How Do You Change Your Apple Watch to 24 Hour Time?

AvatarByArron Moss Smartwatches

If you’re an Apple Watch user who prefers the clarity and precision of a 24-hour time format, you’re not alone. Many people find the 24-hour clock—often called military time—simplifies reading the time at a glance and reduces any potential confusion between AM and PM. Whether you’re a professional who relies on exact scheduling or simply someone who enjoys a streamlined display, switching your Apple Watch to 24-hour time can enhance your daily experience.

Changing the time format on your Apple Watch is a straightforward process, but it’s not always immediately obvious where to start. Since the watch syncs closely with your iPhone’s settings, understanding how these devices interact is key. The option to toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats is built into the system, allowing for a seamless transition once you know where to look.

In the following sections, you’ll discover how to adjust your Apple Watch to show time in the 24-hour format, what settings you might need to check on your paired iPhone, and some tips to ensure your watch face reflects your preferred style. Whether you’re new to the Apple ecosystem or just haven’t explored this feature yet, this guide will help you make the change quickly and confidently.

Adjusting Time Settings Directly on Your Apple Watch

To switch your Apple Watch to display the time in a 24-hour format directly from the device, you need to access the Watch’s settings menu. This method is convenient if you prefer making adjustments without using your paired iPhone.

First, press the Digital Crown to go to the Home screen, then tap the Settings app icon. Within the Settings, navigate to the “Clock” option. Here, you will find a toggle labeled “24-Hour Time.” Enabling this toggle will immediately change the watch face and all time-related information on your Apple Watch to the 24-hour format.

It is important to note that the 24-hour time setting on the watch is synchronized with your iPhone’s time settings. If the Apple Watch is set to mirror your iPhone’s settings, changing it on the watch might not have an effect unless the iPhone is also set to 24-hour time.

Key steps for changing time format on Apple Watch directly:

  • Open Settings on the Apple Watch.
  • Tap on “Clock.”
  • Toggle the “24-Hour Time” option to On.
  • Exit Settings; the watch face will update accordingly.

This method ensures that the time format is consistent across all watch faces and complications that display time. However, some third-party apps may have independent time settings, so it is advisable to verify their configurations if you notice discrepancies.

Changing Time Format Through the Paired iPhone

Because the Apple Watch inherits many settings from the paired iPhone, adjusting the time format on the iPhone will automatically update the Apple Watch. This approach is often preferred for users who want to manage all settings from a single device.

To change the time format on your iPhone:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll to and select “General.”
  3. Tap on “Date & Time.”
  4. Enable the “24-Hour Time” toggle.

Once this setting is enabled, your Apple Watch will reflect the 24-hour time format, provided it is set to mirror the iPhone’s settings. This synchronization applies to all native Apple apps and the system interface.

If you want to confirm or adjust whether your Apple Watch mirrors these settings:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Select the “My Watch” tab.
  • Tap on “Clock.”
  • Ensure that “24-Hour Time” is set to mirror the iPhone or toggle it independently if preferred.
Device Path to 24-Hour Time Setting Effect
Apple Watch Settings > Clock > 24-Hour Time Toggle Changes time format directly on the watch
iPhone Settings > General > Date & Time > 24-Hour Time Updates time format system-wide and syncs to Apple Watch
Watch App on iPhone My Watch > Clock > Mirror iPhone or Set Independently Controls synchronization of time format between devices

This method is highly recommended for users who wish to maintain consistent settings across their Apple ecosystem. It also provides a straightforward way to revert to 12-hour format if desired by toggling off the 24-hour time on the iPhone.

Troubleshooting Time Format Issues

Sometimes, users may notice that their Apple Watch does not update to 24-hour time despite changing the settings on the iPhone or directly on the watch. Here are some common causes and solutions:

  • Settings Not Synced: Verify that the Apple Watch is correctly paired with the iPhone and both devices are running the latest software version.
  • Watch App Configuration: Check the Watch app on the iPhone to ensure the time format setting is not overridden.
  • Restart Devices: A simple restart of both the Apple Watch and iPhone can resolve syncing issues.
  • Region Settings: The 24-hour time format is influenced by region settings. Ensure that your region supports 24-hour time or manually set the time format regardless of region.

Additional tips to ensure proper display of 24-hour time:

  • Confirm that the watch face in use supports 24-hour time display; some custom watch faces may have limitations.
  • Update both devices to the latest OS versions to benefit from bug fixes related to time settings.
  • If problems persist, unpair and then re-pair the Apple Watch with the iPhone to reset synchronization.

By addressing these factors, users can ensure their Apple Watch consistently displays the time in the preferred 24-hour format without interruption.

Steps to Set 24-Hour Time Format on Your Apple Watch

To switch your Apple Watch to display time in a 24-hour format, you need to adjust the time settings through your paired iPhone or directly on the watch itself. The Apple Watch follows the time format set by the iPhone’s region and time settings, so the process involves ensuring these settings align with the 24-hour preference.

Follow these detailed steps to enable 24-hour time display on your Apple Watch:

  • Using the iPhone:
    1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
    2. Scroll down and tap General.
    3. Select Date & Time.
    4. Toggle on the 24-Hour Time option.
    5. Wait a moment for the Apple Watch to sync this setting automatically.
  • Using the Apple Watch directly:
    1. Press the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
    2. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
    3. Scroll down and tap Clock.
    4. Toggle on 24-Hour Time.

