iPhone showing the wrong time? How to fix the date and time

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

An iPhone normally sets its clock from the network and adjusts to time zones and summer time by itself. If the time is wrong after a flight or a clock change, one of two switches is usually off.

These screens are from iOS 26 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows are in the same place, with a slightly different look.

Step by step

1. 

   Open Settings and tap General

   General is in the first group of the main Settings list.

   Done

2. Tap Date & Time

   It is further down the General page.

   Done

3. Switch on Set Automatically

   The phone then takes date, time and time zone from the network and your location.

   Done

4. Allow the time zone to use your location

   Open Settings, Privacy & Security, Location Services. Scroll to the bottom and tap System Services. Switch on Setting Time Zone.

   Done

5. Restart and check

   Restart the iPhone while it is connected to Wi-Fi or the mobile network, then check the clock.

   Done

Good to know

If Set Automatically is grey and cannot be changed, a restriction is the cause. Apple names three: a Screen Time passcode, a device management profile from an employer or school, and limits set by the network provider or the region.

To set the time by hand, switch Set Automatically off, tap Time Zone and enter a city, then tap the date and time to change them.

Do not set the clock forward or back to trick an app or a game timer. Apple warns that this can disturb normal functions of the phone.

A wrong date can also stop websites, the App Store and updates from working, because secure connections check the date.

To change how dates are written: how to change the region, date format and temperature unit on iPhone.

In short: Settings, General, Date & Time, Set Automatically. Location Services, System Services, Setting Time Zone.