If you’re asking “Why is my Fitbit time out of sync?” this article has the answers to that question. We’ll reveal 4 potential causes and the corresponding solutions to help you get your Fitbit time back in sync.
Understanding the Syncing Mechanism of Fitbit
Your Fitbit device relies on a syncing process to maintain accurate time. Essentially, it connects to another device—usually your smartphone—via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to update not just the time, but also other data like steps counted, calories burned, and sleep tracked.
It’s important to note that the time on your Fitbit is generally set automatically once it syncs with the paired smartphone. This usually happens periodically throughout the day, but you can also trigger a manual sync within the Fitbit app.
Why Is My Fitbit Time Out of Sync?
When your Fitbit time is out of sync, it can disrupt not just your daily schedule but also the accuracy of your activity tracking. Understanding the causes behind this issue is the first step toward solving it. Below are the most common culprits:
Software Bugs
Glitches and bugs in the Fitbit app or the device firmware can interfere with the syncing process. These glitches may prevent your Fitbit from updating its time accurately or at regular intervals, causing it to show the incorrect time.
Software updates are typically released to address these bugs, so it’s important to keep your device and app up to date.
Time Zone Settings
The time zone settings on your Fitbit are generally configured to match those of the device to which it’s connected. If you travel to a different time zone or mistakenly alter these settings on your phone, your Fitbit will also show the incorrect time.
Your Fitbit generally updates its time automatically based on your phone’s location data, so keeping location services enabled can help avoid this issue.
Connectivity Issues
A stable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection is essential for syncing your Fitbit with your smartphone. If the connection is weak, disrupted, or entirely lost, the syncing process may fail, causing your Fitbit to display the wrong time.
The quality of the connection can be affected by physical obstacles, distance between devices, or even other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity.
Background App Restrictions
Some smartphones have aggressive battery-saving measures that restrict background app activities. If the Fitbit app is restricted from running in the background, it may not sync as expected. This will not only affect time updates but also other tracked metrics like steps and sleep.
How to Fix Time Sync Issues
If you’re experiencing time sync issues with your Fitbit, rest assured that most of them are fixable. Follow these step-by-step solutions to get your device back in sync:
Check Connectivity
Confirm that Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is enabled on both your Fitbit and your smartphone.
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Open your smartphone’s settings and make sure that your Fitbit is listed as a connected device. If it’s not, you’ll need to pair them by following the on-screen instructions in the Fitbit app.
Update Software
Keeping your Fitbit and the accompanying app updated is crucial. Outdated software is often riddled with bugs that could affect performance, including time syncing.
Navigate to the Fitbit app and go to the ‘Settings’ section to check for any available updates. Similarly, for firmware updates, go to the device settings within the Fitbit app and check for updates.
Correct Time Zone
If you suspect that time zone settings could be the culprit, manually correct them. On most smartphones, you can change this in the ‘Settings’ app under ‘Date & Time’. Ensure the time zone corresponds to your current location.
Likewise, open the Fitbit app, navigate to your profile, tap on your device, and verify the time zone settings.
Manual Sync
Sometimes, forcing a manual sync can solve minor time discrepancies.
Open the Fitbit app, go to your profile, select your device, and then tap on the ‘Sync Now’ option. Wait for the process to complete and check if the time on your Fitbit is now correct.
Restart Devices
If all else fails, restarting both your smartphone and your Fitbit device can sometimes resolve persistent issues.
For most Fitbit models, you can restart the device by holding down the buttons on the sides until you see the Fitbit logo. Release the buttons and allow the device to restart. Restart your smartphone using its regular restart process.