How to Change Android Clock to 24-Hour Format (Military Time) – Complete Guide
Android smartphones allow users to choose between the 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military time) clock formats. While many users in the United States prefer...
Android smartphones allow users to choose between the 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military time) clock formats. While many users in the United States prefer the 12-hour format, millions of people worldwide—including users in Europe, India, hospitals, aviation, military organizations, and businesses—prefer the 24-hour clock because it eliminates confusion between AM and PM.
For example:
- 1:15 PM becomes 13:15
- 8:30 PM becomes 20:30
- 11:45 PM becomes 23:45
If your Android phone currently displays 1:15 PM and you want it to show 13:15, this guide explains how to switch your device to the 24-hour format on Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Vivo, Oppo, Realme, and other Android smartphones.
What is the 24-Hour Clock?
The 24-hour clock, also called Military Time, represents every hour of the day using numbers from 00 to 23.
Examples:
| 12-Hour | 24-Hour |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 00:00 |
| 1:00 AM | 01:00 |
| 8:30 AM | 08:30 |
| 12:00 PM | 12:00 |
| 1:00 PM | 13:00 |
| 5:45 PM | 17:45 |
| 8:15 PM | 20:15 |
| 11:59 PM | 23:59 |
Unlike the 12-hour clock, the 24-hour format never uses AM or PM.
Benefits of Using 24-Hour Time
Using the 24-hour format offers several advantages:
- No AM/PM confusion
- Easier scheduling
- Widely used internationally
- Preferred in aviation and healthcare
- Common in military operations
- Better for travel across countries
- Ideal for business and technical work
- Used in computer systems and server logs
- Matches railway and airline schedules
- Reduces scheduling errors
How to Change Android to 24-Hour Format
Method 1 – Stock Android
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Open Date & Time
- Turn ON Use 24-hour format
Your phone will immediately switch to military time.
Method 2 – Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings
- Tap General Management
- Select Date and Time
- Enable Use 24-hour format
Method 3 – Google Pixel
- Settings
- System
- Date & Time
- Turn ON Use 24-hour format
Method 4 – Xiaomi / HyperOS / MIUI
- Settings
- Additional Settings
- Date & Time
- Enable 24-hour format
Method 5 – OnePlus
- Settings
- System Settings
- Date & Time
- Turn ON 24-hour time
Method 6 – Motorola
- Settings
- System
- Date & Time
- Enable 24-hour format
Method 7 – Vivo
Settings
↓
More Settings
↓
Date & Time
↓
Enable 24-hour format
Method 8 – Oppo
Settings
↓
Additional Settings
↓
Date & Time
↓
Turn ON 24-hour format
Method 9 – Realme
Settings
↓
Additional Settings
↓
Date & Time
↓
Enable 24-hour time
What Happens After Enabling 24-Hour Format?
Your clock changes automatically.
Examples:
Before
1:05 PMAfter
13:05Another example
Before
8:30 PMAfter
20:30Will the Lock Screen Change Too?
Usually Yes.
On most Android devices, enabling the 24-hour format updates:
- Lock screen clock
- Status bar time
- Notification panel
- Digital clock widgets (system widgets)
- Always-On Display (AOD)
Some third-party widgets may require separate settings.
Does the Alarm Clock Change?
Yes.
The Clock app also displays alarms in the selected time format.
Example:
Instead of
7:00 PMyou will see
19:00Can I Still Use AM and PM?
No.
The 24-hour format removes AM and PM entirely because each hour has a unique value.
Does Google Calendar Use 24-Hour Time?
Yes.
When enabled, event times are displayed using the 24-hour clock throughout compatible Google apps.
Does WhatsApp Show 24-Hour Time?
Usually yes.
WhatsApp follows your phone's system time settings.
Do All Apps Follow the System Setting?
Most modern apps do.
Examples include:
- Google Calendar
- Google Clock
- Gmail
- Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Telegram
Some older apps may use their own time format.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Clock still shows AM/PM | Restart the phone after enabling the 24-hour format. |
| Lock screen didn't change | Change the lock screen clock style or update the theme. |
| Widget still shows 12-hour | Check the widget's own settings or replace it with one that follows system time. |
| App still shows AM/PM | Some apps have independent time-format settings. |
| Setting missing | Ensure Automatic Date & Time is enabled or check your device manufacturer's settings. |
Can I Schedule Time in 24-Hour Format?
Yes.
Examples:
08:00
09:30
13:15
16:45
22:30This format is commonly used in:
- Airlines
- Railways
- Hospitals
- Universities
- IT companies
- Manufacturing
- Government departments
Does 24-Hour Time Save Battery?
No.
Changing the clock format has no measurable impact on battery life or performance.
Is Military Time the Same as 24-Hour Time?
Practically, yes.
Both use hours from 00 to 23. The term military time is commonly used in the United States, while 24-hour time is the broader international term.
Tips for Switching to 24-Hour Time
- Learn that 13:00 = 1:00 PM, 18:00 = 6:00 PM, and 21:00 = 9:00 PM.
- Give yourself a few days to adjust if you're used to AM/PM.
- Keep the setting consistent across your phone, smartwatch, and other devices for a smoother experience.
Conclusion
Changing your Android phone to the 24-hour clock is quick and easy. Simply enable the Use 24-hour format option in your device's Date & Time settings. Once enabled, your phone will display times like 13:15, 18:30, and 23:45, removing the need for AM and PM indicators. The 24-hour format is widely used around the world and is especially useful for travel, professional work, scheduling, and avoiding time-related confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I change Android from 12-hour to 24-hour time?
Go to Settings → System (or General Management) → Date & Time, then turn on the Use 24-hour format option.
2. What is the difference between 12-hour and 24-hour time?
The 12-hour format uses AM and PM, while the 24-hour format uses hours from 00 to 23 without AM or PM.
3. Does enabling the 24-hour clock affect alarms?
Yes. The Clock app will display alarm times using the 24-hour format.
4. Will my lock screen clock change?
In most cases, yes. The lock screen, status bar, and notification shade will reflect the new format.
5. Is 24-hour time the same as military time?
Yes. Military time is a common name for the 24-hour time system.
6. Does the 24-hour format improve battery life?
No. It is only a display preference and has no impact on battery consumption.
7. Do apps like WhatsApp and Gmail use the 24-hour format?
Most apps follow the system time format, though a few apps may have independent settings.
8. Can I switch back to the 12-hour format later?
Yes. Simply turn off the Use 24-hour format option in your phone's Date & Time settings.
9. Why can't I find the 24-hour setting?
Some manufacturers place it under Additional Settings, General Management, or System, depending on the Android version.
10. Which countries commonly use the 24-hour clock?
The 24-hour clock is widely used across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and in many professional environments worldwide.
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