Your iPhone automatically sets the correct time based on your location, but sometimes you may want to adjust it manually — for example, when traveling, changing time zones, or fixing display issues. Knowing how to change the time on your iPhone ensures your device shows the correct clock, which is important for alarms, reminders, and scheduled tasks. Here’s how to do it quickly and correctly.
- Access the Date and Time Settings
Start by unlocking your iPhone and opening the Settings app, which looks like a grey gear icon. Scroll down and tap General, then select Date & Time. This is where you can view or modify your time settings.
By default, most iPhones have the Set Automatically option turned on. This setting allows your iPhone to use your location and network data to determine the correct local time.
- Turn Off Automatic Time Setting
If you want to change the time manually, you’ll first need to disable the automatic setting. Tap the toggle switch next to Set Automatically to turn it off. Once it’s off, the options to manually set the time zone, date, and time will appear on your screen.
If the switch is greyed out or cannot be turned off, it may be because of restrictions set by your mobile carrier, a company device management profile, or parental controls. In such cases, you may need to adjust those settings first or contact your carrier or administrator.
- Set the Time Manually
After turning off the automatic setting, tap the Time field. A clock interface or scrolling wheel will appear, allowing you to adjust the hours and minutes. Move the wheel until you reach the correct time, then tap Back to save your changes.
You can also tap Time Zone to manually select or change your current city. Type the name of your location in the search bar and choose the correct one from the list. This helps ensure your iPhone displays the right local time.
- Change Time Format (12-Hour or 24-Hour Clock)
If you prefer using the 24-hour clock format (also called military time), you can enable it in the same menu. Under Date & Time, simply toggle on 24-Hour Time. When enabled, your iPhone will display the time using the 24-hour format (e.g., 15:30 instead of 3:30 PM).
Turning this off will switch your phone back to the 12-hour format. You can change between the two anytime based on your preference.
- Check That the Time Is Correct
After making changes, return to your Home screen and check the time displayed at the top. It should now reflect the adjustments you made. If you notice any issues, such as time not updating correctly, restart your iPhone and verify your time zone settings again.
- Revert to Automatic Settings (Optional)
If you’re done adjusting the time manually and want your phone to automatically keep it accurate again, go back to Settings > General > Date & Time and toggle Set Automatically back on. Your iPhone will use GPS and network data to reset the time based on your current location.
- Why Accurate Time Matters
Keeping your iPhone’s time accurate is essential for more than just convenience. Many apps, such as calendars, email, and banking services, rely on your system time for proper operation. Incorrect time settings can cause syncing errors, missed notifications, or issues when verifying online security certificates.
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