Table of Contents

How to Change My Fitbit Date and Time: A Definitive Guide

Struggling with a wonky clock on your Fitbit? Don’t sweat it! This article provides a comprehensive and straightforward guide to getting your Fitbit’s date and time perfectly synchronized, ensuring accurate tracking of your fitness journey.

The Direct Answer: How to Correct Your Fitbit’s Date and Time

The most reliable way to change your Fitbit’s date and time is through the Fitbit app synced with your Fitbit device. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Ensure Syncing is Enabled: First and foremost, confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone or tablet. A stable Bluetooth connection is crucial for successful syncing.
Open the Fitbit App: Launch the Fitbit app on your iOS or Android device.
Sync Your Fitbit: Tap on your profile picture or initial located in the top-left corner of the app.
Select Your Device: Scroll down and select the specific Fitbit device you own (e.g., Fitbit Charge 5, Fitbit Versa 4, Fitbit Inspire 3).
Scroll Down to ‘App Settings’ or ‘General’: The specific wording might vary slightly depending on your Fitbit model and app version. Look for a section that handles device settings.
Find the ‘Time Zone’ Setting: Look for a ‘Time Zone’ option. This is the key to correcting both the date and time.
Disable ‘Set Automatically’: Toggle the “Set Automatically” option to the OFF position. This allows you to manually adjust the time zone.
Select Your Correct Time Zone: Choose your accurate time zone from the provided list. This action will automatically update both the date and time on your Fitbit.
Resync Your Fitbit: After selecting the time zone, go back to the main device settings screen and tap the “Sync Now” option. This forces the Fitbit to synchronize with the updated time zone information.
Verify the Change: Check your Fitbit device to confirm that the date and time have been updated correctly. It might take a few moments for the change to reflect.

By following these steps, you can easily adjust your Fitbit’s date and time and keep your data accurate. If you’re still facing issues, proceed to the FAQs below for further troubleshooting tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to address various scenarios related to changing the date and time on your Fitbit:

1. Why is My Fitbit Showing the Wrong Date and Time Even After Syncing?

Several reasons could cause this:

Intermittent Bluetooth Connection: An unstable Bluetooth connection during syncing can lead to incomplete data transfer, including incorrect time information.
Outdated Fitbit App: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Fitbit app. Outdated versions can sometimes have synchronization issues.
Software Glitches: Occasionally, temporary software glitches can cause discrepancies. Try restarting both your Fitbit and your smartphone/tablet.
Incorrect Time Zone Setting: Verify that your time zone is correctly set within the Fitbit app (as detailed in the direct answer above). Even if “Set Automatically” is enabled, double-check the selected time zone.
Low Battery: A very low battery on your Fitbit can sometimes interfere with proper syncing and time updates. Charge your device fully before attempting to sync.

2. How Do I Restart My Fitbit?

Restarting your Fitbit can often resolve minor software glitches that might be causing time synchronization problems. The restart process varies slightly depending on your Fitbit model:

Fitbit Charge Series (e.g., Charge 5, Charge 4): Connect the charging cable to the Fitbit and a power source. Press the button on the side of the Fitbit three times rapidly (within eight seconds). The Fitbit logo should appear, indicating a successful restart.
Fitbit Versa Series (e.g., Versa 4, Versa 3): Press and hold the button(s) on the side of the Fitbit for about 10 seconds, until the Fitbit logo appears.
Fitbit Inspire Series (e.g., Inspire 3, Inspire 2): Connect the charging cable to the Fitbit and a power source. Press the buttons on either side of the tracker (if applicable) or squeeze the tracker on either side where the buttons would be (for buttonless models) for about 5 seconds, until the Fitbit logo appears.
Fitbit Luxe: Connect the charging cable. Press the button three times rapidly within a few seconds.

Consult your specific Fitbit model’s user manual for detailed restart instructions.

