The fastest way to change your iPad's time

Open Settings on your home screen, then tap General. Scroll down and tap Date & Time. If the toggle next to Set Automatically is already on (it will be blue), turn it off by tapping it once. Now you can tap the time display and adjust the hours and minutes manually using the plus and minus buttons that appear.

If you want the iPad to set the time on its own going forward, leave that Set Automatically toggle on. Your iPad will then pull the correct time from your internet connection or cellular network, depending on which one it's using. This is the default setting and works for most people without any action needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings > General > Date & Time to find the time controls on your iPad.
  • Turn off the Set Automatically toggle if you want to change the time yourself instead of letting your iPad do it.
  • Once that toggle is off, you can tap the time and use the plus and minus buttons to set the exact hours and minutes you want.
  • Turning Set Automatically back on will make your iPad sync with the network time again.

When to turn off automatic time setting

Your iPad normally keeps the correct time by connecting to a time server over the internet or cellular network. You might want to turn off automatic setting if you're in a location where the network time is wrong, or if you're testing something that requires a specific time on your device.

Keep in mind that if you manually set the time and then turn Set Automatically back on, your iPad will immediately jump back to the network time. Manual changes don't stick once automatic setting is re-enabled. This is why it's important to leave the toggle off if you need the time to stay at a specific value for any length of time.

Changing your time zone

If you're traveling or moved to a new location, you may need to change your time zone instead of the actual time. In the same Date & Time screen, you'll see a Time Zone option. Tap it and search for your city or region. Your iPad will then automatically adjust the displayed time based on that zone.

If Set Automatically is on, your iPad will also try to detect your time zone based on your location if you have location services enabled. This usually works without you doing anything, but you can always override it by manually selecting a time zone from the list. Changing your time zone is often the better choice than manually changing the time, since it keeps your iPad synced with the network while showing the correct local time.

What to do if the time keeps changing back

If you set the time manually but it keeps reverting to a different time, check whether Set Automatically is actually off. Sometimes the toggle appears off but is still active, or it may turn itself back on after a restart. Go back to Settings > General > Date & Time and confirm the toggle is fully off before adjusting the time again.

Another reason the time might change is if your iPad reconnects to the internet or cellular network after being offline. When that happens and Set Automatically is on, it will sync to the network time immediately. If you need the time to stay manual, make sure that toggle stays off and keep your iPad in airplane mode if necessary. You can also check your Wi-Fi and cellular connection status in Control Center to see whether your device is currently connected to a network.

Using 12-hour or 24-hour time format

The Date & Time screen also lets you choose between 12-hour and 24-hour time display. Look for the 24-Hour Time toggle in that same menu. Turn it on to see times like 14:30 instead of 2:30 PM, or turn it off to use the AM/PM format.

This setting only changes how the time appears on your screen — it doesn't affect how your iPad actually tracks time internally. You can switch between the two formats whenever you want without losing any data or settings. The format you choose will also appear in your Calendar, Clock, and other apps that display the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPad's time change when I turn on Wi-Fi?

When your iPad connects to Wi-Fi or cellular, it automatically syncs the time with the network if Set Automatically is on. This is the default behavior. If you want the time to stay as you set it, turn off that toggle before connecting to a network.

Can I set a different time on my iPad than on my iPhone?

Yes. Each device has its own time settings. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time on your iPad and turn off Set Automatically, then set the time you want. Your iPhone's time won't be affected. They don't sync with each other.

What if I don't see the Date & Time option in Settings?

Make sure you're in the right place: tap Settings, then General, then scroll down. If you still don't see Date & Time, restart your iPad and try again. On very old iPad models, the option might be labeled slightly differently, but it will still be under General.

Does changing the time affect my alarms or reminders?

If you manually change the time, alarms and reminders set for specific times may not go off when you expect. It's best to keep Set Automatically on for daily use so your alarms stay accurate. Only change the time manually if you're testing something specific.

How do I know if my iPad's time is correct?

If Set Automatically is on, your iPad's time should match your phone or computer. You can also check the time on a website or ask a voice assistant. If the time is off by more than a few minutes and automatic setting is on, restart your iPad or toggle airplane mode off and on to reconnect to the network.