The time and date reset on their own

The time displayed by your computer, phone, or other device is wrong: it’s running fast, slow, or the date is completely incorrect — sometimes by several hours, days, or even years. Beyond the frustration, a wrong time causes real problems: missed appointments, shifted alarms, and especially unexpected technical issues (sites that no longer open, failed connections, apps that crash). Good news: fixing the time is usually simple, and the cause of a recurring malfunction is often identifiable — a bad time zone setting, automatic synchronization disabled, or, on a computer, a failing internal battery. Let’s see why the time and date get out of sync, how to reset them permanently, and why it’s more important than it seems.

Why the time and date get out of sync

A wrong time has several possible causes; knowing them helps fix it permanently. AUTOMATIC synchronization disabled: most devices set the time AUTOMATICALLY via the internet (time servers); if this option is disabled, the time can drift or stay wrong; enabling it often fixes it; it’s the #1 cause (we’ll come back to it). A wrong TIME ZONE: if the time zone is incorrectly set (wrong country/region), the time is offset (by several hours); correcting the zone fixes it; common after travel or a bad configuration; check the zone. The INTERNAL battery running low (computer): on a computer, a small internal battery keeps the time when it’s off; if it’s worn out, the time gets out of sync every time you turn it off (reverts to an old date); it’s a classic issue on older computers (we’ll come back to it). Seasonal time change: the switch to daylight saving time can cause issues if the device doesn’t handle it automatically; automatic mode usually manages this; an offset of one hour suggests this. No CONNECTION to sync: if the device can’t connect to the internet, it can’t sync the time automatically; the time can then drift; restoring the connection fixes the sync; the network is needed for automatic mode. A wrong MANUAL setting: if the time is set MANUALLY and incorrectly, it stays wrong; switching to automatic or manually correcting it fixes it; a bad manual setting is common; check the mode. Progressive DRIFT: without synchronization, the internal clock can slowly drift (gain or lose a few minutes over time); automatic sync constantly corrects this drift; automatic mode prevents drift. A temporary GLITCH: sometimes, a temporary bug messes up the time; a restart and resync fix it; it’s temporary; the restart helps. A problem after an UPDATE or reset: after an update, a reset, or a long period off, the time may need recalibration; resyncing fixes it; a temporary issue after an event. Why this MATTERS: knowing that a wrong time usually comes from automatic sync being disabled, a bad time zone, or (on a computer) a dead battery helps fix it permanently rather than constantly readjusting. The key idea: a wrong time or date usually has a simple cause. The main one: AUTOMATIC SYNCHRONIZATION (via the internet) disabled — most devices normally set the time automatically via time servers, and if this option is turned off, the time drifts or stays wrong. Next comes a wrong TIME ZONE (the time is then offset by several hours — common after travel or a bad configuration). On a COMPUTER, a classic cause is the small INTERNAL BATTERY running low: it keeps the time when the computer is off, and if it’s dead, the time gets out of sync every time you turn it off (often reverting to an old date). Other causes: no connection to sync, a wrong manual setting, a poorly managed seasonal time change, or a simple temporary glitch. Most are easily fixed: enable automatic sync (the most effective and lasting solution), check the time zone, or replace the battery on a computer. Understanding the cause lets you fix the problem for good, not just temporarily.

