Changing the time on a smartphone is one of the basic operations that every user encounters. In the operating system Android 8.0 Oreo this process has been slightly redesigned compared to previous versions to meet modern automation standards. Most often, the device itself pulls data from the network, but there are situations when automatic synchronization fails or you need to set specific parameters manually.
Incorrect time can lead to malfunctions in instant messengers, banking applications, and even block access to some sites due to problems with security certificates. Therefore, it is important to know how to quickly fix this setting. In this article, we will look at all the nuances of working with the clock on devices running the eighth version of Android, from standard methods to hidden features.
The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of your gadget. Companies like Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei often add their skins on top of stock Android, changing the location of menu items. However, the logic of the system remains the same, and the instructions below will help you understand any situation.
Standard path to time settings
The most obvious way to change the clock settings is through the main system settings menu. B Android 8 this section is placed in a separate category, which simplifies navigation. You don't need to look for small icons on the desktop, just go to the general list of device parameters.
Open the application Settings and scroll down the list to the item System. This is where the main device management tools are concentrated. If you have a smartphone with a custom shell, this item may be called Advanced settings or simply be in the general list without grouping.
Inside section System find subsection Date and time. By clicking on it, you will be taken to a menu where the current values and operating mode switches are displayed. Here you can also see information about the current time zone, which the system determined automatically.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Date and time" item is inactive (gray), this means that forced synchronization via the network is enabled. You'll need to turn off automatic mode first to access manual editing.
For those who prefer quick access, there is an alternative path through the search bar in settings. Just enter the word "time" or "date" into the search bar at the top of the settings screen, and the system will immediately prompt you to go to the desired menu. This saves time, especially if you do not remember the exact location of points.
Automatic synchronization via the network
By default, Android 8.0 the function of receiving time from the network operator or via the Internet (NTP protocol) is activated. This is the most reliable method, as it guarantees high accuracy and automatic transition to summer/winter time, if applicable in your region.
To enable this mode, find the switch Use network time or Auto-adjust time and move it to the active position. The device will instantly contact the server and update the clock readings. The option works similarly Auto-adjust time zone, which changes the region depending on your geolocation.
- 🌐 Millisecond accuracy: network time is synchronized with atomic ones for hours, which is critical for the operation of financial applications.
- 🔄 Automatic update: you do not need to worry about changing seasons or traveling to other countries.
- 🔋 Saving resources: the system does not need to constantly keep GPS on to determine the zone if the network is used operator.
However, automatic synchronization may fail if the connection signal is poor or if you are in roaming. In such cases, the phone may incorrectly determine the time zone of a neighboring country. If you notice a discrepancy, try switching the mode manually and switching back after a couple of minutes to force the update.
If your phone shows the wrong time even with synchronization turned on, try turning on Airplane mode for 10 seconds and then turning it off. This will restart the radio module and force the device to re-request data from the cell tower.
Manually setting the time and date
Sometimes the automation fails, or the user needs to set a specific time (for example, to test applications or games). In this case, you must switch to manual configuration mode. First, make sure that the switch Use network time is turned off.
After turning off the automation, items Set time and Set datewill become active. By clicking on them, you will see an interface with scrolling reels or a numeric keypad, depending on your manufacturer's version of the interface. Enter the required values and confirm the action with the button OK.
Settings → System → Date and time → [Off] Use network time → Set timePay attention to the time display format. In Android 8 you can select 12-hour or 24-hour format. This setting is located directly in the date and time menu and is called Use 24-hour format. Changing this setting will instantly update the appearance of the clock in the status bar and on widgets.
☑️ Manual setup checklist
Don't forget about the time zone. Even if you set the clock numbers correctly, but chose the wrong region (for example, Moscow instead of Yekaterinburg), all applications will not work correctly relative to real time. In the list of zones, look not only for cities, but also for abbreviations like GMT+3.
Interface features of different manufacturers
Although the core of the system is the same for everyone, the visual implementation of the menu can be confusing. Smartphone manufacturers often change the logic of the arrangement of elements to match their corporate style. This can make it difficult for an inexperienced user to find the right button.
