How to Set the Time Zone on a Dash Cam

Why the time zone setting matters

A dash cam's time zone setting controls how the recorded timestamp is displayed. If this setting is wrong, the video can show a time that does not match your local clock, which makes the footage harder to use when you want to show when an incident happened.

Authorities, insurers, and fleet managers often need a reliable timeline. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC, so any footage you save may be reviewed carefully. Clear timestamps help you explain what happened without guessing. See dash cam timestamps to understand how the time appears on screen and in file names.

Find the time zone setting

The time zone option is normally in the main settings menu. Wording differs by model, so look for General Settings, System, Device Settings, Date and Time, or a separate Time Zone entry. On a touchscreen model, open the gear icon and scroll; on a button model, use the menu button to move through the list.

If you are not sure where the option is, check the manual that came with the dash cam or the companion app. The time zone option is usually next to the date and time controls, not inside recording or video quality menus.

• Time Zone
• Timezone
• GMT Offset
• UTC Offset
• Set Time Zone
• Auto Time with GPS

Set the zone manually

To set the zone manually, pick the city that matches your location when the list uses city names. If the list uses UTC offsets instead, choose the offset that matches your local time. Some models include a Daylight Saving Time toggle on the same screen, so leave it on if your region observes daylight saving time.

Manual time zone setting is a good fit if you usually drive in one time zone. You set it once, and the camera keeps the same local time until the clock changes or the internal time is lost. If you want the hour format to appear the way you prefer, also check the clock format setting.

For help navigating the menu, see touchscreen versus button controls.

Use GPS for automatic time sync

A GPS receiver can make time keeping easier. A GPS-enabled dash cam receives timing data from the satellite signal, so its internal clock does not depend only on the camera's battery or internal oscillator. Some models use that signal only to keep the time accurate, while others also use location data to adjust the time zone.

If your camera has GPS, look for a setting called GPS Time Sync, Auto Time, or Sync Time. Enable it if it is off. Some models still ask you to choose a time zone once, because the satellite signal alone does not tell the camera which city you want to display. After that, the camera can update the displayed time when you cross into another zone, if the model supports it.

For more background, read dash cam GPS, then compare models in the best dash cams with GPS guide.

Handle daylight saving time

Daylight saving time can make a manually set dash cam run off the local time after a clock change. If your camera has an automatic DST setting, turn it on. If it only has a manual toggle, you may need to change it when daylight saving time starts and ends. Some GPS models handle this by updating the time from the satellite signal, but check the screen after a clock change to be sure.

When the displayed time is wrong after a clock change, open the clock settings and select the correct zone or toggle DST. Updating the dash cam firmware can also add daylight saving time rules or fix older time zone tables.

When you cross time zones

If you take road trips, drive a truck route, or move between states, the time zone setting may need to change on the road. A manual-only camera will keep using the zone you set at home, so the timestamp may no longer match local time after you cross a zone boundary. You can either adjust the zone when you arrive or keep the home zone and convert the times later.

The safer choice is to rely on a GPS-synced clock. That way you do not have to interact with the camera while driving. Distracted driving research consistently links manipulating an electronic device to increased crash risk, so do not try to update the settings behind the wheel. Pull over if you must change the zone. For long-distance needs, see the road trips article and the best GPS dash cams guide.

Check the timestamps after setting

After you set the time zone, do a short check. Record a few seconds of video and play it back on the dash cam or in its app. Look at the timestamp on screen and the time shown in the file list. Both should match your local clock. If the file list app shows a different time, the camera may be writing file names from a different setting than the overlay.

If the time changes back after you turn the car off, the camera's internal clock may be losing power. See how to fix dash cam time reset for steps such as checking the clock battery or connecting power properly.

Choosing a dash cam for accurate time

For a simple commute, any dash cam with a manual time zone menu is enough. You set the zone once, and the overlay stays correct until a clock change. If you cross time zones or want fewer manual updates, a GPS model does more of the work. The best dash cams with GPS guide lists the features to compare, including GPS logging and time sync.

For front and rear setups, check both cameras at the same time. A short clip from each channel should carry timestamps that agree. If they do not, go back to the clock settings before you rely on the footage. This is also useful when you choose a front and rear dash cam, because synchronized timestamps make it easier to piece together an event.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does a dash cam need the time zone set if it has GPS?

Usually yes. GPS can keep the clock accurate, but some models still use a time zone setting to display local time. You often select the zone once, then GPS handles the time from there. Check your dash cam's settings to see if it asks for a zone or updates it automatically.

Why is my dash cam timestamp wrong after a clock change?

This often points to daylight saving time. If your region follows DST and the camera does not update automatically, the displayed time will not match local time until you adjust the DST setting or choose the correct zone. GPS time sync can reduce the problem on models that update from the satellite signal.

Can I set the time zone from the dash cam app?

Some dash cams mirror the clock settings in their companion app, so you can change the zone without walking to the car. Wi-Fi models are more likely to offer this. If the app does not show the option, use the on-camera menu.

What is the best time zone setting for a rental car dash cam?

If you are installing a dash cam temporarily, set the zone to the location where you are driving. A GPS model with time sync is more convenient because it can update as you cross zones. When you return home or move the camera to another car, change the zone again.

Should I use UTC offset or city name?

Use a city name when the menu offers it, because the camera can apply the correct offset and handle DST if the firmware knows the rules. If only UTC offsets are available, pick the offset that matches your local time and review it when daylight saving time changes.

What if the dash cam time resets every time I start the car?

That usually means the internal clock is not holding power when the car is off. The time zone setting may be fine, but the clock needs power from the internal battery or capacitor, or from the vehicle when the dash cam is hardwired. Follow the steps in how to fix dash cam time reset.