How to Change Time On iPhone (Complete Guide)

Typically, your iPhone is designed to automatically adjust its time and date based on your current location. However, there are instances when this automated feature may encounter issues for various reasons. The good news is that changing the time and date settings on your iPhone is a straightforward process, provided you follow the right steps. Being able to modify these settings becomes particularly useful when you’re traveling and switching time zones.

In this guide, we’ll outline a simple three-step process for altering the time and date on your iPhone. Your iPhone is expected to maintain the correct time without any hassle, thanks to its ability to adapt to your location and time zone. This article will not only walk you through how to manually and automatically adjust the clock on your iPhone but also provide solutions for troubleshooting issues that may arise in this context.

How to Change the Clock on an iPhone Automatically

The majority of iPhone users typically opt for the automatic clock adjustment feature. This setting allows your iPhone to determine your geographical location through a combination of GPS technology and connection to local cell phone networks, thereby autonomously updating the time on your device. You’ve likely experienced the convenience of this feature when, after a flight, your iPhone’s clock seamlessly adjusts itself as you exit Airplane Mode upon landing.

To enable automatic time adjustment on your iPhone, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll and select “General.”

Step 3: Choose “Date & Time.”

Step 4: Activate the “Set Automatically” slider by moving it to the right, which turns it on and displays in green. Once this setting is enabled, your iPhone will periodically synchronize its time with the internet whenever it has a network connection, ensuring that it consistently reflects the accurate local time.

How to Change the Clock on an iPhone Manually

If you prefer to take control of your iPhone’s clock settings and set the time manually, that’s entirely possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to “General” and select it.
3. Choose “Date & Time” from the list of options.
4. Make sure the “Set Automatically” slider is turned off and appears in white.
5. Next, tap the time displayed beneath the “Time Zone” bar.
6. Afterward, tap the time at the bottom of the section to access the time adjustment settings.
7. Use the on-screen wheels to set the desired time on your iPhone.

By following these steps, you can manually configure the time on your iPhone to match your preferences, taking control of this aspect of your device’s settings.

What to Do if iPhone Time Won’t Set Automatically

In most scenarios, the iPhone seamlessly manages its time, adjusts the clock, and updates the time zone automatically. It accomplishes this by utilizing its internet connection and GPS to determine its geographical location. However, if you encounter issues with this automatic time management, here’s a simple troubleshooting process to follow:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and select “Privacy & Security.”
3. Tap “Location Services.”
4. Make sure the “Location Services” slider is turned on, indicated by the green color.
5. Continue by swiping down to the bottom of the screen and select “System Services.”
6. Verify that the “Setting Time Zone” slider is turned on, appearing in green.

By ensuring that these settings are correctly configured, you can help your iPhone accurately set the time, change the clock, and update the time zone based on your location.

Conclusion

These are the methods for adjusting the time and date settings on your iOS device, whether you prefer manual control or automated adjustments. Automatic time updates can be incredibly convenient, ensuring your device always displays the correct time.

However, it’s worth noting that this feature relies on location services being enabled consistently, which may raise privacy concerns for some users. If you’re cautious about your privacy, you have the option to take matters into your own hands by setting the time zone and precise time manually, giving you greater control over these settings while maintaining your privacy preferences.