To change the time on your Fitbit Charge 5, you must update the time zone setting in the Fitbit app and then sync your device. This is the only documented method to change the time on Fitbit Charge 5, as the device itself does not have a manual time adjustment control.
How to change the time on your Fitbit Charge 5: The documented method
Fitbit's official guidance states that the correct way to fix the time on any Fitbit device, including the Charge 5, is to use the Fitbit app's time zone settings and then sync the device. The app automatically pushes the correct local time to your Charge 5 during the sync process. This method works whether you have traveled across time zones or daylight saving time has just changed.
Why your Fitbit Charge 5 shows the wrong time
Several common situations can cause your Charge 5 to display an incorrect time:
- Traveling across time zones without syncing your device afterward
- Daylight saving time changes that your device has not yet received
- Sync interruptions between your smartphone and the Charge 5, such as a lost Bluetooth connection or the Fitbit app not running in the background
Step-by-step: Update time through the Fitbit app
Follow these steps to correct the time on your Charge 5:
- Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the time settings path for your device. The exact menu path may vary slightly between iPhone and Android, but the task is consistently identified as changing the time on your Fitbit device from the app.
- Change the time zone setting to the correct one for your current location.
- Sync your Fitbit Charge 5 so the clock updates to the new time zone.
After syncing, the time on your Charge 5 should match the local time. The app handles the update automatically once the time zone is set correctly.
What to do if the time still won't update
If the time on your Charge 5 remains incorrect after following the steps above, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check that your phone's time and time zone settings are correct. The Fitbit app relies on your phone's time data to push the correct time to your device.
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and your Charge 5 is connected to your phone. A broken connection prevents the sync from completing.
- Force a manual sync by opening the Fitbit app and pulling down on the main screen. This triggers an immediate sync attempt, which may resolve a stalled update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set the time manually on the Fitbit Charge 5 itself?
No. The only supported method is to change the time zone in the Fitbit app and sync the device.
Does the app method work the same on iPhone and Android?
Yes. The process of opening the Fitbit app, changing the time zone, and syncing applies to both platforms.
What if I don't have a smartphone to use the Fitbit app?
Without a smartphone and the Fitbit app, you cannot change the time on your Charge 5 using the documented method. The device relies entirely on the app for time updates, and there is no alternative manual control on the tracker itself.
How can I change the time on a Fitbit without the app?
The Charge 5 lacks manual time controls, so the app is the only path to update the clock.
Will the time update automatically when I cross a time zone?
Yes, but only if you sync your Charge 5 with the Fitbit app after arriving in the new time zone. The app must detect the new time zone from your phone's settings and push that information to your device during a sync.
How often should I check and update the time on my Fitbit Charge 5?
Check the time after traveling across time zones or when daylight saving time starts or ends, and sync your device to ensure it updates. Otherwise, no regular manual checks are needed if syncing occurs consistently.