Below is a table that will help you navigate the names of sections on popular models with Android 8. If you do not find the "System" item, check these alternative options.
| Brand / Shell | Path to settings | Name features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (Experience) | General settings → Device management | Often hidden in the "General" submenu |
| Xiaomi (MIUI 9/10) | Advanced → Date and time | Separate item in the main settings menu |
| Huawei (EMUI 8) | System → Date and time | Standard path, as in pure Android |
| Sony (Xperia UI) | System → Date and time | Minimalistic interface without unnecessary groups |
| Motorola | System → Date and time | Almost stock Android, minimal changes |
On some devices with shell MIUI from Xiaomi the time setting is moved to the very top of the main list of settings, bypassing the "System" section. This is done for convenience, since Chinese users often change their region. Be careful when searching.
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Samsung with Android 8, the “Automatic time zone selection” function via GPS can be activated. If the time jumps when moving around the city, disable the "Use GPS to determine the zone" option in the same menu.
Solving synchronization problems
There are situations when the time is constantly reset or displayed incorrectly, despite the correct settings. This may indicate a software glitch or a low internal battery responsible for storing system parameters. In such cases, more in-depth diagnostics are required.
First, check to see if the device has debug mode enabled or third-party applications that can intercept control of the system time. Some battery saving utilities or "boosters" can force changes to power saving settings by disabling network synchronization.
If the problem persists, try clearing the system application cache Settings. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes → Settings → Memory → Clear cache. This action is safe and will not delete your personal data, but it will reset the interface settings.
What to do if the time is reset after a reboot?
If after each When the phone is turned off, the time returns to the factory time (for example, January 1, 2015), this indicates a hardware malfunction. There is a small battery (or capacitor) inside the smartphone that powers the watch when it is turned off. If it fails, repairs are required at a service center. It is difficult to replace it yourself, since you need to disassemble the case.
It is also worth checking the safety certificate. If the date on the phone is set incorrectly (for example, 2000), browsers and applications will generate connection errors, stating that the site's certificate is invalid. In this case, correcting the time is a priority for restoring Internet access.
Advanced settings via ADB
For users who have superuser rights or are familiar with USB debugging, it is possible to change the time via a computer. This is useful if the touch screen does not work or the interface is blocked. To do this, you will need a utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Connect your smartphone to the PC, enable USB debugging and enter the command in the terminal. This method allows you to set the time to the nearest second, which is impossible to do with a standard interface. The command requires entering time in Unix epoch millisecond format.
adb shell date MMDDhhmmYYYY.ssWhere MM is month, DD is day, hh is hours, mm is minutes, YYYY — year, ss — seconds. For example, to set December 25, 2023, 2:30:00 p.m., the command would look like this: adb shell date 122514302023.00.
Using ADB to change the time requires developer mode to be enabled and the driver installed on the computer. This is a method for advanced users; in normal cases, the standard settings menu is sufficient.
Remember that manually changing the time through the console may conflict with automatic synchronization. After entering the command, it is recommended to restart the device so that the system correctly applies the new settings in all services.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no “Date and time” item in the menu on my Android 8?
Most likely, the manufacturer of your smartphone has changed the menu structure. Try using the search inside the settings or look for the "General Settings" section. Also make sure that you have version 8 of Android installed, and not an older one, where the menu looked different.
Is it possible to set the time of another country without changing the time zone?
Technically, it is possible by disabling auto-tuning and manually setting the clock. However, this is not recommended, as it will lead to confusion in notifications, calendar and applications that rely on system time to schedule tasks.
Does changing the time affect the operation of the alarm clock?
Yes, it does directly. If you set your clock back, the alarm may go off later or may not go off at all if the set time has already passed according to the new calculation. When you move the clock forward, the alarm will go off earlier. It is better to double-check the alarm settings after changes.
Why does the time change itself when I connect Wi-Fi?
This is normal behavior if the "Use network time" option is enabled. When connected to the Internet, the phone checks its clock with accurate time servers and corrects the error. To prevent this, you need to disable automatic synchronization in the settings.
How to return the time to factory settings?
Simply turn on the switch "Use network time" and "Auto-set time zone". The system will instantly reset your manual edits and pull up the latest data from your telecom operator or Internet provider.