General and system
Date and Time
Most people call this the clock, the time zone and the 24 hour setting.
This sets whether the clock updates automatically from the network, which time zone you are in, and whether time is shown in 24 hour format.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 13 and later
- Settings
- General
- Date & Time
What it does
Set Automatically uses the network and your location to keep the clock and time zone correct. Turning it off lets you set both by hand.
What changes
When it is on
The clock and time zone update by themselves.
When it is off
You control both, and they stay wrong if you travel.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Correct time is required for security certificates and verification codes.
- Time zones update when you travel.
Good reasons to turn it off
- Testing something that depends on a specific date.
- Rare cases where the carrier supplies the wrong time.
Battery
No real change
Privacy
No real change
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: Set Automatically is on.
Worth reading first
Questions people actually ask
- How do I show 24 hour time?
- Settings, then General, then Date and Time, then 24-Hour Time.
If it is not working
- Automatic time zone needs Location Services and the Setting Time Zone system service.
- If verification codes are being rejected, check the clock first.
- 24 Hour Time is a separate switch on the same screen.