Fitbit Time Daylight Savings: 8 Easy Steps to Adjust It

If your Fitbit shows the wrong time after daylight savings, you are not alone. Many users find their device stubbornly sticks to the old time, even after the clocks change. Fortunately, correcting this is simple if you know where to look. You do not need to reset your tracker or wait for it to update itself.

Below you'll find step-by-step instructions and tips for updating your Fitbit's time, whether you use an Android phone, iPhone, or even sync through your Windows PC. We'll also cover troubleshooting the most common hiccups, so your Fitbit always keeps perfect time.

Why Fitbit Time Can Go Wrong After Daylight Savings

Fitbit trackers rely on your phone or computer to set the correct time. When daylight savings begins or ends, your phone usually updates automatically, but your Fitbit might not follow suit right away. This often happens if automatic time sync is off, if the Fitbit app is running in the background for too long, or if there's a sync delay between the app and the device itself.

Sometimes, your Fitbit will stay stuck on the old time zone, especially if you travel between regions or don't open the app for a while. Knowing why it happens helps you understand why just waiting seldom works and why manual steps matter.

Step 1: Check Your Phone’s Time Settings

Before fixing the Fitbit itself, confirm your smartphone shows the correct time and time zone. On both Android and iOS, go to your device settings and check that "Set automatically" or "Use network-provided time" is enabled. This guarantees that your phone, and by extension your Fitbit, knows the right local time after daylight savings changes.

If your phone shows the wrong time, fix this first. Fitbit cannot display the right time if its source device is incorrect. Restart your phone if recent changes don't show up right away.

Step 2: Open the Fitbit App and Force a Sync

Once your phone's clock is correct, open the Fitbit app. The app should automatically attempt to sync with your Fitbit tracker. Sometimes, just launching the app is enough. Watch for the top notification bar that says "Syncing…". Wait for it to finish.

If your Fitbit still shows the wrong time, tap your profile picture, select your device from the list, and scroll down. Press the "Sync Now" button. This will manually push updated settings - including the new time - to your tracker. Always ensure Bluetooth is enabled and your Fitbit is within range of your phone.

Step 3: Check Your Fitbit App’s Time Zone Settings

If your Fitbit shows the wrong time after syncing, it might be set to the wrong time zone. In the Fitbit app, tap your profile icon, select "App Settings" (sometimes under "Settings"), and look for the "Time Zone" or "Automatic time zone" setting. Make sure this is set to automatic, or manually select your correct time zone. This is especially helpful if you travel or live near a time zone border.

On some Fitbit app versions, you'll find time zone options under "Account" - "Personal Info". If you set your time zone manually, remember to update it whenever you move or daylight savings kicks in.

Step 4: Restart Your Fitbit Tracker

If syncing and app time zone checks did not work, try restarting your Fitbit device. Different models have slightly different restart processes. For most models (like the Versa, Inspire, or Charge series), press and hold the main button(s) until you see the Fitbit logo on screen, then release. For devices with no physical button, swipe to "Settings" on the tracker, and look for the "Restart" or "Shutdown" option.

After restarting, open the Fitbit app and sync again. This can nudge a stubborn tracker to accept the new time from your phone or PC.

Step 5: Update the Fitbit App

App bugs occasionally prevent time updates from syncing to your tracker. Open the App Store or Google Play Store and check for Fitbit app updates. Install any available updates. Outdated apps, especially after a big daylight savings change, can behave erratically.

After updating, repeat the sync steps. An up-to-date app is less likely to get stuck during time changes.

Step 6: Change Time Settings via Fitbit.com Dashboard (PC)

If you sync your Fitbit using a Windows PC and the Fitbit Connect software, you can adjust time settings directly online. Visit fitbit.com, log in, and click the gear icon in the top right. Select "Settings", then "Personal Info". Here you’ll find the "Time Zone" drop-down. Pick the correct time zone and save your changes.

Next, open the Fitbit Connect app on your PC and click "Sync Now". This pushes all your online and app changes to your device. This method is especially helpful for users who do not use a smartphone for syncing.

Step 7: Check for Device Firmware Updates

Sometimes, Fitbit issues firmware updates that address bugs related to timekeeping or daylight savings. In the Fitbit app, go to your device settings and check if an update is available. If you see an "Update Available" banner, follow the instructions to update your device.

Firmware updates can take several minutes and your device needs to stay charged and near your phone or PC. Once the update completes, force another sync. This may correct persistent time bugs that steps above did not fix.

Step 8: Try a Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If all else fails - your Fitbit still shows the wrong time and none of the above steps work - consider a factory reset. This erases all data on your tracker, so only try it as a last resort. The reset option is usually under "Settings" - "About" - "Factory Reset" on the tracker itself. After reset, set up your Fitbit again through the app, making sure the phone's time and app time zone are correct first.

Factory reset solves rare bugs but should not be necessary unless your Fitbit is truly stuck. Always backup your data by syncing before resetting.

Frequently asked questions