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Have you ever been in a situation where you’re running late for a meeting, and while adjusting the settings on your iPhone, you accidentally switch from 12-hour clock to 24-hour clock? Or perhaps, you just prefer the 24-hour clock over the 12-hour clock format and you can’t figure out how to switch your iPhone’s default setting to the 24-hour clock? Whatever the reason may be, changing your iPhone’s clock to a 24-hour clock is a simple process that can take a few quick steps. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide detailing how to change to 24-hour clock on iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change to 24 Hour Clock on iPhone
There are several reasons why you may wish to change the default setting of your iPhone’s clock from 12-hour clock to 24-hour clock. Here are some reasons that may prompt you to make the switch:
- The 24-hour format is more precise and eliminates any ambiguity or confusion regarding the time
- It is the preferred time format in many professions, such as military, healthcare, aviation, transportation, and more
- It may help in planning your day’s activities, scheduling reminders, and keeping track of time more efficiently
- It is used more commonly in many parts of the world and if you travel frequently, it can help in adjusting to different time zones
Method 1: Using Settings on your iPhone
Changing your iPhone’s clock to a 24-hour clock format is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Here is how you can do it using the Settings app on your iPhone:
- Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap on “General”
- Scroll down again and tap on “Date & Time”
- Toggle the “24-Hour Time” switch to the ON position
- The clock on your iPhone should now display the 24-hour format
Pros:
- Easy to access and change the clock format on your iPhone
- Can be done quickly with just a few taps
- No need to download any additional apps or software
Cons:
- May not be an intuitive process for some iPhone users
- Requires navigating through several menu screens within the Settings app
- Switching back to 12-hour clock format may require repeating the above steps
Method 2: Using Siri to Change to 24-Hour Clock on iPhone
If you’re an avid user of Siri, Apple’s technical blogger, you can also use Siri to change the default clock format on your iPhone. Here’s how you can do it:
- Activate Siri on your iPhone by pressing and holding the Home button or saying “Hey Siri”
- Ask Siri to “change the time to a 24-hour clock”
- Siri will confirm the change and your iPhone’s clock should now display the 24-hour format
Pros:
- Can be done hands-free using only your voice with Siri
- Can quickly switch between 12-hour and 24-hour clock format with just a simple command to Siri
- Can save time and effort in navigating through the Settings app to change the clock format
Cons:
- Requires Siri to be activated and properly functioning on your iPhone
- May not be preferred for users who are hesitant to use voice commands
- May not be an optimal method in noisy or crowded environments where Siri may not be able to recognize your voice commands
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Clock App to Change to 24 Hour Clock on iPhone
If you prefer using third-party apps to manage your iPhone’s clock, there are many clock apps available on the App Store that allow you to switch the clock format to 24-hour easily. Here’s how you can do it using a third-party clock app:
- Download and install a third-party clock app on your iPhone
- Launch the clock app from your home screen
- Go to the settings or preferences menu within the app and select “Time Format”
- Select “24-hour” or “military time” to switch the default clock format to 24-hour on your iPhone
Pros:
- May provide additional features and customization options not available on the built-in clock app
- Can help in adjusting to different time zones and scheduling your day’s activities more effectively
- May have a sleeker or more aesthetically-pleasing interface compared to the built-in clock app
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing a third-party app, which may take up additional storage space on your iPhone
- May involve purchasing a premium version of the app to unlock certain features
- May not be preferred for users who are satisfied with the built-in clock app and do not want to install additional apps
What to Do If You Can’t Change to 24-Hour Clock on iPhone?
If you have tried all of the above methods and are still unable to change the default clock format on your iPhone to 24-hour, there are a few things you can try:
- Update your iPhone’s software to the latest version available
- Try rebooting your iPhone by holding down the power button until “slide to power off” appears and then slide to turn off your device. Wait for a few moments and turn your iPhone back on by pressing the power button.
- Check if your iPhone is in low-power mode, which may disable some features, including the 24-hour clock format. You can turn off low-power mode by going to Settings> Battery and toggle low-power mode to OFF
Bonus Tip
In addition to changing the default clock format on your iPhone, you can also customize the time display on the lock screen and home screen. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone and tap on “Display & Brightness”
- Select “Display Zoom” and choose “Zoomed” or “Standard”
- Return to the previous screen and tap on “View” under the “Display Zoom” option
- Select “Zoomed” or “Standard” depending on your preference
- Large text and icons will appear on the screen. You can further customize this by using the “Text Size” and “Bold Text” features in the same menu.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is it possible to have both 12-hour and 24-hour clock formats on my iPhone?
A: No, you can only switch the default clock format on your iPhone between 12-hour and 24-hour.
Q2: Will changing the clock format on my iPhone affect the time display on other devices, such as my Apple watch or iPad?
A: No, changing the clock format on your iPhone will not affect the time display on other devices connected to your Apple ID.
Q3: Will changing the clock format on my iPhone affect my alarms and reminders?
A: No, changing the clock format on your iPhone will not affect the alarms and reminders you have set on your device.
Q4: Are there any disadvantages to using a third-party clock app to switch to 24-hour clock format?
A: Using a third-party clock app may take up additional storage space on your iPhone and may involve purchasing a premium version of the app to unlock certain features.
Q5: Why does my iPhone switch back to 12-hour clock format after restarting?
A: Restarting your iPhone may reset some of its settings, including the clock format. You can switch back to 24-hour clock format by following the above methods.
Final Thoughts
Switching your iPhone’s clock from 12-hour to 24-hour may be a simple process, but it can make a big difference in how you plan your day, keep track of time, and adjust to different time zones. Whether you prefer using the built-in clock app, Siri or third-party apps, there are multiple ways to switch to the 24-hour clock format on your iPhone. If you encounter any issues, you can try the troubleshooting tips mentioned above to resolve the issue. We hope this guide has helped you to change to 24-hour clock on iPhone, making it easier and more convenient for you to manage your time, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or working in an industry that uses the 24-hour clock format.