How to Change Military Time on iPhone?
When it comes to switching from standard time to military time on your iPhone, there are a few easy steps you can follow. Whether you’re in the military, a nurse, or simply prefer to keep your schedule in a format other than AM/PM, this article will walk you through the process.
Contents
Understanding Military Time
Before we dive into how to switch to military time, it’s essential to understand the basics of this unique format. Military time uses a 24-hour clock system, where each day begins at 0000 hours (midnight) and ends at 2359 hours (11:59 PM).
In this format, the hours run as follows:
- 12:00 PM = 1200 hours
- 1:00 PM = 1300 hours
- 2:00 AM = 0200 hours
- 12:00 AM = 0000 hours
Here are some common time conversions for reference:
| Time (AM/PM) | Military Time |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 0000 |
| 1:00 PM | 1300 |
| 9:45 PM | 2145 |
| 7:00 AM | 0700 |
| 8:00 PM | 2000 |
How to Change Military Time on iPhone
Changing military time on your iPhone is relatively straightforward. You can make this change using your iPhone’s Settings app:
- Step 1: Go to Settings:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone by locating it on your home screen and tapping on it.
- Step 2: Tap on General:
From the main settings screen, scroll down and tap on the "General" option.
- Step 3: Select Date & Time:
Under the General menu, select "Date & Time" by tapping on it.
- Step 4: Turn off Set Automatically:
At the top of the Date & Time menu, toggle the switch next to "Set Automatically" to Off.
- Step 5: Enter Military Time Format:
Tap on "24-Hour Clock" at the top of the Date & Time menu.
- Step 6: Choose the Preferred Time Format:
Here, you’ll find three options:
a. 12-Hour: Shows time in 12-hour format (e.g., 1:45 PM).
b. 24-Hour: Displays time in 24-hour format (e.g., 1345).
c. Auto: Defaults to automatic time formatting (adjusting between 12- and 24-hour).
For this article, select the 24-Hour Clock option. From here, your iPhone will switch to military time for both the time displayed on the clock and for dates entered in the device’s Calendar app.
Note: Keep in mind that once you toggle the "Set Automatically" switch off, your iPhone’s clock and calendar will default to manual settings. If you forget to change your date format, your phone might appear to be showing standard AM/PM times. In this case, adjust your settings back to 12-Hour Clock.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Here are a few additional points to consider:
- Multiple Users and Devices: If you’re using an iPhone with Family Sharing or a multiple-user setup, this setting might not affect other accounts. Each account holder needs to make the same change under their own General settings menu.
- Device Limitations: Changing military time on your iPhone may affect other features that rely on standard AM/PM times, such as weather and news apps.
- Apple Watch: Keep in mind that if you own an Apple Watch, your wrist-based timekeeper may default to 24-hour formatting as well.
Conclusion
Switching your iPhone to military time is an easy and simple process, requiring only a few steps within the device’s settings menu. Remember to turn off automatic date setting to ensure the switch is successfully applied. As a final note, make sure to adjust any necessary calendar, alarm, or event entries accordingly to avoid potential discrepancies in your daily routine. With these changes, you’ll be using military time with ease, both on your iPhone and on other Apple devices connected to your ecosystem.
