Yes. Your iPhone’s clock updates automatically for daylight saving time, as long as Set Automatically is turned on in Settings > General > Date & Time. At 2:00 AM on the day the clocks change, your iPhone moves the time forward or back on its own using your time zone and your carrier’s network. Your alarms stay set to the same clock time, so a 7:00 AM alarm still goes off at 7:00 AM on the new time.
Here’s how to make sure the automatic setting is on, what happens to alarms, and what to do if the time is wrong after the change.
How to make sure your iPhone changes the time automatically
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > Date & Time.
- Turn on Set Automatically.
- Check that the Time Zone shows your city or region.
For the most accurate time zone, also turn on Setting Time Zone under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
What happens to your alarms?
- Alarms stay set to their clock time. A 6:30 AM alarm rings at 6:30 AM on the new time.
- When clocks “spring forward,” you get one less hour of sleep, but your alarm still rings at the time shown.
- If your iPhone is set manually, it won’t change the clock, and alarms may ring an hour early or late compared with other clocks.
Why didn’t my iPhone change for daylight saving time?
- Set Automatically is off. Turn it on in Date & Time.
- The wrong time zone is selected. Turn Set Automatically off, choose your city, then turn it back on.
- No signal or internet. Your iPhone uses your carrier network or Wi-Fi to update. It updates once you reconnect.
- Screen Time restrictions can lock the setting. Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Outdated iOS. Rule changes for some regions come with iOS updates. Install the latest version.
Daylight saving time around the world
Not every place uses daylight saving time. Most of Arizona, Hawaii, and many countries don’t change their clocks. Your iPhone follows the rules for whichever time zone it’s set to, so it only changes the time where daylight saving time applies.
Frequently asked questions
When does the iPhone change the time?
At the official changeover time for your time zone, usually 2:00 AM local time.
Do I need to restart my iPhone after the time change?
No. The clock updates on its own.
Why is Set Automatically grayed out?
Screen Time or a device management profile may be blocking it, or Setting Time Zone is off in Location Services.
Does Apple Watch update too?
Yes. Apple Watch gets its time from your iPhone and changes automatically as well.
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.