Learn How to Change Your Clock Time

Understanding Clock Time Systems and Why You Might Need to Change It

Clocks display time in different formats and systems, and there are many reasons you might need to adjust yours. Your clock could be running behind or ahead of the actual time, or you might want to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats. Some people change their clocks for daylight saving time, which happens twice per year in many parts of the United States and other countries. Others adjust clocks when traveling to different time zones, moving to a new location, or simply because their clock lost or gained time due to battery issues or mechanical drift.

Learn How to Pay Your Comenity Card Bill Online →

Understanding the type of clock you own is the first step. Digital clocks display numbers on a screen, while analog clocks have hands that point to numbers around a circular face. Smart clocks and clocks built into phones, computers, and other devices often update automatically, but many household clocks require manual adjustment. The method for changing time varies depending on the clock's design and technology. Some clocks have buttons on the back or side, while others have menus you navigate using touchscreens or physical controls.

Knowing when to change your clock matters too. In the United States, daylight saving time typically begins on the second Sunday in March (spring forward) and ends on the first Sunday in November (fall back). However, Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe daylight saving time. If you travel across time zones, your local time changes based on your location. For example, if you travel from New York to Los Angeles, you move back three hours.

Practical Takeaway: Before changing any clock, identify what type of clock you have and why you need to adjust it. Check whether daylight saving time applies in your location and what the current correct time should be.

How to Change Time on Digital Clocks and Devices

Digital clocks are among the most common household timepieces, and changing them is usually straightforward. Most digital alarm clocks have buttons labeled "Hour," "Minute," or "Set" on the back or side. To change the time, first locate the power source—this might be a plug, batteries, or both. Some clocks work on battery backup, meaning they continue running even if unplugged. Look for a small button or switch near the clock's display that allows you to enter adjustment mode. This button is often labeled "Set," "Mode," or "Adjust."

Free Guide to Fairfax County Vehicle Personal Property Tax →

Once you've found the set button, press and hold it for a few seconds until the display begins to flash or highlight a number—typically the hour. Use the "Hour" button or arrow buttons to increase or decrease the hour to match the current time. When the hour is correct, press the set button again to move to the minutes. Use the "Minute" button to adjust the minutes. After setting both the hour and minutes, press the set button one more time to confirm your changes. The display should stop flashing, indicating that the new time is saved.

For 12-hour clocks, you may also need to toggle between AM and PM. Most clocks have a button for this, often labeled "AM/PM" or shown in the display. Make sure you set this correctly—AM represents morning hours (12:00 AM to 11:59 AM), while PM represents afternoon and evening hours (12:00 PM to 11:59 PM). If your clock displays 24-hour time (also called military time), the hours run from 00:00 to 23:59, so 1:00 PM would show as 13:00. Some digital clocks allow you to switch between these formats through their settings menu.

Smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart home devices typically update their time automatically through internet connection or cellular networks. However, if you need to change the time manually on these devices, look in the "Settings" or "System" menu. On most phones and computers, there is an option to turn off automatic time updates and set the time yourself. Be cautious with this feature—having incorrect time on your main devices can cause problems with alarms, appointments, and communications.

Practical Takeaway: Locate the set or mode button on your digital clock, press and hold it until the display highlights, then use arrow or dedicated buttons to adjust hours and minutes separately. Confirm the AM/PM setting matches your desired time.

Adjusting Analog Clocks with Hour and Minute Hands

Analog clocks use a circular face with numbers and two or three hands to show time. The short hand indicates the hour, the long hand shows the minutes, and some clocks have a thin second hand as well. Changing an analog clock requires direct manipulation of these hands. On most analog clocks, there is a small knob or stem in the center where the hands connect. This knob typically has two positions: you can pull it outward or turn it. Pulling the knob outward usually allows you to adjust the time, while pushing it back in returns it to normal operation.

Free Guide to Rental Assistance Programs Overview →

To change the time on an analog clock, gently pull the center knob outward. Once pulled out, you can rotate the knob clockwise (forward) or counterclockwise (backward) to move the hands. Rotating clockwise moves time forward, while rotating counterclockwise moves time backward. Turn the knob slowly until both hands point to the correct time. The minute hand (longer hand) should point exactly to the minute marking, and the hour hand (shorter hand) should point to the corresponding hour or between two hours if the minutes are not at 12.

Some analog clocks have a slightly different design. Instead of pulling out a knob, you may need to locate a small dial or wheel on the back of the clock face. This dial can be rotated to adjust the time. Read the clock's instruction manual or look for markings around this dial that indicate which direction moves time forward or backward. Be gentle when handling the clock mechanism—applying too much force can damage the internal gears or springs.

After adjusting the time, push the center knob back in to its original position. The clock should resume normal operation. Listen for any ticking sounds to confirm the clock is still running. If the clock is battery-powered, check that batteries are installed correctly and have sufficient charge. A weak battery can cause an analog clock to run slowly or stop entirely, which is why the clock might have lost or gained time in the first place.

Practical Takeaway: Pull the center knob or stem of an analog clock outward, rotate it slowly to position the hands at the correct time, then push the knob back in. Ensure the minute hand points exactly at the minute marking and the hour hand aligns with the hour.

Daylight Saving Time and Seasonal Clock Changes

Daylight saving time is a practice observed in many parts of North America, Europe, and other regions where clocks are adjusted twice per year to shift daylight hours. In the United States, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March, when people "spring forward" by moving their clocks one hour ahead at 2:00 AM. This means 2:00 AM becomes 3:00 AM, effectively shortening that day by one hour. Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday in November, when people "fall back" by moving their clocks one hour behind at 2:00 AM. This means 2:00 AM becomes 1:00 AM, adding an extra hour to that day.

Check Your New Jersey Driver's License Status Online →

The purpose of daylight saving time is to make better use of daylight during waking hours. By shifting an hour of daylight from morning to evening, the theory suggests people use less electricity for lighting and potentially enjoy more outdoor activities during afternoon and evening hours. However, the energy savings have been debated by researchers, and many people experience sleep disruption during the transition periods. Some regions have chosen not to observe daylight saving time. Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time year-round. Some Native American reservations, territories, and individual states have also opted out.

When daylight saving time occurs, you must adjust all clocks in your home. Most modern devices—phones, computers, smart televisions, and internet-connected devices—update automatically. However, traditional digital alarm clocks, analog wall clocks, car clocks, and microwave clocks typically require manual adjustment. Some people forget certain clocks, leading to confusion about the correct time. A helpful practice is to go through your home on the night before the time change and identify all clocks you own, then adjust them systematically.

Preparing for daylight saving time involves more than just changing