How to Set Your Time Zone to Update Automatically

Tap your device to see the settings path.

iPhone

In Settings > General > Date & Time, turn on Set Automatically so your time zone adjusts based on your location.

Android

In Settings > System > Date & Time, turn on Set Time Zone Automatically so it updates to match wherever you travel.

Check location permission

Automatic time zone detection needs location services turned on to work accurately.

Why is it useful?

The moment you land after a flight, your clock is already on local time, no manual adjusting or time-difference math required.

No more time-zone math on arrival

Cross into a new time zone and your phone updates the moment it can confirm your location, so you never mistake arrival time or need to reset an alarm by hand.

Add a world clock for the zones you check often

If you frequently need to know the time back home while traveling, adding a world clock entry for that city keeps both times visible at a glance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the time zone still update in airplane mode?

Airplane mode blocks location and network signals, so automatic time zone updates may not work reliably until you reconnect.

How do I set the time zone manually instead?

In the same settings menu, turn automatic mode off and select your desired time zone from the list.