On an iPhone running iOS 9, you can turn off automatic date and time and set the clock manually. This is a legacy procedure for an obsolete iOS release; current iPhones use similar concepts but different menu layouts.
Set the time manually in iOS 9
- Open Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Date & Time.
- Turn off Set Automatically.
- Tap the displayed date or time.
- Adjust the values to the date and time you want.
If Set Automatically cannot be changed
Carrier settings, device management, or restrictions can affect date-and-time controls. On a managed school or work device, do not attempt to bypass a locked setting. Some cellular configurations also rely on network-provided time.
Manual time can cause unexpected problems
An incorrect clock can interfere with secure websites, certificates, messages, calendars, authentication codes, app downloads, and synchronization. If you changed the time only for testing, turn Set Automatically back on afterward.
Time zone matters too
A correct clock with the wrong time zone can still make calendar events and reminders appear at unexpected times. Review the time-zone field whenever you manually change the device clock, especially after travel.
iOS 9 no longer receives modern security updates and devices limited to it are unsuitable for many sensitive online activities. If this article is being used on a newer iPhone, follow the current Settings > General > Date & Time interface instead of expecting the iOS 9 screenshots to match.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.