Where and how to change the time on Android: 5 methods for all versions

The time on a smartphone is not just numbers on the lock screen. Notifications, synchronization with cloud services, the operation of alarm clocks, and even the correctness of banking transactions depend on the correct date and clock settings. If your Android shows the wrong time, it can lead to missed appointments, app crashes, or geolocation issues. Fortunately, you can fix the situation in a few seconds - both manually and automatically.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to change the time on devices running Android 10–14, including features for different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and others). You will learn how to set the time zone, synchronize time with the network, and what to do if the settings are lost after a reboot. And also why it is sometimes better disable automatic synchronization and how this affects battery autonomy.

1. Standard method: changing the time through Android settings

The most universal method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on 99% of devices, regardless of the version Android or shell of the manufacturer. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings application (gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the section System (on some devices - General settings or Advanced).
3. Select item Date and time.
4. Disable the switch Auto-detection of date and time (if it is active).
5. Click Set date or Set time and enter the correct values.

On devices with a shell MIUI (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12) the path may be slightly different: Settings → Advanced → Date and time. And on Samsung Galaxy (shell One UI) look for: Settings → Device management → Date and time.

If after manual configuration the time is lost again, the problem may lie in system file failure or a conflict with applications. In this case, resetting the network settings or checking for updates will help. Software.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI), when automatic time detection is disabled, geolocation services may stop working if you use applications like Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator, it is better to leave synchronization enabled.

2. Automatic time synchronization over the network

By default, most smartphones on Android receive time from servers Google or telecom operator. This is convenient, but not always accurate - especially if you travel frequently or use dual SIM cards with different operators. Here's how to set up automatic synchronization:

• 📶 Via mobile operator network: Enable Auto-detection of date and time in settings (see previous section). The time will be updated when connected to a 4G/5G network.
• 🌐 On the Internet (NTP servers): Activate Auto-detection of time zone and Synchronization with the InternetUsed. servers Google (time.google.com) or NTP Pool Project.
• ⚙️ Manual server selection: On some firmware (for example, LineageOS) you can specify your NTP server in Settings → System → Date and time → Advanced.

Synchronization method	Accuracy	Battery consumption	Works without the Internet
Mobile network (operator)	±5–30 seconds	Low	Yes
Wi-Fi + NTP servers	±1 second	Average	No
GPS (time zone only)	±10 seconds	High	No
Manual setting	Depends on the user	Absent	Yes

On devices with root access, you can force update the time through the terminal by sending the command `su -c 'date -s YYYYMMDD.HHMMSS'` (where `YYYYMMDD.HHMMSS` is the current date and time in 24 hour format). This is relevant for custom firmware or if the system settings are locked.

3. Features of setting the time on smartphones of different brands

Manufacturers often modify the standard one Android, adding their own features or simplifying the interface. This also applies to time settings. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Galaxy S23, A54 and others with a shell One UI the path to the time settings is as follows: Settings → Device management → Date and time. There is an additional option Use 24-hour formatthat is hidden in other firmware.

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

In MIUI 14 i The newer time setting is hidden deeper: Settings → Advanced → Date and time. Feature: if the function Dual clock (for a second time zone) is enabled, automatic synchronization may not work correctly.

Google Pixel (pure Android)

On Pixel 7/8 with Android 14 standard path: Settings → System → Date and time. There is a unique option Automatic transition to summer/winter timethat can be disabled manually.

Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI)

On devices without services Google (for example, Huawei Mate 60) time is synchronized through its own servers Huawei. To change it manually, go to Settings → System and updates → Date and time.

Disable automatic synchronization

Make sure the time zone is correct

Check your internet connection (if needed) synchronization)

Reboot your smartphone after the changes-->

4. Why the time on Android is wrong and how to fix it

If your smartphone constantly shows the wrong time, the reasons may be different - from firmware bugs to hardware problems. Here are the most common scenarios and their solutions:

• 🔋 Reset after reboot: Virus or application conflict. Check your smartphone with an antivirus (for example Malwarebytes) and remove suspicious apps.
• 📡 Unstable mobile network: The operator is transmitting the incorrect time. Try manually selecting another operator in Settings → Mobile network → Operators.
• 🔄 Crash after update: Clear application cache Settings (Settings → Applications → Settings → Memory → Clear cache).
• ⚡ Problems with the battery: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S20 with a worn out battery), the time is lost due to a power outage to the chip RTC. The solution is to replace the battery.

