Learning how to change the time on Garmin watch is a simple task that ensures your device is always accurate. To set the time on a Garmin watch, you typically sync it with your smartphone for automatic accuracy. This guide covers every method for all major Garmin series, from automatic syncing to full manual control.
How To Change The Time On Garmin Watch
Most modern Garmin watches are designed to set the time automatically. This is the easiest and most reliable method. It uses your connected smartphone’s time, which is updated for time zones and daylight saving automatically. Here is how to ensure this is setup correctly.
Enable Automatic Time Sync Via Garmin Connect
Your watch syncs its time through the Garmin Connect app on your phone. Follow these steps to verify and enable this feature.
- Open the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
- Tap on your device’s name at the top of the screen.
- Select ‘Settings’ or ‘Device Settings’.
- Look for an option labeled ‘Time’, ‘Clock’, or ‘Time Format’.
- Ensure the setting for ‘Set Time Automatically’ or ‘Automatic Time’ is turned ON.
- Sync your watch with the app by pulling down on the main screen.
Once synced, your watch should display the correct time. If it doesn’t, try restarting both your phone and your watch, then sync again. This solves most issues.
Manual Time Setting On Your Garmin Watch
If you need to set the time without a phone, or prefer manual control, you can do it directly on the device. The path varies slightly between models like the Forerunner, Fenix, Venu, and Instinct series.
For Garmin Forerunner, Fenix, And Venu Series
- Press and hold the ‘Up/Menu’ button to open the main menu.
- Navigate to ‘System’ or ‘Settings’ (a gear icon).
- Select ‘Time’ or ‘Clock’.
- Choose ‘Set Time’ or ‘Time Format’.
- Turn ‘Automatic Time’ to OFF.
- You can now manually adjust the hours, minutes, and time zone.
- Select ‘Done’ or press the start button to save.
For Garmin Instinct And Tactix Series
- From the watch face, press the ‘Menu’ button.
- Scroll to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’.
- Select ‘Time’.
- Set ‘Auto Time’ to ‘No’.
- Adjust the ‘Time Zone’ offset manually or set the ‘Time’ directly.
- Press the back button to confirm and save.
Adjusting Time Zone Settings For Travel
When you travel, your watch should update automatically if ‘Set Time Automatically’ is on. If it doesn’t, or you want to force an update, you can change the time zone manually.
- Go to Settings > System > Time > Time Zone on your watch.
- Browse the list and select your current city or GMT offset.
- Your watch’s time will immediately update.
- For frequent travelers, enabling ‘Automatic Time Zone’ in Garmin Connect is best.
Common Issues And Troubleshooting
Sometimes the time may be incorrect despite your best efforts. Here are solutions to the most frequent problems.
Watch Time Is Wrong After Syncing
If your Garmin watch shows the wrong time after syncing with your phone, check these points.
- Verify your smartphone’s time is correct and set to update automatically.
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and they are connected.
- Perform a full sync in the Garmin Connect app.
- Restart both your watch and your phone.
Daylight Saving Time Not Updating
Most watches handle this automatically. If yours doesn’t, first try a manual sync in Garmin Connect. If the problem persists, you may need to temporarily disable automatic time setting, adjust the time manually, and then re-enable the automatic feature. This often resets the connection.
GPS Time Sync For Standalone Accuracy
Many Garmin watches can set the time using GPS signals, which is very accurate. This is useful if you don’t have your phone. To do this, go outdoors with a clear view of the sky, start a GPS activity (like ‘Run’), and wait for the GPS to connect. Once it gets a fix, the time will be updated. You can then end the activity. The new time will be saved.
Advanced Time And Clock Settings
Beyond just setting the hour and minute, Garmin watches offer several customization options for how the time is displayed.
Customizing Clock Faces And Data
You can change your watch face through the Garmin Connect IQ store. Some faces may have their own time settings. To change the face:
- Long-press on the current watch face.
- Scroll through the options and select a new one.
- Press the start button to confirm.
- You can further customize data fields (like adding seconds) from the Garmin Connect app under Device > Watch Face.
Setting Time Format (12-Hour Vs. 24-Hour)
To switch between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military) time:
- Go to Settings > System > Time > Time Format on your watch.
- Or, use the Garmin Connect app: Device Settings > Time Format.
- Select your preferred format. The change takes effect immediately.
Enabling And Disabling Automatic Updates
You might want manual control in certain situations, like when traveling but wanting to keep your home time. Here’s how to toggle it.
- On the watch: Settings > System > Time > Set Time Automatically > Off.
- In the app: Device Settings > Time > Automatic Time > Off.
- Remember, turning this off means you are responsible for all time and daylight saving adjustments.
Step-By-Step Guides For Specific Models
While the general principles are the same, menu names can differ. Here are precise instructions for popular families.
Garmin Vivoactive And Venu Series
These touchscreen models use swipes and taps.
- From the watch face, swipe down to access the control menu.
- Tap the gear icon for Settings.
- Scroll to ‘System’ > ‘Time’.
- Tap ‘Set Time Automatically’ to toggle it off for manual control.
- Tap ‘Time’ or ‘Time Zone’ to adjust manually.
Garmin Forerunner 245, 745, 945
These running watches use physical buttons.
- Hold the ‘Up/Menu’ button.
- Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’.
- Select ‘Time’.
- Choose ‘Set Time’ to enter manual mode.
- Use the start/lap button to select and adjust values.
Garmin Fenix 6, 7, And Epix Series
These advanced watches have deep menus but follow a logical structure.
- Press and hold the ‘Menu’ button (middle left).
- Select ‘System’ (the gear icon).
- Choose ‘Time’.
- Adjust ‘Time Zone’, ‘Set Time’, and ‘Automatic Time’ as needed.
- Press ‘Back’ to save and exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Won’t My Garmin Watch Update The Time Automatically?
The most common reason is a poor Bluetooth connection between your watch and phone. Ensure both devices have Bluetooth enabled, are within range, and that the Garmin Connect app is running in the background. A simple restart of both devices often fixes this.
How Do I Change The Time On My Garmin Watch Without A Phone?
You have two main options. First, use the manual time setting in the watch’s System > Time menu. Second, get a GPS fix by starting an outdoor activity. The GPS satellites will provide the precise time, which your watch will adopt once the connection is established.
Can I Set Multiple Time Zones On My Garmin Watch?
Yes, many Garmin models support a second time zone complication on the watch face. You can add this through the watch face settings in the Garmin Connect app. Some models also have a ‘Dual Time’ widget you can add to your glanceable widgets.
How Do I Change The Time Format To Military Time?
Go to your watch’s Settings menu, navigate to System > Time > Time Format, and select ’24-Hour’. This will change the display from a 12-hour AM/PM format to a 24-hour format, often called military time.
What Should I Do If My Watch Time Is Consistently Fast Or Slow?
If manual adjustments don’t stick, try a master reset. Note that this will erase all user data and settings. Go to Settings > System > Reset > Restore Defaults. After the reset, repair with your phone and set the time automatically. If the problem continues, contact Garmin support as there may be a hardware issue.