Switching your iPhone to a 24-hour clock is a breeze. Simply head to your Settings, tap on ‘General’, then ‘Date & Time’, and flip the switch next to ’24-Hour Time’. Voila! Your iPhone now displays the time in military format, making it easier to schedule your day without confusion.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Use 24-Hour Clock on iPhone
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that setting your iPhone to a 24-hour clock can help avoid confusion between AM and PM, especially if you’re used to military time or the way time is told in many non-English speaking countries.
Step 1: Open Settings
Access your iPhone’s settings by tapping the gear icon on your home screen.
In this step, you’re looking for the main hub where you can customize all your iPhone’s functions, from brightness to volume and, yes, how the time is displayed.
Step 2: Tap on General
Scroll down and find the ‘General’ option to access more specific settings.
Think of ‘General’ as the gateway to fine-tuning your iPhone’s behavior, where you can adjust everything from language to resets.
Step 3: Select Date & Time
Within ‘General’, scroll down until you see ‘Date & Time’ and tap on it.
This is where you’ll take control of how your iPhone manages all things time-related, from time zones to whether you want your iPhone to set the time automatically.
Step 4: Toggle 24-Hour Time
Find the ’24-Hour Time’ switch and turn it on by sliding it to the right.
By toggling this setting, you’re instructing your iPhone to abandon the AM/PM format and embrace the 24-hour format, which can be particularly handy for those in the military, healthcare, or international business.
After completing these steps, your iPhone will immediately switch to a 24-hour format. This means no more guessing whether that 7 o’clock alarm is for morning or evening – it’s crystal clear.
Tips: Making the Most of the 24-Hour Clock on Your iPhone
- Familiarize yourself with the 24-hour time format to avoid confusion when scheduling.
- Use the 24-hour clock in conjunction with world clocks to manage different time zones.
- If you use calendar apps, check their settings as some may need to be adjusted separately to match the 24-hour format.
- Remember that not every app may respect the 24-hour setting, so be aware of how individual apps display time.
- Consider the 24-hour format if you’re traveling abroad, as many countries use this time system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch back to the 12-hour format?
Absolutely, just follow the same steps and toggle the ’24-Hour Time’ switch to off.
Will the 24-hour clock affect my alarms?
Your alarms will now be set in 24-hour format, which can help prevent setting PM instead of AM by mistake.
Does the 24-hour clock change how time is displayed in other apps?
Most apps will follow the system settings, but some may have their own time settings within the app.
Is the 24-hour format the same as military time?
Yes, the 24-hour format is commonly referred to as military time in the United States.
If I change time formats, does it affect my calendar events?
Your calendar events should automatically adjust to the new format without any issues.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on General
- Select Date & Time
- Toggle 24-Hour Time
Conclusion
Mastering the 24-hour clock on your iPhone isn’t just about personal preference; it’s about aligning your device with a time-telling system used worldwide. Whether you’re a traveler, a military member, or just someone looking for clarity in your schedule, switching to a 24-hour clock can lead to less confusion and a more organized approach to your day. The steps outlined above are a testament to the user-friendly nature of iOS 17, ensuring that such customizations are just a few taps away.
Remember, the change is not permanent. If you ever find yourself longing for the familiarity of the AM/PM format, you can always switch back. And with the tips provided, you can fully embrace the 24-hour clock, making sure that your iPhone works for you in the way that you need it to.
In this digital age, where every second counts, knowing how to use the 24-hour clock on your iPhone can save you precious time – time that could be spent exploring the vast capabilities of iOS 17 or simply enjoying the extra minutes you’ve saved not having to convert PM to military time. So, go ahead, give it a try – after all, isn’t it about time?
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.