Why can’t I change time zone on iPhone?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

There are a few reasons why you may not be able to change the time zone on your iPhone. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Device Restrictions: One common reason for not being able to manually set the time zone is if your device has certain restrictions in place. This can happen if you have enabled Screen Time on your iPhone. Screen Time allows you to set limits on app usage and content restrictions, and it can also restrict certain settings changes, including the time zone.

2. Screen Time Passcode: If you have set a Screen Time passcode on your iPhone, it can prevent you from changing the time zone manually. This passcode is separate from your device passcode and is used to manage Screen Time settings. If you have forgotten your Screen Time passcode, you will need to disable it in order to change the time zone.

3. Carrier Restrictions: In some cases, your cellular carrier may have restrictions in place that prevent you from manually changing the time zone on your iPhone. This is more common in certain regions or with specific carriers. If you suspect this may be the case, you can contact your carrier for further assistance.

4. Software Glitch: Occasionally, a software glitch or bug may cause issues with the Date & Time settings on your iPhone. If you are unable to change the time zone despite not having any restrictions in place, it is possible that a software issue is causing the problem. In such cases, updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version or performing a reset may resolve the issue.

To fix the issue and regain the ability to manually set the time zone on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Screen Time”.
3. Inside Screen Time, tap on “Change Screen Time Passcode”.
4. Select “Turn Off Screen Time Passcode” and follow the prompts to disable the passcode.
5. Once the Screen Time passcode is disabled, go back to the main Settings menu.
6. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
7. Tap on “Date & Time”.
8. Toggle off the “Set Automatically” option.
9. You should now be able to manually select and change the time zone to your desired setting.
10. If you encounter any issues, try restarting your iPhone or updating to the latest iOS version.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and options may vary slightly depending on your iPhone model and iOS version. If you are still unable to change the time zone after following these steps, you may want to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.