Your iPhone’s clock is wrong, but changing it isn’t always as simple as tapping the time. You can set it manually, let the phone handle it automatically, or change just the clock format. Start with the adjustment you need, then check the restrictions below if the controls are dimmed.
Adjust the time manually
Open Settings > General > Date & Time.
Turn off Set Automatically to unlock the manual controls.
Tap the displayed date, then adjust the date and time to the values you want.
If Set Automatically is dimmed, check the Screen Time and work or school sections below. Manual-setting availability depends on your carrier, country or region, and device restrictions.
Let your iPhone set the time automatically
Automatic settings handle the date and time; location access supplies the time zone.
Connect your iPhone to the internet.
Open Settings > General > Date & Time.
Turn on Set Automatically. Apple also calls this control Set Time Automatically.
For automatic time-zone detection, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
Turn on Setting Time Zone.
Choose a different time zone
Open Settings > General > Date & Time.
Turn off Set Automatically.
Tap Time Zone.
Search for the location you want.
Tap the matching result.
If your iPhone reports updated time-zone information, restart it and any paired Apple Watch to apply the update.
Switch between a 12-hour and 24-hour clock
Use this setting when the time is correct but you prefer a different clock format. It changes the notation, not the actual time.
Open Settings > General > Date & Time.
Where the option is available, turn 24-Hour Time on for 24-hour notation or off for 12-hour notation.
Remove a Screen Time passcode blocking changes
If a Screen Time passcode is blocking manual changes, remove it using your current passcode, then retry.
- 1.Open Settings > Screen Time.
- 2.Tap Change Screen Time Passcode.
- 3.Select Turn Off Screen Time Passcode.
- 4.Enter your current Screen Time passcode.
- 5.Return to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- 6.Try turning off Set Automatically again. Removing the passcode does not override carrier, regional, or management restrictions.
Update iOS as part of time troubleshooting
Apple recommends installing an available iOS update when the date, time, or time zone is wrong, and lists that step before turning on automatic time.
Back up your iPhone.
Connect it to power.
Connect it to Wi-Fi.
Open Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is offered, tap Download and Install.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.
Ask your administrator about enforced automatic time
On a supervised work or school iPhone, your organization controls whether automatic time is required. With that restriction enforced, Set Automatically stays on and you cannot disable it.
Ask your organization’s administrator to review the restriction Apple names Turn on “Set Automatically” in Date and Time settings. The administrator’s controls depend on the management service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see another city’s time without changing my iPhone’s time?
Yes. Open Clock > World Clock > Add (+), then choose a city. This adds a displayed clock without changing your iPhone’s system time.
Why does Calendar show event times in a different time zone?
Calendar has a separate Time Zone Override setting. Open Settings > Apps > Calendar > Time Zone Override to check it. When enabled, it displays event times in the selected time zone without changing the iPhone’s clock.
Does customizing the Lock Screen clock change the time?
No. Lock Screen customization changes the clock’s appearance. Touch and hold the Lock Screen, authenticate if prompted, select the screen, and tap Customize. Tap the time to change its appearance, then tap Done.
How can a parent remove a child’s Screen Time passcode to retry the time setting?
On the parent’s iPhone, open Settings > Screen Time > [child’s name] > Manage Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Turn Off Screen Time Passcode, then authenticate. Retry Settings > General > Date & Time on the child’s iPhone. Removing the passcode does not override other restrictions.