3. The “Set Automatically” Time Zone Option is Grayed Out. What Do I Do?

This usually happens if location services are disabled for the Fitbit app on your smartphone. To enable location services:

iOS (iPhone/iPad): Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Make sure Location Services are turned ON. Then, scroll down to the Fitbit app and choose either “While Using the App” or “Always.”
Android: Go to Settings > Location. Make sure Location is turned ON. Then, go to Permissions > App Permissions (or similar, depending on your Android version) and find the Fitbit app. Ensure that the “Location” permission is set to “Allow only while using the app” or “Allow all the time”.

After enabling location services, restart the Fitbit app and try again. The “Set Automatically” option should now be available.

4. My Fitbit Still Shows the Wrong Time After Changing the Time Zone. What Else Can I Try?

If changing the time zone doesn’t solve the problem, try these additional steps:

Force Quit the Fitbit App: Completely close the Fitbit app (don’t just minimize it) and reopen it. This can sometimes clear cached data that’s causing the issue.
Clear the Fitbit App Cache (Android Only): Go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit > Storage and tap “Clear Cache”. (Note: The exact path may vary depending on your Android device).
Reinstall the Fitbit App: Uninstall the Fitbit app, restart your smartphone/tablet, and then reinstall the app. This is a more drastic measure, but it can often resolve persistent issues.
Factory Reset Your Fitbit: As a last resort, you can factory reset your Fitbit. This will erase all data on the device, so be sure to sync your data to the Fitbit app first. The factory reset process varies depending on your Fitbit model; consult your device’s user manual for instructions.

5. Can I Change the Date and Time Directly on My Fitbit Device Without Using the App?

In most cases, no. Modern Fitbit devices primarily rely on the Fitbit app for time and date synchronization. Older models might have had limited on-device settings, but these are generally not as reliable or accurate. The app is the recommended and most effective method.

6. How Often Should I Sync My Fitbit?

Ideally, you should sync your Fitbit at least once a day. This ensures that your activity data is backed up to the Fitbit servers and that your device receives any necessary software updates, including time and date corrections.

7. Does Daylight Saving Time Affect My Fitbit?

Yes, Daylight Saving Time (DST) can affect your Fitbit if the time zone is not correctly configured or if the “Set Automatically” option is not working properly. Ensure that your time zone is correctly set and that “Set Automatically” is enabled to ensure a smooth transition during DST.

8. My Fitbit is Connected to Multiple Devices. Could This Be Causing the Time Discrepancy?

Yes, if your Fitbit is paired with multiple devices, conflicts can arise if those devices have different time zone settings. It’s best to unpair your Fitbit from all devices except the primary one you use for syncing.

9. I Travel Frequently. How Do I Keep My Fitbit Time Accurate While Traveling?

When traveling across time zones, enable the “Set Automatically” time zone option in the Fitbit app. This will automatically update your Fitbit’s time based on your current location. Ensure that location services are enabled for the Fitbit app.

10. What if My Fitbit Won’t Sync at All?

If your Fitbit is not syncing, try these troubleshooting steps:

Restart Your Fitbit and Smartphone/Tablet.
Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled and Working Properly.
Check Your Internet Connection (for the Smartphone/Tablet).
Make Sure the Fitbit App is Up to Date.
Forget the Fitbit from Your Device’s Bluetooth Settings and Re-Pair It.
Contact Fitbit Support.

11. Will Changing the Time on My Smartphone/Tablet Affect My Fitbit?

Yes, changing the time on your smartphone/tablet will indirectly affect your Fitbit when you sync the devices. This is because the Fitbit uses your phone’s time as a reference point. Make sure your phone has the correct time zone to ensure correct data.

12. Where Can I Find More Help if I’m Still Having Trouble?

If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still experiencing issues with your Fitbit’s date and time, the best resource is Fitbit’s official help website (help.fitbit.com). You can also contact Fitbit Support directly through the website or app. They can provide personalized assistance based on your specific Fitbit model and issue.