To change phone time zone, you need to manually adjust the setting in your device’s system menu, as the process differs depending on whether you use an iPhone, a Pixel or other Android phone, or a Samsung Galaxy.
How to change phone time zone on any device
The method for changing the time zone varies by device. On iPhone, the time zone is set automatically unless Location Services is off or service is unavailable, allowing a manual change in Settings. On Android, Google’s help directs you through the Clock app’s settings, while Samsung’s Galaxy support uses Settings > General management > Date and time. The three platforms covered here are iPhone, Pixel/Android, and Samsung Galaxy.
Change time zone on iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to General > Date & Time.
- Turn off Set Automatically (labeled “Set Time Zone Automatically” on some versions).
- To choose a time zone by city, tap Time Zone City and search for a city. To use an offset, tap Set By > Time Zone Offset, then use + or - to adjust.
Apple says the time zone is automatic by default and manual change is intended when Location Services are off or there is no service. If the manual options are dimmed or you prefer automatic updates, troubleshoot via the Location Services path: go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services, then turn on Setting Time Zone. This allows the device to use your location for time zone selection.
Change time zone on Pixel and Android phones
- Open the device’s Clock app.
- Tap More (three dots) > Settings.
- Tap Change date and time.
- To set the time zone automatically, turn on Automatic time zone. To set it manually, turn Automatic time zone off, then tap Time zone and select your desired time zone from the list.
Google says Pixel Tablets only support using location to set the time zone.
Change time zone on Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings, then tap General management.
- Tap Date and time.
- To enable automatic updates, turn on Automatic time zone. To set the time zone manually, turn Automatic time zone off, then tap Select time zone > Region and choose your region.
Samsung’s UK help confirms that on some Galaxy devices, the manual route is available through Date and time > Select time zone > Region.
Verify your new time zone is working
After changing the setting, check the system clock on your home screen or lock screen to confirm the displayed time matches your location. Open a world clock app (such as the pre-installed Clock app) and verify the listed time zone is correct. Finally, check your calendar events, any events scheduled after the change should show the correct local time. Samsung says the time updates automatically after selecting the region or enabling automatic time zone. If the time zone setting is dimmed on iPhone, restart the device after any updated time zone message appears.
Troubleshooting time zone problems
If your iPhone still shows the wrong time, ensure the device is connected to the internet, install the latest software updates, and turn on Set Time Automatically in Settings > General > Date & Time. Also enable Setting Time Zone in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services. On Android, if the automatic time zone isn’t working, toggle Automatic time zone off and back on, then manually select a time zone as a fallback. After a carrier update, restart your phone to force the time zone to refresh. Keeping your software up to date resolves many persistent glitches. If you need to change the time on a Fitbit without the app, you would do so directly on the device itself, not through your phone’s time zone settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Automatic time zone” do on my phone?
When enabled, the phone uses your GPS location or network data to detect your current time zone and update the system clock automatically. This is the default setting on most devices and is useful when traveling.
Will changing the time zone affect my alarms?
Yes, alarms are tied to the system clock. After you change the time zone, any existing alarms will ring at the new local time based on the adjusted clock. It is wise to double-check alarm times after a change.
Why does my phone show the wrong time zone even after I set it manually?
This can happen if the phone is still connected to a network that pushes a different time zone, or if an app overrides the system setting. Restart the device and ensure “Automatic time zone” is fully turned off. On iPhone, also verify that “Setting Time Zone” is enabled in Location Services.
Can I change the time zone on my phone while traveling without an internet connection?
Yes, you can manually select a time zone in your device’s settings even without an internet connection. The manual setting will persist until you change it again or re-enable automatic updates.
What should I do if the date and time settings are grayed out?
Grayed-out settings usually indicate that a restriction is active, such as parental controls or a corporate device management policy. Check Settings > Screen Time (iPhone) or Settings > Digital Wellbeing (Android) for restrictions, or contact your device administrator.