How to permanently fix the time

Here’s how to correct the time and, above all, prevent it from getting out of sync again. ENABLE automatic synchronization: the key step; in the date/time settings, enable the AUTOMATIC time setting (via the internet); the device then sets itself to the exact time and corrects any drift; it’s the most effective and lasting solution (we’ll come back to it). Check the TIME ZONE: make sure the time zone is correct (right country/region); a wrong zone offsets the time; adjust it (or enable automatic time zone); the right zone is essential for the correct time. Enable AUTOMATIC time zone: many devices also set the time zone automatically (based on location); enable this option so it adjusts itself (useful when traveling); automatic mode also handles the time zone. Check the CONNECTION: for automatic sync to work, the device must access the internet; check your connection; without a network, the time doesn’t sync; the connection is needed for automatic mode. RESTART and resync: restart the device; on startup (when connected), it often resyncs; a restart fixes many temporary issues; simple and effective. Set MANUALLY if needed: if automatic mode isn’t possible (no connection), manually set the time and date correctly; make sure the time zone is right too; a careful manual setting helps; but automatic mode is still better. Check the TIME CHANGE: make sure the device automatically handles the daylight saving time change (option often linked to automatic mode); this prevents a one-hour offset twice a year; automatic mode handles this change. On a COMPUTER — the battery: if your computer’s time keeps getting out of sync every time you turn it off (reverts to an old date), it’s probably the INTERNAL battery running low; replacing it fixes the issue permanently (we’ll come back to it); a telltale sign. UPDATE the system: an updated system handles the time better (corrections, updated time zones); check for updates; software updates help; keep it updated. Check REGIONAL settings: make sure the region/language settings are consistent (they influence the format and sometimes the time); consistent settings avoid confusion; check them. FIX a few-minute offset: a slight offset (minutes) often comes from drift without sync; enabling automatic mode fixes and prevents it; sync maintains accuracy; don’t manually adjust in a loop. In summary, to permanently fix the time: ENABLE AUTOMATIC SYNCHRONIZATION of the time (the key step — the device sets itself to the exact time and corrects any drift), check the TIME ZONE (or enable automatic time zone), make sure you have an internet CONNECTION (needed for sync), RESTART to resync, manually set it only if automatic mode is impossible, check how daylight saving time is handled, update the system, and on a computer whose time gets out of sync every time you turn it off, replace the INTERNAL BATTERY. This approach fixes the time AND prevents it from getting out of sync again; automatic synchronization is the key to a permanently accurate time.

The lasting solution: enable automatic time synchronization. If your time keeps getting out of sync, or if you’re tired of constantly readjusting it, there’s a simple solution that fixes the problem once and for all in most cases: enable the AUTOMATIC time setting. Understand the principle: most modern devices (computers, phones, tablets) can set their own time, extremely precisely, by regularly syncing via the internet with “time servers” (ultra-precise reference clocks). When automatic synchronization is enabled, your device always sets itself to the exact time, automatically corrects any small drift in its internal clock, handles the daylight saving time change without you having to think about it, and even adjusts the time when you change time zones (if automatic time zone is also enabled). In short, you never have to worry about the time again: it’s always correct. On the other hand, if this option is DISABLED (or if the time is set to “manual”), your device is left to its own internal clock, which isn’t perfect: it can slowly drift (gain or lose a few minutes over time), doesn’t handle time zone or seasonal changes, and stays wrong if you set it incorrectly. It’s the #1 cause of wrong times. The solution is therefore simple: go to the DATE AND TIME settings of your device (in the general settings), and look for an option like “Set automatically,” “Automatic time,” “Set time automatically,” or “Sync with the internet”: enable it. Similarly, if it exists, enable the automatic TIME ZONE option (which adjusts the time zone based on your location — very handy when traveling). Once these options are enabled, your device sets itself to the correct time (make sure it’s connected to the internet for the first sync); you can forget about the problem. Two useful notes. First, for automatic synchronization to work, the device needs internet access (it’s through the network that it checks the time servers): if your device is never or rarely connected, sync can’t happen, and you’ll then have to manually set the time (or connect it from time to time). Next, if, despite automatic synchronization being enabled, your COMPUTER’s time keeps getting out of sync every time you turn it off (systematically reverting to an old date on restart), it’s a sign of another problem: the small internal battery of the computer is probably dead (see below). But for the vast majority of cases — time that drifts, offset after travel, poorly managed seasonal change, slight delay that accumulates — enabling automatic time synchronization is THE lasting solution: it’s the single step that, once done, guarantees a time that’s always correct without you ever having to think about it again. If you only remember one thing from this article, it’s that: go enable automatic time in your settings, and the problem will be fixed for good.

