How to Switch to a 24 Hour Clock on Your Apple Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Switching to a 24-hour clock on your Apple Watch is a simple process. Just open the Settings app on your watch, tap Clock, and then toggle the 24-Hour Time switch to ON. Now, your Apple Watch will display time in the 24-hour format, also known as military time, which can help you avoid confusion between AM and PM times.

After switching to the 24-hour clock, all the times displayed on your Apple Watch, including alarms and world clocks, will be in this format. This can be especially useful if you’re traveling internationally or working in professions that use the military time standard.

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself squinting at your wrist, trying to figure out if that meeting is at 7 in the morning or 7 in the evening? Or maybe you’ve traveled to a country where the 24-hour clock reigns supreme, and you felt a tad out of place with your 12-hour display. Fear not, for the Apple Watch is a versatile timepiece that can cater to your time-telling preferences, be it the 12-hour clock or the military style 24-hour one.

Switching to a 24-hour clock on the Apple Watch is particularly relevant for those who have grown up using this format or work in industries like aviation, military, or healthcare where it’s the standard. It’s also helpful when you’re traveling to avoid the confusion that can come with AM and PM times. Whatever your reason, it’s a change that can bring a bit more precision and clarity to your day-to-day life. So, let’s get down to business and tell you how to make that switch.

Step by Step Tutorial: Switching to a 24-Hour Clock on Apple Watch

Before we begin, ensure your Apple Watch is on and unlocked.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your watch

You’ll find the Settings app by pressing the Digital Crown and looking for the gear icon.

In this step, you’re navigating to the place where you can make changes to the display settings of your watch, including the time format.

Step 2: Tap on Clock

Once in Settings, scroll down until you find Clock and tap it.

You’re now in the section where you can adjust how time is displayed on your Apple Watch.

Step 3: Toggle the 24-Hour Time switch to ON

You’ll see the switch next to the 24-Hour Time. Just tap the switch to turn it on.

With this action, you’re commanding your Apple Watch to display the time in a 24-hour format.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Avoids AM/PM Confusion	The 24-hour clock eliminates any potential mix-ups between morning and evening times, making scheduling and time management more straightforward.
Aligns with International Standards	Many countries around the world use the 24-hour clock, so having your watch on the same system can be very useful when traveling abroad.
Preferred by Certain Professions	If you work in the military, healthcare, or transportation industries, the 24-hour clock might be the norm, and switching your Apple Watch to match can help keep you in sync with your work environment.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Takes Time to Adjust	If you’re not accustomed to the 24-hour clock, it can take some time to get used to reading the time in this format.
Less Common in Social Settings	In some social circles, especially in the US, the 24-hour clock is less common, which could make your watch harder for friends and family to read.
Limited Customization	Not all watch faces may support the 24-hour format, limiting your options for customization.

Additional Information

Now that you know how to switch to a 24-hour clock on your Apple Watch, let’s talk about a few additional details. Remember, the 24-hour clock starts at 00:00 at midnight and counts up to 23:59 before a new day begins. This means that 1:00 PM in the 12-hour clock is 13:00 in the 24-hour clock. It might sound a bit tricky at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature.

Also, consider the aesthetic aspect of the 24-hour clock. Some people find the symmetry of this format pleasing, as it aligns with the way many digital devices display time. Plus, it can give your Apple Watch a more professional or international vibe. Lastly, keep in mind that while the switch to the 24-hour clock changes how time is displayed, it does not affect how alarms or the world clock function.

Summary

1. Open the Settings app on your watch.
2. Tap on Clock.
3. Toggle the 24-Hour Time switch to ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing to a 24-hour clock affect my alarms?

No, your alarms will still go off at the set time, regardless of the clock format.

Can I switch back to a 12-hour clock easily?

Yes, simply follow the same steps and toggle the 24-Hour Time switch to OFF.

Does the 24-hour clock format change the way my calendar events are displayed?

Yes, all times on your Apple Watch, including calendar events, will display in the 24-hour format.

Will my watch face change when I switch to a 24-hour clock?

No, your watch face will remain the same, only the time display will change.

Is the 24-hour clock format available in all languages?

The 24-hour format is widely used and should be available in most language settings on your Apple Watch.

Conclusion

Changing your Apple Watch to a 24-hour clock can streamline your day, especially if you’re juggling international meetings or work in a field where military time is standard. It’s a quick and easy adjustment that can make a world of difference in how you view and use your time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the 24-hour clock, embracing this format on your Apple Watch is a step toward a more globally conscious and efficient lifestyle. So go on, give it a try, and watch as the ticking of time takes on a whole new meaning.