If you need to adjust the clock, learning how to change the time on my Garmin watch is a simple process. You can update the time on your Garmin watch directly from the device or through the connected app. Most models will set the time automatically, but sometimes you need to do it manually, especially after travel or if the automatic setting is turned off.
This guide covers all the methods for every major Garmin series. Whether you have a vívoactive, Forerunner, Fenix, or another model, you’ll find the right steps here.
How To Change The Time On My Garmin Watch
The primary way to adjust your watch’s time depends on your settings. Garmin watches are designed to sync time automatically via GPS or your connected smartphone. However, you can also take manual control if needed.
First, check if your watch is set to automatic time. Swipe or press to access the main menu. Look for Settings > System > Time. If “Set Automatically” is turned on, your watch gets its time from your phone or GPS. Turn this off to enable manual time setting.
If automatic settings are off, you can set the time, date, and time zone yourself. Use the watch’s buttons or touchscreen to scroll and select the correct values. Confirm your selection to save the new time.
Using The Garmin Connect App For Time Updates
The Garmin Connect app is the easiest way to manage your watch’s settings, including time. As long as your watch is paired and synced, the app ensures your time is always accurate based on your phone’s network time.
Open the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. Ensure your watch is connected via Bluetooth. The app will automatically sync the correct time to your watch during any data transfer. This happens in the background.
To force a sync, pull down on the main screen in the app to refresh. You can also adjust time-related settings in the app. Go to your device settings, then look for System or Clock settings to verify the time source is set to “Phone.”
Manual Time Adjustment On The Watch Itself
If you are without your phone or GPS signal, you can set the time manually on the device. The steps are similar across most Garmin watches, though button sequences may vary slightly.
- Press the menu button (often the “Up” or “Light” button) to open the main menu.
- Navigate to Settings > System > Time.
- Set “Set Automatically” to Off.
- Select “Set Time” or “Time.”
- Use the buttons or touchscreen to adjust the hour, minute, and format (12/24 hour).
- Select “Set Date” to adjust the day, month, and year if needed.
- Press the back or start button to save and exit. The new time will be displayed.
Specific Instructions For Touchscreen Models
For touchscreen models like the Venu or vívoactive series, you tap instead of press.
- From the watch face, swipe down to access the quick settings menu.
- Tap the gear icon for Settings.
- Scroll to and tap System, then Time.
- Toggle off Automatic Time.
- Tap the time and date fields to edit them directly.
Specific Instructions For Button-Based Models
For button-based models like many Forerunner or Fenix watches, use the five-button layout.
- Press the Menu button (middle left).
- Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight Settings, then press Enter (middle right).
- Scroll to System, press Enter, then scroll to Time and press Enter again.
- With “Set Automatically” off, highlight “Time” or “Date” and press Enter to edit.
Setting The Correct Time Zone
Often, a wrong time is caused by an incorrect time zone setting. This is crucial for travelers. You can set the time zone manually or let GPS set it.
On your watch, go to Settings > System > Time > Time Zone. You can choose “Set Automatically” (uses GPS) or “Select From Map.” For manual selection, scroll through a list of cities or regions to find yours.
In the Garmin Connect app, you can also update the time zone. Go to Device Settings > System > Time Zone. Changes here will sync to your watch on the next connection.
Enabling GPS Time Sync For Automatic Accuracy
For the most precise time, use GPS sync. This is ideal for outdoor watches like the Fenix or Instinct. The watch gets atomic clock time from GPS satellites.
To sync with GPS, go outside with a clear view of the sky. On your watch, start any activity that uses GPS, like Run or Walk. Wait for the GPS signal to connect (the indicator will turn green). The time will automatically update to the exact GPS time once the signal is acquired.
You can also enable automatic GPS time sync in settings. Navigate to Settings > System > Time > Set Automatically. Ensure it is set to “GPS” or “GPS + Phone” for the best accuracy.
Troubleshooting Common Time Issues
Sometimes the time might still be wrong after trying these steps. Here are solutions to frequent problems.
Watch Time Is Wrong After Traveling
This is a common issue. If your watch didn’t update its time zone automatically, you need to force a sync.
- Ensure your connected smartphone has the correct time zone and cellular/data is on.
- Open Garmin Connect and pull down to sync your device manually.
- If that fails, temporarily turn off “Set Automatically” on the watch, then turn it back on.
- As a last resort, perform a GPS sync by starting an outdoor activity.
Time Changes Back After Manual Setting
If your manually set time reverts, the automatic setting is likely overriding it. The watch prioritizes data from your phone or GPS.
