How to Change the Date and Time on a Mac Manually

When you start your Mac for the first time, macOS prompts you to select your time zone. It then sets the date and time automatically based on this setting. If you travel or want to reflect a different time zone for work, you can change the date and time on your Mac manually.

How to Set the Date and Time on Your Mac Manually

Complete the following steps to change the date or time on your Mac desktop or laptop.

1. Select the ​time indicator at the right side of the menu bar to open a drop-down menu in macOS Catalina (10.15) through macOS Sierra (10.12). Then, click Open Date & Time Preferences.

   

   You can also open Date & Time preferences for all macOS versions, including Big Sur, by selecting System Preferences in the Dock and then selecting Date & Time.

2. In the Date & Time tab, clear the check box next to Set date and time automatically. You may need to unlock the lock at the bottom of the screen and enter your Mac password to make changes.

   

3. Select the clock face and drag the clock hands. Or, select the up and down arrows next to the time field above the clock to change the time.

   

4. To change the date, select the up and down arrows next to the date field above the calendar or choose a date on the calendar.

   

5. If you want to change time zones, select the Time Zone tab. Clear the check box beside Set time zone automatically using current location and then select a time zone on the map or use the menu beneath the map.

   

6. Click the padlock when you are finished to prevent unauthorized changes.