Automatic time zone option won't stay on in the Fitbit app

[Jondc70]

I'm a truck driver. I change the zones at least twice a week. I turn on automatic time zones and sync the device and the correct time displays. However, when I next change time zones it doesn't change time on the device. When I go back in to the app, automatic time zones is turned off. Does this every single time. Why doesn't it stay on?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there, @Jondc70. Welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for sharing the details about the issue with your Sense. I understand where your concern is coming from. 

Is your mobile phone's Date & Time settings also on "Set Automatically"? If this option is turned off on your phone, that would explain why the "set automatically" turns off on the Fitbit app. 

However, if you changed time zones and the time on your device is still incorrect after syncing, make sure the time zone setting is correct:

1. In the Fitbit app, tap the Today tab your profile picture App Settings.
2. Turn off the Automatic time zone option.
3. Tap Select time zone and select the correct time zone.
4. Sync your Fitbit device.

For more information, see How do I change the time on my Fitbit device?

Hope that helps. 

[Jondc70]

Umm, did you actually read what I wrote? I read it again and it seems to make sense to me.

I say this because your first suggestion is that my phone isn't changing time. If this was the case, I certainly wouldn't be seeking answers here.

Your second suggestion is that if my device isn't automatically changing time across time zones, then I should change it manually? Are you serious?!?

Anyone that both understands this issue and has a potential solution? Your help is welcome.

[Akman]

I've had same problem.  Airline pilot. Always have to reselect auto timezone button in the app. 

Very frustrating. 

[Rich_Laue]

What phone are we asking for help with? 

[Jondc70]

We're not.

[Rich_Laue]

All timezone settings are managed through the fitbit app on the phone and linked to your fitbit account settings, not the settings for your tracker model. 

Sorry @Jondc70 but the fix will be found on the phone, not the tracker. 

You say the fitbit app on the phone with the unknown OS is resetting the automatic timezone. 

I'm wondering if there is some setting (besides in the fitbit app) or permission on the phone that may be getting reset. Or if we did a search of the OS we may find other users having the same issue. 

As fitbit users, their is a limited help we can give, and it may be time to contact support. 

[gDog69]

Jon,

I’m also an airline pilot. The Fitbit app USED to work perfectly. Now, when I change time zones, the phone of course adjust to the time automatically as well as every app that requires time EXCEPT the Fitbit app. Also, I live close to the central/eastern time zone.and even driving the Fitbit app will not automatically adjust even though it’s set to: “Set Automatically.”

I can’t say exactly when this error began but I’d guess in the last 3-4 months I’ve had the issue.

Scouring the internet, it looks like we are not alone with this issue. Mine is an older InpireHR and I was going to replace it soon. Thinking of a Garmin or iWatch instead if Fitbit can’t fix their app.

Finally, I love your first reply and agree that the “help” provided by Fitbit is worthless. It’s like apple, you can mention everything you’ve done and they first thing they’ll tell you is to try something you already mentioned or is irrelevant. My guess is it’s either canned answers or an automated reply. Maybe someone in India can help us 🙂

Cheers!

[Rich_Laue]

It should change time, after the first sync, after the phone has realized the time has been adjusted.. Considering that the app only syncs a few times an hour. It would be nice if the app monitored the time zone and forced a sync. 

My issue is with every timezone change, either an hour of no steps will be recorded, or an hour will be over written. Either way, steps will be lost. 

[JohnFuller]

I have the exact same problem as the original poster. Using Fitbit Ionic and syncing to Moto G7 (Android). For example, today I traveled from Alabama (Central Time) to Georgia (Eastern Time) and the time changed correctly on my watch. I came back later the same day and the time on the watch did not change. I checked the app settings and automatic time zone had been turned off. I have experienced similar problems numerous times over the past few weeks, having been in four time zones.

[jimmitch71]

Mine does the same thing. It keeps turning automatic time zone off.

Very frustrated with this device this far. 

[jimmitch71]

Absolutely ridiculous you have to sync your watch with phone to get it to update. Also, been back a day is still a hour ahead. This is nonsense. Never had an issue with my 6 year old Garmin. Only replaced it because it didn't have hr monitor. And the sense is not accurate hr.

[Lexz222]

Hi Jon and everyone! I just wanted to add here that I live in Eastern timezone and I work in Central timezone and my new FitBit Sense can never keep up. I have the exact same problem! I turn on the automatic time zone in the FitBit app but everytime I cross into home or work territory my watch is never correct. I have to go into the app and turn on the automatic time zone toggle and then force a sync. This is a very frustrating issue that I have never had with any of the other smart watchs I have owned.

Lex

[Rich_Laue]

Your fitbit app will not automatically force sync when the phone changes timezones. 

[Jondc70]

SMH

[Guy__]

@Jondc70-  It seems to be a bug.

The workaround [ agreed, that shouldn't be necessary ] is to toggle the automatic time zone several times.

You'll have to find the right sequence, possibly sync [or logoff] between each toggle, till it sticks.

[flipblop]

Same problem here. 

I enable auto time zone toggle switch in app.

At some point in the near future, it silent disables itself.

I go in and toggle it again. Aok for now.

Wait a few days, it's off again 

Hey Fitbit support, and not your first line of customer service defense, does the problem pertain to Google account switching on Android? Ex, when switching biz accounts in Facebook or some google apps, a global account change is made, causing some apps to verify local permissions again, and I notice this does reset similar settings in other apps, though it's likely unless I go to Twitter and start trying to publicly shame the support here, this suggestion will be completely ignored. Thanks for nothing in advance!

[Beaver007]

Adding my voice to the choir. Another pilot changing time zones daily.

The Auto setting worked until the new version of the app a few months ago, you know, the one that rendered the sleep graphs completely useless.

My 3rd FitBit will be the last one. Enough already.

[Rich_Laue]

Your fitbit app needs access to the Internet to sync. In a plane, crossing timezones, every couple of hours, will a sync happen? Do you have Internet. 

[integer]

Good day. I'm seeing the same behavior on my Fitbit. I verified that my mobile phone's Date & Time setting is indeed on "Set Automatically" but the problem persists. Any further suggestions? BTW, I'm seeing this on both my Fitbit and my wife's Fitbit.