Why a wrong time causes real problems

A wrong time isn’t just a cosmetic detail; it causes concrete problems that are better to know about. APPOINTMENTS and alarms: the most obvious; a wrong time makes you miss appointments, shifts alarms and reminders, messes up schedules; in daily life, it’s a source of errors and delays; punctuality depends on it. CONNECTION issues to sites: less known but important; a very wrong time/date can PREVENT access to secure sites (security certificates check the date); sites refuse to open, connections fail; fixing the time resolves these mysterious bugs (we’ll come back to it). APPS that crash: some apps (messaging, online services, banking) work poorly with a wrong time; sync errors, connection refusals, inconsistencies; the correct time is needed for them to work properly. SECURITY and certificate issues: security systems (encryption, certificates, authentication) rely on the time; a wrong time triggers security errors (certificates deemed “invalid”); hence the blocks; the time is a pillar of online security. FAKED timestamps: your files, messages, photos are timestamped (creation/modification date); a wrong time fakes these dates; this messes up organization, chronological sorting; wrong dates create confusion. SYNCHRONIZATION between devices: if your devices sync data (calendar, files), a wrong time on one creates inconsistencies; date conflicts disrupt sync; a consistent time is needed. TRANSACTIONS and authentication: some authentications (time-limited codes, secure connections) depend on the time; a wrong time makes them fail; hence connection issues; the exact time is required. UNEXPLAINED errors: many “unexplainable” bugs (site that won’t open, app that refuses, connection that fails) actually come from a wrong time; think about it when facing a mysterious issue; check the time; it’s a often overlooked suspect. The right DIAGNOSTIC reflex: when facing an unexplained connection or site issue, CHECK the time and date; it’s a quick check that sometimes resolves surprising issues; a useful troubleshooting reflex. Why this MATTERS: knowing that a wrong time causes technical blocks (sites, security, apps) turns a “detail” into a troubleshooting cause; you think to check the time when facing unexplained bugs. In summary, a wrong time causes REAL problems, beyond the frustration: it makes you miss APPOINTMENTS and shifts alarms (the obvious), but above all, it causes often unexpected TECHNICAL issues. A very wrong date can PREVENT access to secure sites (security certificates check the date and are deemed “invalid”), cause connections and authentications to fail (time-limited codes, encrypted connections), make APPS crash (sync errors, connection refusals), fake the TIMESTAMPS of your files and messages, and disrupt synchronization between devices. Many “unexplainable” bugs — a site that refuses to open, an app that won’t connect — actually come from a wrong time or date. Hence a precious troubleshooting reflex: when facing an unexplained connection or site issue, ALWAYS check the time and date of your device; it’s a quick check that sometimes resolves surprising issues. The correct time isn’t a luxury: it’s an essential part of the proper functioning of your devices and connections.

Warning: on a computer, a time that gets out of sync every time you turn it off often signals a battery to replace; and think of the time as a cause of mysterious bugs. Two points deserve your special attention. The first concerns a very characteristic symptom on COMPUTERS: if your computer’s time systematically gets out of sync every time you turn it off — that is, every time you restart, the time and especially the DATE revert to an old date (often several years back) — even though you reset it correctly every time, it’s the almost certain sign of a specific hardware issue: the INTERNAL battery of the computer is dead. Every computer contains a small battery (a “button” battery) whose role is to keep the clock (and a few basic settings) running even when the computer is off and unplugged. When this battery is at the end of its life — which eventually happens on any computer that’s a few years old — the clock is no longer powered when the computer is off, and the computer “forgets” the time every time it’s turned off, resetting it to a default date. That’s why the symptom is so recognizable: enabling automatic sync does correct the time when the computer is on and connected (it resyncs on startup), but the issue comes back every time you turn it off. The lasting solution is to REPLACE this internal battery: it’s a cheap and standard battery, whose replacement is a simple operation for a technician (and doable yourself on some computers, with precautions). Don’t worry: it’s not a serious failure, just normal wear of a consumable; but as long as the battery isn’t changed, the time will keep getting out of sync every time you turn off the computer (and you’ll experience the associated bugs). If your computer shows this symptom, think about having this small battery replaced rather than constantly readjusting the time. The second point of vigilance is a TROUBLESHOOTING reflex to adopt: think of a wrong time as a possible cause of “mysterious” bugs. It’s one of the most unknown and most useful diagnostics. When a secure site stubbornly refuses to open (with an error message about a “certificate” or “security”), when an app refuses to connect without apparent reason, when an authentication fails systematically, when sync between your devices goes haywire — in short, when facing an unexplained and frustrating technical problem — one of the very first reflexes should be to CHECK the time and date of your device. Indeed, a large part of internet security mechanisms (the certificates that secure sites, encryption, time-limited authentication codes) rely on the time: if your device thinks it’s at a date very different from reality, these systems consider the certificates as “invalid” or the codes as “expired,” and block everything. The bug seems incomprehensible, while the cause is banal: a simple wrong date. Correcting the time (and enabling automatic sync) then instantly resolves these problems that seemed unsolvable. This reflex — “my site/app is bugging? let’s first check the time” — will save you precious time and spare you hours of troubleshooting on false leads. In summary: a time that gets out of sync every time you turn off a computer points to a battery to replace (normal wear, simple repair), and a wrong time is a frequent but overlooked cause of connection and security bugs (check it when facing any unexplained technical issue). The correct time is much more than a comfort: it’s a condition for the proper functioning of your devices.

