Have you ever noticed the timestamps in your Gmail inbox seem off? The times may show a few hours earlier or later than your current local time. This happens because Gmail uses your Google Account’s time zone setting by default. So how to change time zone in Gmail?
Luckily, adjusting the time zone is an easy fix. Just update the time zone in your Google Account settings. Thus, automatically changing Gmail time zone.
Let’s go through the steps to update the time zone – whether you want to switch the primary time zone on your whole Google Account or change the time only in the Gmail web interface or mobile app.
Why the Time Zone Matters in Gmail Settings
Gmail displays time stamps on emails to show when a message was sent or received. Having the correct time zone ensures the time stamps match your actual local time. Without it, the time on your emails could be hours off.
Some examples of when an incorrect time zone causes issues:
- You receive an email that shows it arrived at 6 AM, but it’s currently 9 AM where you are.
- The time stamps on your emails are consistently off by a few hours.
- An email shows it was sent at 3 PM yesterday when it was actually sent at 3 PM today in your time zone.
- Emails you send show the wrong time for recipients in another time zone.
The time zone also affects any Google Calendar event invites sent through Gmail. The event times could be incorrect for attendees if your time zone is wrong.
Having the right time zone setting prevents timing mix-ups. It also helps you view and organize your inbox chronologically. Simply put, adjusting your Gmail time zone leads to less confusion.
How to Change Time Zone in Gmail on Web
If you primarily use Gmail on a web browser, changing your time zone is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your emails and calendar events display the correct time:i
Step 1: Log in to Gmail
Begin by logging in to your Gmail account. You can do this by visiting the Gmail website and entering your email address and password.
Step 2: Access Google Calendar
Once you’re logged in, take a look at the upper right-hand corner of your Gmail interface. You’ll notice a small Calendar icon. Click on it to access Google Calendar.
Step 3: Navigate to Calendar Settings
Within Google Calendar, direct your attention to the top right-hand corner of the screen, where you’ll find a gear icon. Click on this gear icon; it represents your Calendar settings.
Step 4: Access Gmail Settings
A menu will appear when you click the gear icon. From this menu, select “Settings.” This will take you to the settings page for Google Calendar, where you can configure various options related to your calendar and time zone.
Step 5: Choose Your Time Zone
In the settings for Google Calendar, you’ll find a section called “General.” Within this section, there’s a dropdown menu labeled “Time zone.” Click on this dropdown menu to reveal a list of available time zones.
Step 6: Select Your Desired Time Zone
Scroll through the list of time zones and locate the one that matches your current location or the time zone you wish to set as your default. Click on the time zone to select it.
Step 7: Save Your Changes
After selecting your desired time zone, scroll down to the bottom of the settings page. You’ll find a “Save” or “Save Changes” button; the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your interface. Click this button to save your new time zone settings.
Dealing with Multiple TimeZones in Gmail:
If you frequently travel or work across different time zones, Gmail offers the option to display multiple time zones. This can be especially helpful for managing appointments and meetings. To enable this feature:
Via Gmail on Desktop:
- Users can set two time zones at one time in Gmail. The first is known as the primary time zone, and the second is called the second time zone.
- This feature can help you and your clients keep a better check on the timings of the emails exchanged between the two time zones
Via Google Calendar:
- Launch Google Calendar and go to the Settings. Under the “Time Zones” section, you can select another time zone and add it permanently to your calendar
- Google Calendar also has a feature to show two time zones side-by-side, which can be useful if you work closely with people in another time zone
Changing Time Zone in Gmail App (MOBILE)
Here is how to change time zone in Gmail app you only need to follow the following steps:
Via Gmail App:
- Open the Gmail app and sign in.
- Tap on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner.
- Select “Calendar”.
- In the Calendar app, tap the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner again and tap “Settings”.
- Select “General”.
- Toggle off “Use device time zone”.
- Tap “Time zone” and then enter/select your primary time zone
Via System Settings:
- It’s noted that individual apps like Gmail on Android typically use the system-wide time and/or timezone settings.
- You might need to adjust the time zone settings on your device, and Gmail will reflect these changes
Syncing Time Zones Across Different Devices:
Apparently, the time zone settings in Gmail and Google Calendar are linked to the time zone or Date and time settings on your device.
Adjusting the time zone on one device should reflect in Gmail and Google Calendar across all synced devices, provided you’re signed in to the same Google account.
You may follow the aforementioned steps to set you Time Zone across all of your Devices.
FAQs
How to change time zone in Gmail on a mobile device?
Yes, you can change your Gmail time zone on a mobile device. Open the Gmail app, tap the menu icon, go to “Settings,” select your Gmail account, and adjust the time zone under “General settings.”
Why is it important to change my Gmail time zone?
Changing your Gmail time zone ensures that your emails and calendar events display the correct time, making it easier to manage appointments, meetings, and communication with others in your local time zone.
Can I display multiple time zones in Gmail?
Yes, Gmail allows you to show multiple time zones in the World Clock section. This feature is useful for those who work across different time zones.
What should I do if my emails and calendar events still show the wrong time zone after changing settings?
If you encounter this issue, first check your device’s time and date settings to ensure accuracy. You can also clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Additionally, double-check that you’ve selected the correct time zone in both Gmail and Google Calendar.
Conclusion
So how to change the time zone in Gmail? I’m sure now you’ve got your answer. Whether you access Gmail on a web browser or a mobile device, it’s absolutely crucial to ensure that your emails and calendar events consistently reflect the correct time in your local zone.
By meticulously following the steps outlined in this guide, you can guarantee that your Gmail account is perpetually in sync with your local time zone. So, with these newfound skills on how to change time zone in Gmail, you’ll never have to worry about time-related discrepancies in your email and calendar again.
