone or if your phone’s time settings are incorrect. Make sure your device is connected and syncing regularly.
2. Can I change the time on my Fitbit without using the app?
No, you need the Fitbit app or Fitbit Dashboard (web version) to change the time on your device. The time settings are managed through these platforms.
3. How do I fix my Fitbit if it won’t sync the time?
Try restarting your phone and Fitbit device. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and that the devices are within range. If the issue persists, check for any app updates or reset your device.
4. Will my Fitbit automatically change time when I travel?
Yes, if you have automatic time zone detection enabled in your Fitbit settings. Otherwise, you’ll need to manually adjust the time zone.
5. What should I do if my Fitbit is still showing the wrong time after syncing?
Check your phone’s time settings to ensure they’re correct. If the issue persists, manually set the time zone in the Fitbit app by following the steps outlined above.
6. Do I need to sync my Fitbit daily?
It’s not necessary to sync daily, but regular syncing ensures that your Fitbit’s time and data are up to date. Syncing once a day or every few days is generally sufficient.
Zainab Afzal is the owner of Tech 2 Drive, a leading platform dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in technology. With a strong background in digital marketing, Zainab combines her expertise in the tech industry with her passion for content creation. She holds a graduate degree, which has fueled her commitment to driving innovation and sharing insightful knowledge with a global audience.
