Changing the time on your Eufy doorbell ensures accurate event timestamps and proper scheduling. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Eufy Security app, with tips to avoid common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Eufy Security app: All time adjustments are made through the app, not the doorbell itself.
- Sync with your phone’s time zone: The doorbell automatically follows your device’s time settings when connected.
- Update firmware regularly: Outdated software can cause time sync issues or incorrect timestamps.
- Check internet connection: A stable Wi-Fi connection is required for accurate time updates.
- Manual override available: If auto-sync fails, you can manually set the time in the app settings.
- Daylight saving adjustments happen automatically: No need to manually change for DST if your region is correctly set.
- Factory reset as last resort: If time won’t update, a reset may be necessary—back up settings first.
How to Change Time on Eufy Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever noticed that your Eufy doorbell is showing the wrong time on recorded videos or motion alerts? Maybe it’s an hour off due to daylight saving, or perhaps it never synced correctly after setup. Don’t worry—this is a common issue, and the good news is that changing the time on your Eufy doorbell is simple when you know where to look.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adjusting the time on your Eufy doorbell. Whether you’re using a wired model like the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K or a battery-powered version like the Eufy SoloCam S40, the process is nearly identical. You’ll learn how to sync your doorbell with your phone’s time zone, troubleshoot syncing problems, and even manually override the time if needed. By the end of this article, you’ll have full control over your doorbell’s clock—and peace of mind knowing your security footage is accurately timestamped.
Why Accurate Time Matters on Your Eufy Doorbell
You might be thinking, “It’s just a timestamp—how important can it really be?” But accurate timekeeping is crucial for several reasons:
Visual guide about How to Change Time on Eufy Doorbell
Image source: doorbellnest.com
- Legal and security documentation: If you ever need to provide video evidence to law enforcement or your insurance company, precise timestamps can make or break your case.
- Event tracking: Knowing exactly when someone rang your doorbell or triggered motion helps you monitor patterns—like frequent visitors or suspicious activity.
- Smart home automation: Many users integrate their Eufy doorbell with other smart devices (like lights or alarms). These automations often rely on time-based triggers.
- Peace of mind: There’s something reassuring about knowing your system is working correctly down to the minute.
Unfortunately, Eufy doorbells don’t have physical buttons or screens to manually set the time. Instead, they rely entirely on the Eufy Security mobile app and your smartphone’s network time protocol (NTP). This means most time-related issues stem from app settings, Wi-Fi connectivity, or device synchronization—not hardware flaws.
Prerequisites Before Changing the Time
Before diving into the steps, make sure you have the following ready:
- The Eufy Security app installed on your iOS or Android device (latest version recommended).
- Your doorbell powered on and connected to Wi-Fi (check the app home screen for connection status).
- Access to your smartphone’s settings, particularly date, time, and location permissions.
- A stable internet connection—both your phone and doorbell should be online.
Pro tip: If your doorbell has been offline for more than 24 hours, it may fall out of sync. Reconnect it first before attempting any time changes.
Step 1: Open the Eufy Security App
Start by launching the Eufy Security app on your smartphone. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may need to log in with your Eufy account credentials (email and password).
Verify Device Connection
Once logged in, you’ll see your home dashboard with all connected devices. Look for your doorbell—it should display a green dot or “Online” status. If it shows “Offline,” tap on it and follow the on-screen prompts to reconnect it to Wi-Fi.
Ensure App Permissions Are Enabled
The app needs access to your phone’s location and time settings to sync properly. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Eufy Security and ensure it’s set to “While Using the App.” On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Eufy Security > Permissions and enable Location and Phone/Device Info.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Doorbell Settings
From the home screen, tap on your doorbell’s name or thumbnail image. This opens the live view or playback screen.
Access Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, look for a gear icon (⚙️) or three dots (⋮). Tap it to open the Device Settings menu.
Find the Time Zone Option
Scroll down until you see a section labeled “Time Zone” or “System Settings.” This is where the magic happens—but don’t expect a clock you can manually adjust. Instead, Eufy uses your phone’s current time zone to automatically configure the doorbell.
Step 3: Sync Time via Your Phone’s Settings
Here’s the key insight: Your Eufy doorbell doesn’t store its own time—it pulls it from your smartphone every time it communicates with the app. So if your phone’s time is correct, your doorbell will be too.
Check Your Phone’s Date & Time
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Make sure “Set Automatically” is turned ON. This ensures your phone uses network time servers for accuracy.
On Android: Go to Settings > System > Date & time (or General Management > Date and time on Samsung). Toggle on “Automatic date & time” and “Automatic time zone.”
Confirm Your Time Zone
Even with auto-sync enabled, double-check that your phone is set to the correct geographic region. For example, if you live in Phoenix but your phone thinks you’re in Denver, your doorbell will be an hour off—even during standard time!
