Get the Right Time on Your Android Phone: The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Incorrect Time

For most of us, our smartphones have replaced traditional timepieces, serving as our go-to device to check the time, set alarms, or keep up with our schedules. It can be frustrating when our Android phone displays the wrong time, causing us to miss an important appointment or event. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this issue and get back on track.

While the following steps were performed on Android 13, they can be applied to older versions as well. Bear in mind that the appearance of the UI elements may differ depending on your phone model, but the general process remains the same. Unfortunately, Samsung devices do not provide an option to adjust time zones.

How to manually set the time on your Android phone

By default, your phone retrieves the time automatically through its cellular or Wi-Fi connection. This function usually works without issue, but it can malfunction on occasion due to various factors. If this happens, you can turn off the automatic detection and set the time manually.

1. Click on the Settings icon on your phone.

2. Scroll down and select System.

3. Tap Date & time.

(Image credit: Android Central)4. Disable the Set time automatically option by clicking on the toggle switch.

5. Select Time and adjust it to the correct time.

6. Tap OK.

How to fix your phone's automatic time detection

Although setting the time manually may work for some, those who wish to keep the automatic detection function may experience problems when switching to Daylight Savings Time. In this situation, you'll need to adjust another clock. Although it may appear more convenient, it's worth trying a quick fix to ensure your phone's automatic time detection works as intended.

1. Click on the Settings icon on your phone.

2. Scroll down and select System.

3. Tap Date & time.

(Image credit: Android Central)4. Disable the Set time automatically feature by clicking on the toggle switch.

5. Toggle the same option again to enable the automatic time detection feature.

Are you familiar with the old joke about fixing computer problems by turning the device off, then on again? Believe it or not, the same principle applies to your Android phone's time detection settings. Although this feature typically operates flawlessly, it occasionally misfires. In such cases, a simple reset can work wonders.

How to Adjust Your Time Zone

If you travel frequently or live close to the border of a time zone, your phone's time settings might also be affected. Don't worry, though. Adjusting the time zone on your Android device is a piece of cake. Simply follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.

2. Scroll down and tap System.

3. Tap on Date & Time.

4. Find the toggle button next to Set Time Zone Automatically and switch it off.

5. Select your preferred time zone.

When enabled, the Set Time Zone Automatically toggle allows your phone to switch time zones seamlessly, without any need for input from you. However, if this feature fails, the above method can sort things out in no time. Also, if you want to avoid manually changing your time zone whenever you enter a new one, simply toggle the feature on and off to reset its automatic detection capabilities.

Ensure Your Phone's Time is Correct

Savvy watches might be in vogue, but your Android phone remains one of the best timekeepers around. Despite owning the best Android-powered wearable, it's highly likely you still check the phone's clock at least a couple of times daily. Therefore, make sure your phone's time settings match the correct time to stay punctual.

If you're running Android 13 and don't care for the lock screen's double-line clock display, don't panic. Just follow these quick, easy steps to switch to the single-line layout on the Android 13 lock screen clock.

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