To change time on Android, you can either let your phone handle it automatically or set the date and time yourself. The automatic option syncs with your network, so your phone always shows the correct time, even when you travel across time zones.
How to change the time on an Android phone automatically
Most Android phones set the date and time automatically by default, using the network or internet to stay accurate. This automatic setting also handles time zone changes and daylight saving time, so you never have to worry about springing forward or falling behind. To enable this feature:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to System (or General management on some devices, like Samsung phones).
- Tap Date & time.
- Turn on Automatic date & time or Use network-provided time.
Once enabled, your phone will synchronize with your carrier or internet connection. If you ever need to change the time on a Fitbit without the app, you would need to use the device itself, but on Android this automatic sync keeps everything consistent.
How to set the time manually on Android
To take full control of the clock, you must first disable the automatic time setting. The options to manually set the date and time are hidden until you turn off automatic mode. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > System (or General management) > Date & time.
- Toggle off Automatic date & time or Use network-provided time.
- Tap Set date to adjust the calendar.
- Tap Set time to modify the hour and minute.
After making your changes, the phone will display the time you entered. Remember that the exact names of these settings and buttons may vary slightly depending on your Android phone model, manufacturer (such as Samsung or Pixel), and operating system version.
How to change the time zone on your Android phone
If you only need to adjust the region without changing the exact time, you can manually select a time zone. First, disable automatic time zone detection:
- Open Settings > System (or General management) > Date & time.
- Turn off Automatic time zone or Set time zone automatically.
- Tap Time zone or Select time zone.
- Choose the correct region and time zone from the list.
Some Wi-Fi-only tablets might only support using location to set the time zone and may not have a Use location setting, so manual selection is the only option on those devices.
How to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time format
Whether you prefer a standard AM/PM display or military-style 24-hour time, the toggle is in the same Date & time menu. To change the format:
- Look for Use 24-hour format.
- Toggle it on for 24-hour display or off for 12-hour display.
This setting only changes how the time is shown; it does not affect the actual time or alarms.
Why your Android time settings might be grayed out
If you open the Date & time menu and find that Set date and Set time are grayed out or missing entirely, it is because Automatic date & time is still enabled. The manual controls are locked by design to prevent accidental changes. To unlock them, simply go back and turn off Automatic date & time or Use network-provided time. Once disabled, the manual options will appear and become tappable. If the time on your Android phone keeps changing, it could be due to issues with your mobile network; contact your mobile service provider for assistance if the problem persists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the time on my Android phone affect my alarms?
Alarms are tied to the system time, so if you change the time manually, your existing alarms will ring based on the new time. It is a good idea to double-check your alarms after making a manual adjustment to ensure they still fire when you expect.
Why does the time on my Android phone keep changing on its own?
This usually happens because Automatic date & time is enabled and your phone is picking up a different network time or time zone. Check that your time zone is set correctly, or switch to manual mode if you prefer a fixed time.
Can I schedule automatic time changes on my Android phone?
Yes, by enabling Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone, your phone will adjust the time automatically based on your location or network. This handles daylight saving time and time zone changes without any action from you.
Does changing the time format affect how alarms or notifications appear?
No. Switching between 12-hour and 24-hour format only changes the display of the time on your screen and in the status bar. Alarms, notifications, and all other time-based functions continue to work exactly the same.
