Method 1 – Automatic Time Sync (The Easiest & Recommended Way)

Most smart watches are designed to sync time automatically from your phone. This is by far the easiest and most reliable method, so I always recommend starting here.

How to Enable Automatic Sync:

1. Turn on Bluetooth and Location on your phone.

   These two settings allow your watch to communicate with your phone and get accurate time updates.

2. Open the watch’s companion app.

   Common apps include Galaxy Wearable (Samsung), Wear OS (Google Pixel Watch and others), Zepp (Amazfit), Garmin Connect, and POCKUL Fit. Make sure your watch is properly connected here.

3. Force a manual time sync.

   Sometimes the sync doesn’t happen right away or after a time zone change. To fix this:

   • Open the app’s settings.
   • Find the “Sync” or “Update Time” option.
   • Tap to force the watch to update the time immediately.

4. Fix time issues after flights or daylight saving time (DST).

   Airports and certain flights mess with GPS and time zone data. If your watch shows the wrong time after a trip:

   • Make sure location and Bluetooth are active.
   • Restart both your phone and watch.
   • Force resync via the companion app.
   • For some models, toggling airplane mode ON and OFF on the watch can jump-start the update.

By sticking to this automatic time sync method, you’ll avoid most “smart watch time not syncing” headaches. It keeps your watch clock accurate across time zones and seasonal changes without you having to lift a finger.

Method 2 – Manual Time Setting Directly on the Watch

If automatic syncing isn’t working or you prefer setting the time yourself, you can manually adjust the time directly on your smart watch. Here’s how to do it on popular brands:

• Apple Watch

  Go to the Watch app on your iPhone > Clock > Set the time ahead or behind manually. Note: Apple Watch syncs time from your iPhone, so direct manual change is limited.

• Samsung Galaxy Watch (Tizen & Wear OS models)

  Swipe down on the watch face > Settings > General > Date and time. Disable automatic time update and set the time manually.

• Google Pixel Watch & Wear OS 3/4/5 devices

  Open Settings > System > Date & time. Turn off Use network-provided time, then enter time and date manually.

• Amazfit / Zepp OS / Huami

  Settings > System > Date & time. Toggle off auto-sync and adjust manually.

• Garmin

  Menu > Settings > System > Time > Set Time. Choose manual and adjust hours and minutes as needed.

• Fitbit (Sense, Versa, etc.)

  Time syncs with your phone, but you can override this in the Fitbit app under your device settings, then manually set time.

• POCKUL Smart Watches

  Many POCKUL models require a specific button combination to enter time-setting mode. Typically, hold the main button for 3 seconds, then navigate the menu with side buttons to “Set Time.” Adjust hours and minutes and confirm. For detailed steps, check the POCKUL user guide or explore their gaming product line for related accessories.

• Generic Chinese/Kids Watches

  Usually equipped with 4 buttons or a crown plus side button. Press and hold the top-left or main button for a few seconds to enter time setting. Use other buttons to adjust digits. For kids’ watches, this method is essential when no phone app is available.

Manual setting is useful when your watch won’t sync correctly or when traveling. Just remember to switch off auto-sync to prevent time from changing back.

How to Change Time Zone & 12/24-Hour Format

Adjusting your smart watch to the right time zone and preferred time format is essential, especially if you travel frequently. Most smart watches automatically update the time zone when connected to your phone, but you can also change these settings manually if needed.

Travel-Friendly Settings for Time Zone and Format

• Auto Time Zone Sync: Enable GPS or location services on your phone and watch companion app to update time zones automatically when you travel.
• Manual Time Zone Adjustment: If your watch doesn’t update automatically, you can usually set the time zone manually through its settings menu.
• 12/24-Hour Format: Switch between AM/PM and 24-hour time format in the watch’s date & time settings depending on your preference.

Where to Find These Options on Popular Smart Watches

If you’re using a POCKUL watch like the POCKUL smart watch H4, you’ll find the time zone and 12/24-hour format options clearly marked in the time settings menu for quick access.

Making sure your smart watch reflects the correct time zone and preferred time format keeps your schedule accurate wherever you go, without the hassle during travel.

Kids Smart Watches – Special Instructions

When it comes to setting time on kids’ smart watches, parents often face unique challenges. Popular brands like the POCKUL kids series, TickTalk, Gabb, and Cosmo are designed with extra safety and parental controls, which sometimes complicate time settings.

Parents most often search for how to set the time without needing a phone because kids may not have their own smartphones or the watch might not always stay connected. Luckily, many kids’ watches, especially POCKUL kids smart watches, allow for manual time setting directly on the device using simple button combinations or through the watch menu.