Frequent questions

The time on my computer keeps reverting to an old date on startup: why?

It’s the typical symptom of a DEAD internal battery: it keeps the time when the computer is off, and when it’s at the end of its life, the time “forgets” every time you turn it off; replacing it fixes the issue permanently. Let’s explain. The CHARACTERISTIC symptom: if your computer systematically reverts to an OLD date (sometimes years back) every time you start it, even though you reset the time every time, it’s very recognizable; this precise behavior points to the internal battery; a near-certain sign. The ROLE of the internal battery: every computer contains a small battery (a “button” battery) that keeps the clock (and basic settings) running even when the computer is OFF and unplugged; it’s what “keeps the time” when unpowered; a discreet but essential role. Why the time is FORGOTTEN: when this battery is dead (end of life), the clock is no longer powered when the computer is off; the computer “forgets” the time and resets to a default date on the next startup; hence the systematic reversion; the dead battery causes the forgetting. NORMAL wear: this battery has a lifespan of several years; on an old computer, its wear is NORMAL; it’s not a serious failure, just a consumable to replace; don’t panic; it’s common. The SOLUTION — replace the battery: replacing this internal battery permanently fixes the problem; it’s a standard and cheap battery; the operation is simple for a technician (and doable yourself on some computers, with precautions); a cheap fix. Automatic sync isn’t ENOUGH: enabling automatic sync does correct the time when the computer is on and connected (it resyncs), but the issue comes back every time you turn it off as long as the battery isn’t changed; automatic mode masks the issue, the battery fixes it; you have to treat the cause. WHILE waiting for the replacement: while waiting to change the battery, enable automatic sync and connect the computer to the internet; it will reset the time on startup; it’s a temporary fix; but the replacement is the real solution. Other SIGNS of a weak battery: in addition to the time, a weak battery can make the computer “forget” other basic settings on startup; if you notice this with the wrong time, the battery is definitely the cause; converging clues. The ADVICE: if the time reverts to an old date every time you start the computer, it’s the dead internal battery; have it replaced (simple and cheap operation) to permanently fix the issue; in the meantime, automatic sync connected to the internet helps. In summary, if the time on your computer keeps reverting to an old date on startup (often several years back), it’s the TYPICAL symptom of a DEAD internal battery. Every computer contains a small “button” battery that keeps the clock running even when the device is off and unplugged; when this battery is at the end of its life (NORMAL wear after a few years), the clock is no longer powered when the computer is off, and the computer “forgets” the time every time, resetting to a default date. It’s not a serious failure: it’s a simple consumable to replace. The lasting solution is to REPLACE this battery (standard, cheap, simple replacement for a technician). Note that enabling automatic sync isn’t enough to fix the root cause: it does correct the time when the computer is on and connected (it resyncs on startup), but the issue will come back every time you turn it off as long as the battery isn’t changed — it’s therefore a good temporary fix, but not the real solution. If your computer shows this symptom, think about having this small battery replaced rather than constantly readjusting the time.

