Learn How to Change Your Clock Time

Why Clocks Need Changing and When It Happens

Changing your clock time is something most people encounter twice a year in the United States, yet many remain uncertain about exactly when and why this happens. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting clocks forward or backward by one hour at specific times of year. In 2024, this affects over 300 million people across North America, with millions more around the world observing similar time shifts.

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The official dates for clock changes in the United States fall on specific Sundays. In spring, clocks move forward one hour at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday of March. In fall, clocks move backward one hour at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday of November. This means in March, you lose an hour of sleep, while in November, you gain an hour. Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories do not observe Daylight Saving Time and keep their clocks on the same schedule year-round.

The history of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. dates back to World War I, when it was introduced as an energy conservation measure. It was used sporadically until 1966, when the Uniform Time Act standardized the practice across states that chose to observe it. While the original energy-saving rationale has been debated by modern researchers, DST remains embedded in American timekeeping practices.

Understanding when these changes occur helps you prepare your household, avoid missing appointments, and adjust your sleep schedule gradually. Many people experience mild sleep disruption during clock changes, with studies showing that the spring forward transition creates more noticeable effects on sleep patterns than the fall back change.

Practical takeaway: Mark your calendar for the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November to remind yourself that clock changes are coming. This gives you a week or two to mentally prepare and plan any schedule adjustments.

Changing Clocks in Your Home: Device by Device

Not all clocks in your home change automatically, and the method varies significantly depending on the type of timepiece. Understanding which clocks need manual adjustment and which update on their own can save you frustration and help you stay on accurate time throughout your household.

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Smartphones and computers typically update automatically if you have connected to a network or have automatic time zone settings enabled. If your phone is set to "automatic date and time," it will shift when the system update occurs, usually just before 2:00 AM on the change date. However, if you turn off automatic updates or your device hasn't synced in several days, you may need to manually adjust the time through your phone's settings menu—usually found under "Settings," then "Date and Time," or "System Settings."

Microwave clocks, oven displays, and car clocks rarely update on their own. For these, you'll need to access the clock settings through the device's control panel or menu. Most car manufacturers include time adjustment in the infotainment system or through steering wheel controls. Consult your device's manual if you're unsure where the time setting is located. Many older microwaves require you to unplug the device or hold a "Clock" button while using number buttons to input the new time.

Wall clocks, desk clocks, and battery-powered alarm clocks require manual adjustment. The simplest method involves carefully turning the clock's hands to the correct time. For digital alarm clocks, look for a button labeled "Time," "Set," or "Adjust," then use arrow buttons or the number pad to change the hour and minute displays. Some alarm clocks have separate controls for the alarm time and the display time—make sure you're adjusting the correct function.

Programmable thermostats should be updated to reflect the time change, as they control heating and cooling schedules based on time-of-day settings. If your thermostat is connected to your home WiFi, it may update automatically. For manual thermostats, access the menu or settings area—usually through a touchscreen or button interface—and look for "Time" or "Clock" options.

Practical takeaway: Before DST changes, walk through your home and make a list of which devices update automatically and which need manual adjustment. This prevents confusion on the actual change date and ensures you don't miss important clock changes.

Step-by-Step: Changing Windows and Mac Computers

Computer operating systems handle time changes differently depending on whether you use Windows or macOS, and your settings may vary based on your location and whether you've disabled automatic updates. Both systems can be configured to update automatically, but you should verify your settings to ensure your computer transitions correctly when DST occurs.

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For Windows computers (Windows 10 and 11), the automatic time adjustment is typically enabled by default. To verify this, right-click on the clock in your system tray (lower right corner of your screen) and select "Adjust date and time." This opens the Settings menu where you can confirm that "Set time automatically" is toggled on. If you see this toggle switched off, click it to enable automatic updates. You should also ensure that "Set time zone automatically" is enabled, as this helps your computer recognize when DST changes occur in your region. If you live in an area that doesn't observe DST, you can adjust your time zone setting to reflect this.

If you prefer to set your time manually or if automatic updates aren't working, you can manually change the time through the same Settings window. Click "Change" under the "Change date and time" section, then adjust the hour, minute, and second as needed. Keep in mind that manually setting the time overrides automatic updates temporarily, so you may need to re-enable automatic updates afterward.

For Mac users, the process is similarly straightforward. Click the Apple menu, then "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions), then navigate to "Date and Time." Look for the option "Set date and time automatically," which should be checked. Mac computers typically synchronize with Apple's time servers, so if this setting is enabled, your Mac will adjust for DST without your intervention. If you need to manually adjust the time, you can click the lock icon to unlock the settings, then click the date and time fields to make changes. You should also verify that your time zone is set correctly, as this determines whether DST applies to your region.

Both Windows and Mac systems allow you to set different time zones if you regularly work with people in other regions. However, your display time will remain consistent with your primary time zone setting, which should be the location where you spend most of your time.

Practical takeaway: Check your computer's automatic time settings one week before DST changes. This prevents the awkward discovery on Monday morning that your computer still shows the old time, potentially causing scheduling confusion for meetings or work.

Adjusting Your Phone, Tablet, and Wearable Devices

Mobile devices have become central to how most people track time throughout their day. Smartphones and tablets running iOS (Apple) or Android (Google) are designed to update automatically for DST, but this depends on your device being connected to the internet and having the correct location settings configured. Understanding how these systems work helps you troubleshoot if something goes wrong and ensures all your portable devices stay synchronized.

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For iPhones and iPads, automatic time adjustment is controlled through Settings. Open Settings, then go to "General" > "Date and Time." You should see an option for "Set Automatically," which should be toggled on (green). When this is enabled, your device receives time information from your cellular network or WiFi connection and adjusts automatically when DST occurs. If you notice your device isn't updating correctly, try toggling this setting off and back on, which forces your device to re-sync with the network.

Android devices follow a similar process but the menu location varies slightly by manufacturer. Generally, open Settings, then look for "Date and Time" or "System" settings. You'll find options for "Automatic date and time" and "Automatic time zone." Both should be toggled on for full automatic adjustment. Some Android manufacturers, like Samsung, embed these settings slightly differently, so checking your device's manual or manufacturer support site can clarify the exact location.

Wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings typically synchronize time with your paired phone. If your phone updates correctly, your smartwatch should follow automatically within a few minutes as long as it's connected via Bluetooth. However, some older wearable models may require manual time adjustment through their companion app on your phone. Check your