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My Garmin Watch Displays the Incorrect Time

Garmin watches use the following sources to update the current time:

  • Garmin Connect app: The watch must be paired to a compatible mobile device through the app. Open the app to sync your watch, which will update the time based on the time on your mobile device.

  • Garmin Express: This program is used on a personal Windows or Macintosh computer. Connect your watch to a computer using your USB charging cable, then sync the watch in Garmin Express. The time on your watch will reflect the time on your computer.

  • Acquire a GPS signal: Watches that have a GPS receiver will update the time after acquiring a satellite signal. Go outdoors and select an outdoor activity profile, such as Run. Wait for the GPS ready indicator (this will vary by model. Some may say "GPS Ready" while others may have the letters "GPS" turn green when a GPS fix is acquired).

NOTE: Some Garmin watches do not have a GPS receiver and cannot acquire satellites. For troubleshooting steps on non-GPS watches, see Related content below .

Additional Troubleshooting

If your watch still displays the wrong time after following the steps above, the time source setting may be set to Manual. Switch this setting to Auto, then apply one of the above methods to update the time. 

Not all Garmin watches have a time source setting. For steps to update the time source setting on a compatible watch, select the appropriate watch series below:


Bounce Series

  • Bounce: This watch does not have a manual time setting. Sync your watch to update the time. For more details see: Bounce Time Troubleshooting

Descent Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


Enduro Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


epix (Gen 2) Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


fenix Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


Instinct Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


MARQ Collection

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


MARQ Collection (Gen 2)

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


tactix Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


Venu Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


vivofit Series


vivoactive Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


vivomove Series

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


vivosmart Series

  • vivosmart HR

  • vivosmart 3

  • vivosmart 4: This watch does not have a manual time setting. Sync your watch to update the time.

  • vivosmart 5: This watch does not have a manual time setting. Sync your watch to update the time. 

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


vivosport

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


Other Watches

After verifying the time settings, try one of the above methods to correct the time again.


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