Device clock correction

Fix an incorrect device clock

If your clock is seconds or minutes wrong, the usual fix is to restore automatic time synchronization. If it is wrong by whole hours, check the time zone instead. Your browser can measure the difference, but only your device settings can change the system clock.

Start with the safest fix

Use automatic settings before setting the clock by hand. Manual correction can drift again and may leave the time zone wrong.

Turn on automatic time

Open the device date and time settings and enable automatic time or network-provided time.
Confirm the time zone

Enable automatic time zone, or select the correct city and region if automatic detection is unavailable.
Sync, then check again

Use Sync now when your system provides it, wait a moment, and run the clock drift test again.

Time error or time zone error?

Seconds or minutes wrong: The device clock is probably not synchronized. Enable automatic time, reconnect to the network, and force a sync if available.
Exactly one or several hours wrong: The clock may already represent the correct instant while the time zone or daylight saving setting is wrong. Correct the time zone first.

Instructions by device

Windows 11

Open Date & time settings

If it does not open, follow the steps below.

Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time.
Enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
Select Sync now under Additional settings, then recheck the offset.

macOS

Try opening Date & Time settings

If it does not open, follow the steps below.

Open System Settings → General → Date & Time.
Turn on Set time and date automatically, then confirm the time zone.
If time zone detection fails, review Location Services or select the correct time zone manually.

Linux

Open the desktop Date & Time settings and enable Automatic Date & Time.
On systemd systems, confirm network time with timedatectl status; administrators can enable it with timedatectl set-ntp true.
If another service such as chrony manages time, verify that service instead of enabling two services.

iPhone and iPad

Open Settings → General → Date & Time.
Turn on Set Automatically and confirm the displayed time zone.
If the control is unavailable, check Screen Time restrictions or a device management profile.

Android

Open Settings → System → Date & time; names vary by manufacturer.
Enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
Reconnect to the mobile or Wi-Fi network, then restart the device if the time does not refresh.

If automatic time is unavailable or keeps failing

Work or school device: An administrator may lock date and time settings. Contact the organization instead of bypassing its policy.
Virtual machine: Check both the guest time service and host time integration. Competing sync sources can repeatedly move the clock.
Clock changes after restart: Install system updates, restart the time service, and check the hardware clock or battery on older computers.

Need to configure a time server?

For servers, routers, network appliances, or a custom Network Time Protocol (NTP) source, use the advanced NTP setup guide.

Open NTP setup guide

Verify the correction

After your system syncs, open the clock drift test. Use the measured clock offset and its error range to judge alignment; network latency describes the measurement conditions, not whether the clock is correct.

Run clock drift test

Device clock FAQ

Can Time.ms change my device clock?

No. Browsers are not allowed to change the operating system clock. Time.ms can measure the offset and guide you to the correct device setting.

Clock drift test

Why is my clock wrong by exactly one hour?

That usually points to a time zone or daylight saving setting, not a failed time sync. Confirm the selected time zone and automatic time zone setting.

Should I set the time manually?

Use manual time only as a temporary fallback. Automatic network time is more likely to remain accurate after restarts and over long periods.

Why is the automatic time setting disabled?

A work or school policy, Screen Time restriction, device management profile, or missing administrator permission may control it.

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