20-second time difference between two iPhones

We have two iPhones, and I see that there is a 20 second difference in the time. We are both connected to the same network, and we did a manual "Switch On / Off" waited for 30 secs, before enabling Automatic Sync. We are in the same Timezone too. How do I resolve this.

iPhone 16, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 7:32 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 7:49 PM

"20-second time difference between two iPhones: We have two iPhones, and I see that there is a 20 second difference in the time. We are both connected to the same network, and we did a manual "Switch On / Off" waited for 30 secs, before enabling Automatic Sync. We are in the same Timezone too. How do I resolve this."

-------


Resolving Time Being Off:


A. Tun On "Set Automatically":

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: Date & Time
  4. Turn ON: Set Automatically
  5. Tap: Time Zone
  6. Enter: a location in the search field
  7. Tap: the result to change the time zone.


B. Contact your Carrier:

If the time is still off, and you care young thought he same Carrier, then give them a call, letting them know what it is occurring. Report back if they made the fix.


C. Reset your iPhone (NOT to Factory Settings):

Another thought... Reset your iPhone. Nothing would be deleted; it's just that preferences would be reset, such as network settings, and screen brightness).

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: Transfer or Reset iPhone
  4. Tap: Reset
  5. Tap: Reset All Settings
1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 22, 2026 7:49 PM in response to whizkris

"20-second time difference between two iPhones: We have two iPhones, and I see that there is a 20 second difference in the time. We are both connected to the same network, and we did a manual "Switch On / Off" waited for 30 secs, before enabling Automatic Sync. We are in the same Timezone too. How do I resolve this."

-------


Resolving Time Being Off:


A. Tun On "Set Automatically":

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: Date & Time
  4. Turn ON: Set Automatically
  5. Tap: Time Zone
  6. Enter: a location in the search field
  7. Tap: the result to change the time zone.


B. Contact your Carrier:

If the time is still off, and you care young thought he same Carrier, then give them a call, letting them know what it is occurring. Report back if they made the fix.


C. Reset your iPhone (NOT to Factory Settings):

Another thought... Reset your iPhone. Nothing would be deleted; it's just that preferences would be reset, such as network settings, and screen brightness).

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: Transfer or Reset iPhone
  4. Tap: Reset
  5. Tap: Reset All Settings

20-second time difference between two iPhones

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.