How to Set a Custom Time Zone in Gmail

Fix Your Time Zone Settings If Your Email Times Are Off

Time of the world
Oliver Cleve / Getty Images
by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated November 27, 2018

Make sure your Gmail time zone is set correctly for smooth email operation. If times seem off (like if emails appear to come from the future) or recipients complain, you might need to change your Gmail time zone.

Also, make sure you check your operating system's time zone (and Daylight Saving Time options) as well as that the computer's clock is correct.

If you use Google Chrome, note that a bug in the browser may interfere with your Gmail time zone. Do make sure you use Google Chrome's latest version (click the Chrome menu and select Update Google Chrome if available or Help > About Google Chrome).

Correct Your Gmail Time Zone

To set your Gmail time zone:

  2. Click the Settings gear button at the top right of Google Calendar.

  3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

    Settings submenu in Google Calendar's Gear icon

  4. Select the correct time zone under the Your current time zone: section.

    If you cannot find the correct city or time zone, try checking Display all time zones or make sure your country is chosen correctly under the ​Country question just above the time zone area.

    Time Zone drop down menu, highlighting Alaska Time - Anchorage in Google Calendar Settings

  5. In older versions of Google Calendar, you would have needed to click Save. In the latest version, Settings are saved automatically.