Why is the time incorrect on my phone?

Time zone changes, software updates, or automated settings could be the culprit

Updated on March 19, 2022

Does your Android phone keep falling back 1 hour, or does it set itself to some other wrong time? Maybe you're missing alarms because of the incorrect time. There are a few things you can try to get it back to working order.

Why Is the Automatic Time on My Phone Wrong?

The most likely reason is that the time zone is misconfigured, either because you set it manually or incorrectly. When the wrong time zone is on your phone, even if the automatic time toggle is on and functioning, it will show the wrong time.

How to Fix It When the Time on Your Phone Is Wrong

There isn't a single reason why the time on your phone is off, so there are many things you can try to fix it.

We used a Google Pixel running Android 12 to build these troubleshooting tips. The screenshots and steps might not align precisely with what you see on your phone, but the ideas should still apply to most devices. Search your phone for the options described in the steps if you can't follow along.

  1. Restart your Android. It's often the fix for these kinds of oddities. Restarting is so easy and usually clears up issues of this nature that it's the most straightforward first step to take.

  2. Turn on Android's automatic date/time setting. Do this through Settings > System > Date & time. Select the button next to Set time automatically to trigger it.

    If this is already turned on, turn it off, restart your phone, and then turn it back on.

  3. Set the time manually. It's the reverse of step 2, so return to that screen, disable Set time automatically, and manually fill out the Time field.

  4. The wrong time zone setting is a common factor that affects the time. Return to the Date & time screen and ensure Set time zone automatically is turned on.

    On the flip side, the phone might not correctly understand the actual time zone. In that case, turn off the automatic option and set the time zone manually by selecting Time zone.

    Over the years, there have been various reports where an Android phone sets itself to the wrong time zone, either all the time or at particular locations where the time zone doesn't change. These issues are likely due to cell tower hiccups, so the best solution is to set the time zone manually. Just remember to adjust it again as you travel, or try the automatic setting again.

  5. Check for an Android operating system update, and apply the update if available. Depending on the OS you're using, the update might address this bug.

  6. Take note of any new events surrounding this issue. Did you install a new app or two? Delete them, at least temporarily, to test if that's the cause.

  7. Some reports of the wrong time on an Android phone have been resolved by simply waiting. Whether it's a software update or a problem even more outside your control (like an issue with the carrier or broadcasting tower), waiting for a fix might be the only solution.

  8. You could try resetting your Android phone, but this is a drastic step that might not resolve the issue, especially if step 7 applies. If, however, the problem does lie with your phone's software—perhaps a third-party app is to blame—a total reset back to the factory defaults might be necessary.

FAQ

  • How do I change the time on my Android phone?

    To manually change the time on Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time and disable the Set time automatically toggle. You can then tap Date and Time to set them manually.

  • How do I see how much time I spend on my Android phone?

    Use the Digital Wellbeing & parental controls on Android 10 and up to check your screen time, set app timers, and schedule bedtime mode. Go to Google Play and look for a third-party screen time app on older devices.

Thanks for letting us know!

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Android Date And Time Settings Hero

Android Date And Time Settings Hero (Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

Most of us depend on our phones to keep track of time. Whether you need to set an alarm, timer, or just want to have a look and see what time it is, our phone has become the de facto watch of the 21st century. As such, it's that much more annoying when the time on your Android phone gets messed up. If your device is showing the incorrect time, here are a few tips on how to fix the time on your Android phone to help get your life back on schedule.

The following screenshots and steps were done on Android 12, but can be followed on Android 11. Some UI elements might look different depending on the phone you have, but the core flow of everything is mostly the same. Unfortunately, Samsung phones don't have the option to change time zones.

How to manually set your phone's time

By default, your phone picks up the time automatically based on its cellular/Wi-Fi connection. This usually works perfectly fine, but it is possible to trip it up now and then for many reasons.

Should that happen, it's straightforward to turn this automatic detection off and just set the time manually.

  1. Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap System.
  3. Tap Date & time.Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

  1. Tap the toggle next to Set time automatically to disable the automatic time.
  2. Tap Time and set it to the correct time.
  3. Tap OK.Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Time Manual Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Date Manual Settings Screenshot

How to fix your phone's automatic time detection

Setting the time manually might be the best solution for some people, but when it comes time to deal with Daylight Savings, you'll have yet another clock to adjust. Automatic time is just more convenient, and if you want to keep it that way, here's a quick fix that's worth trying.

  1. Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap System.
  3. Tap Date & time.Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

  1. Tap the toggle next to Set time automatically to disable the automatic time.
  2. Tap that same toggle again to re-enable it.

Do you know how the joke about turning your computer off and on again to fix all of your problems? That's basically what we're doing here. Your Android phone's automatic time detection is usually spot-on, but should it happen to goof, resetting it like this may be all you need to do.

How to change your time zone

If you're someone that does a lot of traveling or happens to live near the edge of a time zone, this might also cause issues with the time on your Android phone. Time zones are interesting beasts, but just like time itself, adjusting these on your phone can be done with just a few taps. However, Samsung owners should note that they don't have the option to change their time zone.

  1. Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap System.
  3. Tap Date & time.Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

  1. Tap the toggle next to Set time zone automatically.
  2. Select your preferred time zone.Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Settings Screenshot

Android 11 Time Zone Settings Screenshot

When the Set time zone automatically toggle is enabled, your phone should automatically switch to new time zones on its own without you having to lift a finger. If this doesn't work for whatever reason, the above steps are a quick and easy way to get things straightened out on your own.

Also, if you don't want to manually change the time zone every time you enter a new one, try disabling and re-enabling that toggle to reset its automatic detection.

Fix your phone's time today

Even though watches have evolved to become smart, one of the basic uses of our Android phones is still as a timekeeper. You might have the best Android smartwatch, but we'll bet anything you still check your phone to tell the time at least once or twice a day. So to stay on top of things and maintain punctuality when following your schedule, make sure you've fixed your phone's time to match the correct one.

If you don't already own a dedicated device just for tracking time, we'd suggest you invest in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's the finest smartwatch that money can buy and is great fun to use.

Time is money

(opens in new tab)

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Smart Watch

Tells the time and keeps you fit
You get a fantastic dual-edged sword with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It is an excellent smartwatch, and fitness tracker rolled into one smooth, high-quality product with a superb display, commendable battery life, and GPS.

Namerah Saud Fatmi is a contributing writer for Android Central. She has a passion for all things tech & gaming and has been an honorary Goodreads librarian since 2011. When she isn't writing, she can be found chasing stray cats and dogs in the streets of Dhaka or slaying dragons in the land of Skyrim. You can reach her on Twitter @NamerahS.

Why is the automatic time on my phone wrong?

Turn on Android's automatic date/time setting. Do this through Settings > System > Date & time. Select the button next to Set time automatically to trigger it. If this is already turned on, turn it off, restart your phone, and then turn it back on.

Why is network time wrong?

The network-provided option rarely shows the wrong time, but it is this time, a simple toggle off and back on just might do the trick. If your Android device is running on Android 9, you can manually set the time by going to: Settings. General management.

Why did my phone change time today?

Most smartphone clocks will automatically adjust if your software is up to date. If you previously monkeyed with the settings and changed the date or time defaults, you may have to update your clock yourself once daylight saving time ends.

Why is my Samsung phone time wrong?

Open Settings and then tap General management. Tap Date and time. Tap the switch next to Automatic date and time to turn it back on. Your device will now automatically adjust the time.