How to Disable Automatic Time Zone Adjustment on Android (Complete Guide)

Android’s automatic time zone feature is convenient for most travelers, but it can cause scheduling chaos for professionals in regions without daylight saving time or anyone working across multiple time zones. We’ll show you exactly how to take control of your device’s time settings and keep them locked to your preferred timezone.

What is Automatic Time Zone Adjustment?

Android’s automatic time zone adjustment is a system feature that updates your phone’s time and date settings based on your location (detected via GPS or network data) or network information from your mobile carrier. When enabled, your device automatically switches between timezones and applies daylight saving time rules as you travel or as DST dates arrive. Current as of: Android 14 - January 2025

Why Use This Feature?

• Eliminates manual time updates when traveling to different time zones
• Automatically applies daylight saving time changes without user intervention
• Keeps calendar events and alarms synchronized with your current location
• Reduces the chance of missing appointments due to time zone confusion

Things to Consider

• May cause scheduling issues if you work across multiple time zones regularly
• Can interfere with time-sensitive applications and automated tasks
• Problematic for professionals in regions that don’t observe daylight saving time, as the system may still attempt to switch times based on outdated DST rules
• Once disabled, you must manually update your timezone if you change locations for an extended period

How to Disable Automatic Time Zone Adjustment - Step by Step

1. Open Settings by swiping down from the top of your home screen twice to access the full Quick Settings panel, or locate the Settings app in your app drawer and tap the Settings gear icon.

2. Scroll down and tap System. On some devices, this option may appear as ‘Advanced’ or directly as ‘Date & time’. Look for any menu option containing ‘Date’, ‘Time’, or ‘System’ if the exact label differs.

3. Tap Date & time to access the time configuration menu. You’ll see several toggle switches on this screen controlling different time-related settings.

4. Locate and toggle OFF the ‘Automatic date and time’ option. This disables network-based time synchronization. If you also see a ‘Set time zone automatically’ toggle, disable this as well.

5. After disabling automatic settings, new options will appear: ‘Set date’ and ‘Set time zone’. Tap ‘Set time zone’ and select your preferred timezone from the list. Choose the timezone where you want your device permanently locked.

6. Optionally set the date and time manually by tapping ‘Set date’ and ‘Set time’. Most users only need to set the timezone, as the manual date and time can remain current.

7. Return to your home screen and verify the change by checking the system clock in your status bar. The time should now remain fixed regardless of location changes. Test by opening Calendar and confirming your events display at the correct time.

Troubleshooting: When Your Android Phone Keeps Resetting the Time

If your phone continues to auto-adjust the time despite disabling automatic settings, check these common causes: First, verify both ‘Automatic date and time’ AND ‘Set time zone automatically’ toggles are genuinely OFF—sometimes the setting reverts after system updates. Second, if you’re using a work profile or managed device through your employer, your organization’s device policies may override your personal settings; contact your IT department. Third, some devices have a third toggle for ‘Network-provided time’ in the Advanced settings—ensure this is also disabled. Finally, if the issue persists, restart your device completely by powering it off and back on, as this clears cached network settings that might override your manual configuration.

Re-enabling Automatic Time (If You Change Your Mind)

Reversing this change takes 30 seconds. Return to Settings > System > Date & time and toggle ‘Automatic date and time’ back ON. Your phone will immediately sync to your current location’s timezone and daylight saving time rules. We recommend keeping automatic mode disabled if you work across multiple time zones or live in regions that don’t observe daylight saving time, as this gives you the stability professional schedules require.

Disabling automatic time zone adjustment gives you precise control over your device’s schedule—essential for remote workers, frequent travelers managing multiple timezones, and professionals in regions without daylight saving time. Once configured, your Android device will maintain consistent timing for all your events and alarms, eliminating the confusion that automatic adjustments can cause.