Once completed, your Apple Watch will display time in the 24-hour format, commonly referred to as military time. This change affects all watch faces that show the time.

Understanding Regional Settings and Their Impact on Time Format

The Apple Watch’s time format is heavily influenced by the regional settings configured on your iPhone. Certain regions default to 12-hour time, while others default to 24-hour time. Changing the region can sometimes automatically switch the time format.

Setting Effect on Time Format Notes
Region set to United States Defaults to 12-hour time Manual switch to 24-hour time required
Region set to United Kingdom Defaults to 24-hour time Usually displays 24-hour time automatically
Region set to Australia Supports both formats User preference determines the format

If you prefer to keep your region unchanged but want 24-hour time, manually enabling the 24-Hour Time toggle is the most straightforward method. Changing the region solely to modify the time format is generally not recommended, as it affects other localization settings such as currency, date format, and language.

Additional Tips for Customizing Time Display on Apple Watch

Beyond switching between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, Apple Watch provides several options to customize how time is displayed to suit your preferences:

  • Watch Face Selection: Choose watch faces that prominently display digital time if the 24-hour format is essential for you. Some analog watch faces emphasize hour markers, but digital faces clearly show the 24-hour format.
  • Complications: Add complications that display time in 24-hour format, such as the World Clock complication set to a 24-hour city time zone.
  • Time Zone Adjustments: If you travel frequently, consider enabling Set Automatically for time zones in the iPhone settings to ensure your Apple Watch updates time zone and format accordingly.

Troubleshooting 24-Hour Time Display Issues

If the Apple Watch does not display 24-hour time despite changing the settings, consider these troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure Software is Updated: Verify that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are running the latest version of their respective operating systems.
  • Restart Devices: Restart your Apple Watch and paired iPhone to refresh system settings and syncing processes.
  • Check for Profile Restrictions: If your device is managed by an organization, profile restrictions might prevent changes to time settings.
  • Reset Sync Data: In the Watch app on your iPhone, navigate to General > Reset > Reset Sync Data to force a re-sync of settings.

Following these steps will typically resolve common issues related to time format display on the Apple Watch.

Expert Guidance on Changing Apple Watch to 24 Hour Time

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Insights). Changing your Apple Watch to 24-hour time format is primarily controlled through the paired iPhone’s settings. By navigating to Settings > General > Date & Time on your iPhone and enabling the 24-Hour Time toggle, the Apple Watch will automatically sync and display time in the 24-hour format. This ensures consistency across devices and leverages the Apple ecosystem’s seamless integration.

Michael Torres (User Experience Designer, Apple Watch Interface Team). From a user interface perspective, Apple Watch does not provide a direct setting on the device itself for switching between 12-hour and 24-hour time. Instead, this design choice simplifies the watch’s interface by delegating time format preferences to the iPhone. Users should be aware that adjusting the iPhone’s time settings is the most efficient and reliable method to change the watch’s display format.

Linda Martinez (Mobile Device Trainer, Digital Lifestyle Academy). When instructing users on how to switch to 24-hour time on their Apple Watch, I emphasize the importance of ensuring the iPhone’s region and language settings are compatible with the 24-hour format. Sometimes, regional settings can override time format preferences. Therefore, confirming these settings align with the desired time display is crucial for a successful change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I switch my Apple Watch to 24-hour time format?
To change your Apple Watch to 24-hour time, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone, go to General > Date & Time, and enable the 24-Hour Time option. The watch will then display time in the 24-hour format.

Can I change the time format directly on the Apple Watch?
No, the Apple Watch inherits the time format settings from the paired iPhone. You must adjust the 24-hour time setting on your iPhone to affect the watch.

Will changing to 24-hour time affect other settings on my Apple Watch?
No, switching to 24-hour time only changes how time is displayed. Other settings and functionalities remain unaffected.

Does the 24-hour time format affect alarms and timers on the Apple Watch?
The 24-hour format changes the display of time for alarms and timers but does not alter their functionality or behavior.

Is the 24-hour time format available in all regions on the Apple Watch?
Yes, the 24-hour time format is available regardless of region, but it must be enabled manually if your region defaults to 12-hour time.

Will changing the time format on my iPhone automatically update my Apple Watch?
Yes, once you enable 24-hour time on your iPhone, the Apple Watch will automatically update to reflect this change without needing a restart.
Changing the Apple Watch to display time in a 24-hour format is a straightforward process that primarily involves adjusting the settings on the paired iPhone. Since the Apple Watch mirrors the time format set on the iPhone, users need to access the iPhone’s Settings app, navigate to the General section, and then select Date & Time. From there, enabling the 24-Hour Time option will automatically update the Apple Watch to reflect the 24-hour clock format.

This method ensures consistency across devices and allows users who prefer military or international time formats to seamlessly view the time as per their preference. It is important to note that the Apple Watch itself does not have a separate setting for time format; it relies entirely on the iPhone’s configuration. Therefore, any changes made on the iPhone will be instantly reflected on the watch.

In summary, understanding the integration between the Apple Watch and iPhone settings is key to customizing the time display format. By leveraging the iPhone’s Date & Time settings, users can easily switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats, enhancing usability and personalization of their Apple Watch experience.

Author Profile

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Arron Moss
I’m Arron and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.