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:

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

1. Open Settings
2. Tap System
3. Open Date & Time
4. Turn ON Use 24-hour format

Your phone will immediately switch to military time.

Method 2 – Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General Management
3. Select Date and Time
4. Enable Use 24-hour format

Method 3 – Google Pixel

1. Settings
2. System
3. Date & Time
4. Turn ON Use 24-hour format

Method 4 – Xiaomi / HyperOS / MIUI

1. Settings
2. Additional Settings
3. Date & Time
4. Enable 24-hour format

Method 5 – OnePlus

1. Settings
2. System Settings
3. Date & Time
4. Turn ON 24-hour time

Method 6 – Motorola

1. Settings
2. System
3. Date & Time
4. 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 PM

After

13:05

Another example

Before

8:30 PM

After

20:30

Will 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 PM

you will see

19:00

Can 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
• WhatsApp

Some older apps may use their own time format.

Common Problems and Solutions

Can I Schedule Time in 24-Hour Format?

Yes.

Examples:

08:00
09:30
13:15
16:45
22:30

This 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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