How to Adjust Your Devices and Clocks for Daylight Saving Time ⏰

Daylight Saving Time (DST) happens twice a year in most of the United States and many other countries, shifting when we officially observe the time. Understanding how to adjust your clocks and devices—and knowing which ones update automatically—can help you avoid confusion and stay on schedule.

What Is Daylight Saving Time and When Does It Change?

Daylight Saving Time is the practice of setting clocks forward or backward to make better use of daylight. In the U.S., clocks "spring forward" one hour on the second Sunday in March and "fall back" one hour on the first Sunday in November. (Other countries observe DST on different dates or not at all—check your local rules.)

The shift happens at 2:00 a.m. local time. When clocks spring forward, 2:00 a.m. becomes 3:00 a.m.; when they fall back, 2:00 a.m. becomes 1:00 a.m.

Which Devices Update Automatically?

Modern smartphones, computers, and smart home devices typically update automatically if they're connected to the internet and have the correct time zone settings enabled. This includes iPhones, Android phones, Windows PCs, Macs, and most smart speakers and thermostats.

Devices that often do NOT update automatically include:

  • Older digital clocks and alarm clocks
  • Car dashboards and infotainment systems
  • Microwaves and ovens with digital displays
  • Bedside alarm clocks and battery-operated wall clocks
  • Smartwatches (some models may not auto-update)

Manual Adjustment Steps for Common Devices 🔧

Smartphones (iPhone and Android)

iPhone:

  1. Open Settings → General → Date & Time
  2. Toggle Set Automatically to On (if it's already on, toggle it off and back on to force an update)
  3. Verify your time zone is correct

Android:

  1. Open Settings → System → Date & Time (exact path varies by manufacturer)
  2. Toggle Automatic date and time to On
  3. Confirm your time zone is set correctly

Computers (Windows and Mac)

Windows:

  1. Click the clock in the system tray, then Date and time settings
  2. Toggle Set time automatically to On
  3. Verify your time zone under Time zone

macOS:

  1. Open System Settings → General → Date & Time
  2. Check that Set date and time automatically is enabled
  3. Confirm your time zone is correct

Car Dashboard and Infotainment Systems

Most modern vehicles update automatically if connected to GPS or vehicle networks, but many require manual adjustment:

  1. Access the Settings or Time menu on your vehicle's display
  2. Select Time or Clock
  3. Adjust the hour forward or backward as needed
  4. Consult your vehicle's manual for specific steps—procedures vary widely by make and model

Wall Clocks, Alarm Clocks, and Microwave Displays

These typically require manual adjustment:

  1. Locate the Time or Clock button
  2. Press and hold or repeatedly press to enter adjustment mode
  3. Use the + or – buttons (or arrow keys) to change the hour
  4. Confirm or exit the adjustment mode
  5. If you're unsure, check the device's manual or the manufacturer's website

Why Your Device Might Not Update Automatically ⚠️

  • Location services are off — the device can't determine your time zone
  • Network connection is unavailable — devices need internet to fetch time updates
  • Time zone setting is wrong — if your device thinks you're in a different region, it may update incorrectly
  • Software is outdated — older operating systems may not recognize current DST rules
  • DST rules have changed — your device may have old DST data if it hasn't been updated recently

What to Check Before DST Changes

  • Verify your time zone setting is correct on all smart devices
  • Enable automatic date and time on phones, computers, and connected devices
  • Make a list of devices that update manually (car, oven, wall clocks) so you remember to adjust them
  • Check the weather forecast if you typically change clocks before bed—you might prefer to adjust before bedtime rather than immediately at 2:00 a.m.

If You Miss the Change or Adjust Incorrectly

If a device remains on the wrong time, simply adjust it manually using the steps above. Most people notice quickly because they'll be an hour off from their phones or other reference points. If multiple devices are showing different times, check which ones have automatic updates enabled and which ones need manual adjustment.

The key is knowing your devices' capabilities. Most of what you own will update on its own—but a handful of older or non-connected items will need your attention. A few minutes spent confirming settings before DST changes can prevent scheduling mix-ups and alarm clock surprises.