To change time on cell phone, you can either let your device do it automatically or set it manually. The quickest method is enabling automatic network time, which syncs your phone with your carrier or internet connection to ensure accuracy without any effort on your part.
How to change time on cell phone automatically
Automatic time settings use network data to keep your clock accurate, making them ideal for everyday use and travel. Here are the steps for both major platforms.
On Android
- Open Settings and go to System (or General management on Samsung devices) > Date & time.
- Turn on Automatic date & time.
- Turn on Automatic time zone.
Your phone will now update the time using your internet or mobile network connection. Note that some Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi models running Android R OS may not support automatic time zone services in multi-time-zone countries, requiring manual adjustment in those cases.
On iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Turn on Set Automatically.
- For automatic time zone detection, ensure Setting Time Zone is enabled under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
If the time is still incorrect after enabling automatic settings, restarting your phone often resolves the issue.
How to set the time manually on Android
Manual adjustment is useful when automatic settings fail or when you want to override the network time, such as during travel to a region with poor connectivity.
- Open Settings > System (or General management on Samsung) > Date & time.
- Turn off Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone.
- Tap Date to set the correct date.
- Tap Time to adjust the hour and minute.
- Tap Time zone to select your current time zone from the list.
Once saved, your phone will display the time you entered. Remember that you will need to update it manually for Daylight Saving Time changes or time zone shifts.
How to set the time manually on iPhone
Manual mode gives you full control, which is helpful when you need to change your phone time to military time or when traveling to a location without reliable network time.
- Open Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Turn off Set Automatically.
- Tap Time Zone and search for a city in your current time zone, then select it.
- Tap the date or time fields below to adjust them directly.
Your iPhone will now keep the time you set until you turn automatic settings back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my phone automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time?
Yes. Both Android and iPhone devices automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time when automatic time settings are enabled. If you set the time manually, you will need to adjust it yourself on the change dates.
Why is the time on my phone constantly wrong even with automatic settings?
This usually indicates a network or software issue. First, ensure your phone has an active internet or mobile connection. Restarting the device often fixes the problem. If it persists, try toggling automatic settings off and on, or check that Location Services for time zone detection is enabled on iPhone.
How do I switch between 12-hour and 24-hour format?
Both Android and iPhone let you change the time format in their Date & Time settings. On Android, look for Use 24-hour format under Settings > System > Date & time. On iPhone, find 24-Hour Time under Settings > General > Date & Time. Toggle it on or off as desired.
Can I change the time on a Fitbit without the app?
No. To change the time on a Fitbit without the app is not possible; Fitbit devices sync time from the connected phone app, so you must adjust the time on your phone or update the time zone in the Fitbit app itself.
What should I do if I travel across time zones and my phone doesn't update?
First, confirm that automatic time and time zone settings are enabled. On iPhone, also verify that Location Services for time zone is on. If the time still does not update, restart your phone or manually select the correct time zone from the settings menu.