Here are key tips for setting time on kids’ smart watches without a phone:

• Use specific button sequences to enter time settings (often holding down a side button or a combination of buttons to access settings).
• Navigate to the time or clock menu within the watch’s own system interface.
• Adjust hours, minutes, and sometimes the date manually.
• Some models allow switching between 12-hour or 24-hour format directly on the watch.

This manual method is essential for parents who want to avoid time syncing issues caused by Bluetooth disconnections or app restrictions on kids’ phones. If you own a POCKUL kids watch, their manual time adjustment is straightforward and well-documented for ease of use.

For more on POCKUL’s line of kids smart watches, you can check their latest POCKUL smart watch collection, designed with simple controls ideal for children and parents alike.

Troubleshooting – Time Still Wrong?

If your smart watch time is still wrong after trying to set it, here’s what to check next:

• Phone time is wrong → fix first

  Your watch syncs time from your phone. If your phone shows the wrong time, the watch will too. Make sure your phone’s date and time are set correctly, preferably to automatic.

• Bluetooth keeps disconnecting

  A spotty Bluetooth connection can prevent your watch from syncing time properly. Try turning Bluetooth off and on again on both devices, or restart both your phone and watch.

• Watch stuck in factory mode

  Sometimes, watches get stuck in setup or factory mode and won’t sync time. A full reset or system update usually fixes this. Check your watch’s manual for how to exit factory mode.

• Daylight Saving Time not updating

  Some smart watches don’t automatically adjust for DST. Try toggling the automatic time zone or daylight saving setting in your watch’s companion app or watch system settings.

• Battery died completely → clock reset

  When the battery drains fully, your watch might reset, losing all settings including the time. Charge it fully and resync or manually set the time if needed.

If you’re using a POCKUL watch, their smartwatches usually sync and fix time issues automatically when connected via the dedicated POCKUL app, which you can explore for troubleshooting features and updates on their official product page.

Brand-Specific Video Guides (2025 Updated)

For anyone wanting a quick and clear way to set their smart watch time, video guides can be a huge help. In 2025, there are updated YouTube Shorts and tutorials available for the most popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Wear OS devices, and POCKUL smart watches. These videos walk you through the exact steps to fix time syncing issues or change settings manually.

• Apple Watch: Step-by-step help to adjust time and fix the “time ahead” problem
• Samsung Galaxy Watch: Quick guide to auto-sync time and manual setting on Tizen and Wear OS models
• Wear OS Devices: Covers Google Pixel Watch and other Wear OS 3-5 watches for easy time zone and manual time changes
• POCKUL Smart Watches: Specific button combos and app syncing tips for POCKUL watches to keep your time accurate

Using these video guides saves a lot of guesswork, especially if you’re trying to solve tricky issues like DST changes or time not syncing after flights.

If you own a POCKUL smart watch like the D12 model, these tutorials are especially handy. You’ll find quick fixes and clear walkthroughs to get your watch showing the right time, every time.

FAQ About Setting Smart Watch Time

How to set time on smart watch without phone?

Some smart watches allow manual time setting directly on the device through the settings menu or specific button combos. For many models, including some kids smart watches, you can navigate to the time or clock settings and adjust hours and minutes without needing a phone.

Why does my POCKUL watch show wrong time?

POCKUL watches usually sync time automatically via the companion app, so if your watch shows wrong time, check that Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your phone. Also, make sure your phone’s time is correct. If problems persist, try re-syncing using the POCKUL app or reset the watch.

How to change time on kids smart watch?

For kids smart watches like POCKUL kids series, TickTalk, or Gabb, parents often change time through the paired phone app. Some models provide a manual time setting option directly on the watch itself—handy if the phone isn’t available. Check the watch’s menu for time or clock settings or consult the user guide.

Apple Watch time ahead by 2 minutes – how to fix?

If your Apple Watch is running ahead of time, it might be due to a software glitch or incorrect sync with your iPhone. Restart both devices and ensure your iPhone’s time is accurate and set to automatic. If the issue continues, unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch to force a full time resync.

Best way to stop smart watch from auto-changing time?

Most smart watches automatically update time based on your phone or network settings. If you want to prevent auto time changes (useful during travel or daylight saving), disable the automatic time sync in the watch or companion app settings. For POCKUL models, you can manage this in the app’s time settings to keep the watch on a fixed time.

For specific help with POCKUL smart watches, their support and app provide handy tools to manage and fix time issues quickly. Check out popular models like the POCKUL P03 for examples of user-friendly time sync features.