A site refuses to open with a security error: can the time be the cause?

Yes, absolutely: a wrong date makes security certificates deemed “invalid,” which blocks access to secure sites; checking and correcting the time often resolves these mysterious errors. Here’s why. The TIME-security link: secure sites use “certificates” that have a validity period (start and end dates); to verify that a certificate is valid, your device compares it to ITS date; if its date is wrong, the check fails; the time is at the heart of online security. What HAPPENS: if your device thinks it’s at a date very different from reality (too old or too far in the future), it deems the sites’ certificates “not yet valid” or “expired”; it then blocks access for security; hence the error; the mechanism protects, but is fooled by the date. The TYPICAL error: the message often mentions a “certificate,” “unsecure connection,” “security,” “invalid/expired certificate”; these errors, when they affect many sites at once, strongly suggest a wrong date; the scope is a clue. The clue — MULTIPLE sites: if MANY secure sites refuse to open at the same time (not just one), it’s a strong sign of a wrong time (the problem is on your end, not on each site); the scope points to your device; check the time. The REFLEX to have: when facing these security errors, FIRST check the time and date of your device; it’s a quick check; if they’re wrong, correct them; this reflex often instantly resolves the mystery. The SOLUTION: correct the time and date (enable automatic sync); once the correct date is restored, the certificates become “valid” again and the sites open; the problem disappears; the fix is immediate. Don’t IGNORE real alerts: be careful though; if the time is CORRECT and a specific site gives a security error, it might be a REAL alert (problematic site); don’t bypass it lightly; distinguish wrong time (to fix) and real alert (to respect). The case of ONE site: if ONLY one site gives the error while the time is correct, it’s probably an issue with that site (its certificate is actually expired on the site’s end); it’s not your time; there, caution is needed; the scope distinguishes the cases. The ADVICE: yes, a wrong date causes these security errors; when facing sites that refuse to open (especially multiple ones), first check and correct the time; but if the time is correct and only one site is problematic, respect the alert (real site issue). In summary, yes, absolutely: a wrong time or date is a frequent and overlooked cause of security errors preventing sites from opening. Secure sites use “certificates” valid for a given period, and your device checks their validity by comparing them to ITS date; if its date is very wrong, it deems these certificates “invalid,” “not yet valid,” or “expired,” and blocks access for security (with an error message about a “certificate” or “unsecure connection”). A strong sign: if MANY sites refuse to open at the same time, the problem is on your end (your time), not on each site. The right reflex is therefore, when facing these errors, to FIRST check the time and date of your device: if they’re wrong, correct them (enable automatic synchronization), and the sites will reopen instantly — a problem that seemed unsolvable resolved in a few seconds. Be careful about the nuance though: if your time is CORRECT and ONLY one specific site gives this error, it’s then probably a real issue with that site (its certificate is actually expired or problematic): in that case, it’s a genuine security alert that shouldn’t be bypassed lightly. The scope of the problem (multiple sites vs one) and the state of your clock let you distinguish a simple wrong time (to fix on your end) from a real alert (to respect). Checking the time should be a systematic reflex when facing these errors: it’s quick and often lifesaving.

Should I manually set the time or leave it on automatic?