Tip: If you’ve recently traveled across time zones, your phone might still be using the old one. Manually select your home time zone to avoid confusion.
Step 4: Force a Time Sync with Your Doorbell
After confirming your phone’s settings, return to the Eufy Security app and force a sync:
Reopen the Device Settings
Go back to your doorbell’s settings page (as described in Step 2).
Toggle Time Zone Off and On
Some users report that simply tapping the time zone field and reselecting it triggers a fresh sync. Try this: tap your current time zone, then tap it again to confirm. The app may show a brief “Syncing…” message.
Restart the App
Close the Eufy Security app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps list), then reopen it. This forces a fresh connection to your doorbell and often resolves lingering sync issues.
Step 5: Verify the Time Is Correct
Now it’s time to test whether the change worked:
Trigger a Test Event
Walk in front of your doorbell to trigger motion detection, or press the doorbell button if it’s wired. Wait a few seconds for the recording to upload.
Check the Timestamp
Go to the Playback or Events tab in the app. Find your test recording and look at the timestamp in the corner. Compare it to your phone’s current time. It should match within 1–2 minutes (allowing for upload delay).
If it’s still wrong, don’t panic—we’ll cover troubleshooting next.
Troubleshooting Common Time Sync Issues
Even with perfect settings, sometimes the time just won’t stick. Here’s how to fix the most frequent problems:
Issue 1: Doorbell Shows Wrong Time After Power Outage
Battery-powered models may lose sync if they go offline for extended periods. Solution: Reconnect to Wi-Fi, open the app, and wait 5–10 minutes for automatic re-sync. If that fails, remove and re-add the device in the app.
Issue 2: Time Is Off by Exactly One Hour
This is almost always a daylight saving time (DST) issue. Ensure your phone’s time zone includes DST rules (e.g., “Eastern Time (US & Canada)” not just “UTC-5”). Eufy automatically adjusts for DST if your region supports it.
Issue 3: App Says “Syncing” But Nothing Changes
Try toggling airplane mode on your phone for 10 seconds, then turn it off. This refreshes your network connection and often kickstarts the sync process.
Issue 4: Multiple Devices, Different Times
If you have more than one Eufy camera or doorbell, ensure they’re all assigned to the same home location in the app. Each “home” can have its own time zone setting.
Issue 5: Firmware Is Outdated
Old firmware can cause sync bugs. In the device settings, look for “Firmware Version” and tap “Check for Updates.” Install any available updates—they often include time-sync improvements.
Advanced: Manually Override Time (When Auto-Sync Fails)
While Eufy doesn’t offer a true manual clock setting, there’s a workaround for stubborn cases:
Change Your Phone’s Time Temporarily
Turn OFF “Set Automatically” on your phone and manually set the date and time to match what you want your doorbell to display. Then open the Eufy app and trigger a motion event. The doorbell should adopt this time.
Warning: Only do this as a last resort! Leaving your phone on manual time can break other apps (like calendars, alarms, and banking tools). Remember to turn auto-sync back on afterward.
Use a Secondary Device
If you have an old phone or tablet, set it to the correct time and use it exclusively to manage your Eufy doorbell until the sync stabilizes.
Preventing Future Time Drift
Once your time is correct, keep it that way with these best practices:
- Update the Eufy app monthly: New versions often include bug fixes for time and connectivity.
- Keep your doorbell charged or wired: Low power can cause intermittent disconnections.
- Avoid frequent travel across time zones: If you do travel, remember to check your doorbell’s time when you return home.
- Enable two-factor authentication: While not directly related to time, securing your account prevents unauthorized changes that could disrupt settings.
When to Contact Eufy Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and your doorbell still shows the wrong time after 24 hours, it may be a hardware or server-side issue. Contact Eufy Support through the app (Me > Help & Feedback > Contact Us) or visit their official support page. Have your device model, serial number (found in app settings), and a description of the issue ready.
Pro tip: Screenshots of incorrect timestamps can help support diagnose the problem faster.
Final Thoughts
Changing the time on your Eufy doorbell isn’t about flipping a switch—it’s about understanding how the system syncs with your digital ecosystem. By leveraging your smartphone’s accurate network time and ensuring seamless communication between app and device, you can maintain precise timestamps effortlessly.
Remember: Accuracy starts with your phone. Keep it updated, keep it connected, and your Eufy doorbell will follow suit. With the steps in this guide, you’re now equipped to handle any time-related hiccup—whether it’s daylight saving confusion, post-travel resets, or mysterious hour-long drifts.
Your home security deserves reliable timing. Take five minutes today to verify your doorbell’s clock—and enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing exactly when every visitor arrives.