If all else fails, perform reset the network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after flashing TWRP) time may be lost due to disabled verification dm-verity. In this case, re-locking the bootloader or installing a module Magisk to correct the time will help.

5. How to change the time display format (12/24 hours)

Many users prefer the 24-hour format, but the default on some devices (especially in the USA) is 12-hour with the markings AM/PM. You can change this like this:

1. Open Settings → System → Date and time.
2. Find the option Use 24-hour format (on Samsung — Time format).
3. Activate or deactivate the switch.

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo/Realme) this setting is hidden in Settings → Advanced → Language and input → Date and time format. If there is no option at all, try changing system language to Russian - sometimes this will unlock additional options.

6. Additional features: double clock, stopwatch, timer

Modern smartphones on Android offer not only basic time settings, but also useful additions:

• ⏰ Double clock: Shows time in two time zones simultaneously. Included in Settings → System → Date and time → Dual clock (available on Samsung, Huawei and some others).
• ⏱️ Stopwatch and timer: Use the standard application Clock (icon on the main screen). Google Pixel has voice control: say "Okay, Google, start the timer for 5 minutes".
• 🌍 World time: In the application Clock (or World Clock) you can add any cities and quickly switch between them.

On devices with Android 12+ a feature has appeared "Adaptive clock" —the time on the lock screen automatically changes color depending on the wallpaper. To disable this, go to Settings → Lock screen → Clock style.

How to add a world time widget to the home screen?

1. Touch and hold an empty space on the home screen.

2. Select Widgets → find Clock or World Clock.

3. Drag the widget to the screen and set up cities.

4. The size of the widget can be changed by pulling the corners.

7. Problems with time after flashing or resetting

If you recently updated the firmware via ODIN, Fastboot or restored your smartphone from a backup, the time may be lost due to:

• Incorrectly installed region in the settings.
• Missing files /etc/localtime or /etc/timezone (relevant for custom firmware).
• Conflict with modules Magisk or Xposed.

Solutions:

1. Set the correct region in Settings → System → Language and input → Region.
2. If used Magisk, update the module Riru - Core.
3. For custom firmware, run in TWRP:

   adb shell
   mount /system
   echo "Europe/Moscow" > /etc/timezone
   umount /system

   (replace Europe/Moscow with your time zone).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi with a locked bootloader), manually changing system time files can lead to brick (breakage). If you are not sure, contact a service center.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is the time lost after replacing the battery?

On most smartphones, a microcircuit is responsible for storing time RTC (Real-Time Clock), which is powered by a small capacitor or backup source. If the power was completely turned off when replacing the battery (for example, on Samsung Galaxy S10 and older), the chip is reset. The solution is to set the time manually and let the smartphone work for 10-15 minutes to charge the capacitor.

Is it possible to change the time without unlocking the screen?

No, for security Android does not allow you to change system settings (including time) from the locked screen. However, on some devices (for example, Huaweiyou can add clock widget to the lock screen with quick access to the timer or alarm clock.

How to synchronize time on Android and Windows/Pc?

To have the same time on your smartphone and computer:

1. On Windows: open Control Panel → Date and Time → "Internet Time" tab and select the server time.windows.com.
2. On Android: enable Auto-detection of date and time i Auto-detection of time zone.
3. Make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi or use NTP servers Google.

What to do if the time in games (for example, Clash of Clans) does not match the system time?

Many games (like Clash of Clans or Pokémon GO) use server time, and not the system one. If the difference is more than 5-10 minutes, the game may block the account for "cheating". enabled

• Make sure that it is turned on on your smartphone Automatic time synchronization.
• Do not change the time manually during the game.
• If the problem persists, contact game support.

Why is the time on Android TV different from the time on a smartphone?

Devices on Android TV (for example, Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box) are often synchronized with other servers. To correct the difference:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Date and time.
2. Disable Automatic detection and set the time manually.
3. Or specify another NTP server (for example, pool.ntp.org).