- Go to your watch’s Time settings (Settings > System > Time).
- Confirm that “Set Automatically” is turned OFF if you want full manual control.
- Also, check the time zone setting is manual and not set to “Auto.”
Garmin Connect App Not Syncing Correct Time
If the app isn’t pushing the right time to your watch, try these fixes.
- Restart both your smartphone and your Garmin watch.
- Check that Bluetooth is enabled and the devices are paired in your phone’s settings.
- In Garmin Connect, ensure your phone’s time is correct in its own settings.
- Unpair and then re-pair your watch in the Garmin Connect app under Device Settings.
Daylight Saving Time Not Updating
Most Garmin watches handle Daylight Saving Time (DST) automatically. If yours doesn’t, you may need to adjust settings.
Verify the DST setting. On your watch, go to Settings > System > Time > Daylight Saving Time. Set it to “Auto.” If you’re in a region that doesn’t observe DST, set it to “Off.” You can also update your watch’s software through Garmin Connect, as updates often include latest time zone rules.
Step-By-Step Guides For Popular Models
While the core process is similar, here are quick references for specific Garmin families.
Garmin Forerunner Series (245, 745, 955, Etc.)
Use the button controls. Press the Menu button, select Settings > System > Time. Toggle “Set Automatically” off to edit manually. Use the Start/Stop and Lap buttons to scroll and select values.
Garmin Fenix / Epix / Enduro Series
Hold the Menu button to enter the main menu. Select System > Time. Use the buttons to navigate. For these advanced models, using the “Select From Map” option for time zone is often the quickest method.
Garmin Venu / Vivoactive / Lily Series
These touchscreen models make it easy. Swipe down, tap Settings > System > Time. You can directly tap on the time or date display to change it. Ensure your firmware is updated for best performance.
Garmin Instinct Series
The Instinct uses a classic button layout. Press Menu, go to Settings > System > Time. The GPS sync is very reliable on this model; starting an outdoor activity like Hike will quickly correct the time.
Advanced Time And Clock Settings
Beyond the basic time, you can customize how the time is displayed on your watch face.
Changing Clock Face Format (12-Hour Vs 24-Hour)
You can switch between standard and military time formats.
Navigate to Settings > System > Time > Time Format on your watch. Select either 12 Hour or 24 Hour. This change is reflected on most watch faces immediately. Some third-party watch faces may have their own format settings within the face’s own options menu.
Adding A Second Time Zone
Many Garmin watches allow a second time zone complication on the watch face. This is useful for travelers.
- Long-press or customize your current watch face.
- Find a data field option for “Second Time Zone” or “UTC.”
- Select it to add it to your display.
- You can usually set which city or offset the second time zone shows in the watch face settings.
Syncing Time With A Computer (Garmin Express)
If you don’t use a smartphone, you can manage time via Garmin Express on a computer. Connect your watch to your computer with the USB cable. Open Garmin Express. Click on your device, then go to Device Settings. You should find options for time and time zone that will sync on the next update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Won’t My Garmin Watch Update The Time Automatically?
The most common reason is that the “Set Automatically” feature is turned off in the watch’s Time settings. Also, ensure your watch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth and that the Garmin Connect app can sync. A weak GPS signal can also prevent automatic updates for outdoor models.
How Do I Change The Time On My Garmin Watch Without The App?
You can change the time directly on the watch. Go to Settings > System > Time, turn off automatic settings, and set the time and date manually. You can also use a GPS sync by starting an outdoor activity with a clear view of the sky, which doesn’t require the app.
My Garmin Watch Is Showing The Wrong Time Zone. How Do I Fix It?
Go to Settings > System > Time > Time Zone on your watch. Choose “Select From Map” or manually pick your correct city/region. If you want it to auto-update, ensure “Set Automatically” is on and that your phone’s location services are enabled for Garmin Connect.
Does A Garmin Watch Adjust For Daylight Saving Time By Itself?
Yes, if the settings are configured correctly. In your watch’s Time settings, find the “Daylight Saving Time” option and set it to “Auto.” This, combined with having automatic time sync enabled, will usally handle the change. Software updates also include the latest DST rules.
What Should I Do If The Time On My Garmin Is Still Incorrect After Trying Everything?
Perform a full restart of your watch (hold the power button/Light button for 15+ seconds). If the problem persists, check for software updates in Garmin Connect. As a final step, you can perform a factory reset, but be aware this will erase all your data and settings, so it’s best to sync with the app first.