Leave it on AUTOMATIC whenever possible: it’s more precise, it corrects drift, it handles time zones and seasonal changes on its own; only manually set it if automatic mode is impossible (no connection). Let’s compare. AUTOMATIC, the best option: the automatic setting (sync via the internet) is almost always preferable; it sets the time to the exact second, constantly corrects any drift, handles the time zone and daylight saving time change on its own; you never have to think about it; it’s the default recommended choice. The ADVANTAGES of automatic mode: precision (exact time from time servers); no drift (constant correction); time zone handling (useful when traveling); seasonal change handling (automatic daylight saving time); zero effort; all advantages when possible. When MANUAL is necessary: manual setting is only really useful if automatic mode is IMPOSSIBLE; typically, a device without internet access (never connected); there, you have to set the time yourself; manual mode is a fallback. The DISADVANTAGES of manual mode: in manual mode, the time can drift (no correction), doesn’t handle time zones or seasons automatically, and depends on your precision when setting it; you have to reset it periodically; manual mode requires maintenance. Manual mode for a SPECIFIC case: if you have a specific reason to want a “different” time (rare), manual mode allows it; but for normal use, automatic mode is better; manual mode is the exception. Check that automatic mode WORKS: if you choose automatic mode but the time stays wrong, check the connection (required) and the time zone; sometimes automatic mode is enabled but without a network; make sure it can sync. The TIME ZONE too in automatic mode: also enable automatic time zone (based on location); this way, even when traveling, the time adjusts itself; complete automatic mode (time + time zone) is the ideal; handy for travelers. The case of a COMPUTER without connection: a computer rarely connected can drift even in automatic mode (no sync); connect it from time to time, or manually set it; adapt to your use; the connection conditions automatic mode. The ADVICE: leave automatic mode (time AND time zone) whenever your device has internet access; it’s more precise, effortless, and without drift; only manually set it if automatic mode is impossible, knowing that you’ll then have to reset it periodically. In summary, leave it on AUTOMATIC whenever possible: it’s almost always the best option. The automatic setting (synchronization via the internet) sets your time to the exact second of time servers, constantly corrects any small drift of the internal clock, automatically handles time zones (precious when traveling) and the daylight saving time change — all without any effort on your part, and without ever having to think about it again. Don’t forget to also enable the automatic TIME ZONE for complete adjustment. Manual setting is only really necessary in one case: when automatic mode is impossible, typically on a device without internet access. Its disadvantages are real: the time can drift (no correction), time zones and seasonal changes aren’t handled automatically, and you have to reset it periodically. If you opt for automatic mode but the time stays wrong, check that the device actually has internet access (essential for sync) and that the time zone is correct. Special case: a computer rarely connected can drift even in automatic mode (failing to sync); connect it from time to time. But in the vast majority of situations, the answer is clear: enable and leave the automatic time, it’s more precise, more practical, and maintenance-free.

What to remember

A wrong time or date is annoying, but above all, it causes REAL problems that shouldn’t be underestimated: beyond missed appointments and shifted alarms, a very wrong date can PREVENT access to secure sites (security certificates, deemed “invalid,” block the connection), cause authentications to fail and apps to crash, and fake the timestamps of your files. Many “unexplainable” bugs — a site that refuses to open, an app that won’t connect — actually come from a wrong time; hence a precious troubleshooting reflex: when facing any unexplained connection or site issue, FIRST check the time and date. The causes of a wrong time are usually simple: the main one is automatic SYNCHRONIZATION disabled (most devices normally set the time automatically via the internet); next comes a wrong TIME ZONE (offset by several hours, common after travel), and on a computer, a DEAD internal battery. The lasting solution, for the vast majority of cases, comes down to one step: ENABLE the AUTOMATIC time setting (and time zone) in the date and time settings. This way, your device always sets itself to the exact time, corrects any drift, and handles time zones and seasonal changes without you having to think about it — provided it has internet access (required for synchronization). Only manually set it if automatic mode is impossible (device never connected), knowing that you’ll then have to reset it periodically. A special case to recognize well: if the time on your COMPUTER systematically reverts to an old date every time you turn it off (on restart), it’s the typical symptom of a DEAD internal battery: this small “button” battery keeps the clock when the computer is off, and when it’s at the end of its life (normal wear after a few years), the time “forgets” every time. The real solution is then to REPLACE this battery (standard, cheap, simple replacement): enabling automatic synchronization only masks the problem (the time is corrected on startup but gets out of sync again on shutdown). Finally, keep the nuance in mind for security errors: if MANY sites refuse to open at the same time, it’s your time that’s the issue (fix it); but if your time is correct and ONLY one site is problematic, it’s a real security alert from that site, not to be bypassed lightly. In short, the correct time isn’t a cosmetic detail but an essential part of the proper functioning of your devices and connections: enable automatic synchronization for a permanently accurate time, replace the internal battery if your computer forgets the time every time you turn it off, and always think to check the time when facing an unexplained connection bug. This simple care will spare you many surprising issues.