MacBook can show incorrect Time and Date, if it has been laying idle or not connected to internet for a long time. You can find below the steps to fix a Mac that is showing Incorrect Time or Date.
Mac Showing Wrong Time and Date
The default setting on a MacBook is to obtain Time & Date automatically by connecting to Apple’s reliable time service (time.apple.com) using an internet connection.
This explains why a MacBook that has not been connected to internet for a long time can end up showing incorrect Date and Time.
Apart from this there can be other reasons for Mac showing incorrect Time or Date, ranging from change in Time Zone (while travelling) to software glitches or stuck programs preventing the Mac from updating its clock.
Fortunately, it is really easy to fix the problem of a MacBook showing incorrect Time and Date.
1. Restart the Computer
The simple process of restarting a device has the potential to fix problems by terminating stuck apps and processes, which might be causing problems.
Hence, click on Apple logo in top-menu bar and select Restart option in the menu that appears.
Once the computer restarts, see it is now showing the correct Date & Time.
2. Check Date and Time Settings
Next, make sure that your computer is set to obtain Time/Date automatically by connecting to Apple’s time service.
Click on Apple Logo in the top-menu bar and select System Preferences or System Settings in the drop-down menu.
On the System Settings screen, click on Date & Time > On the next screen, make sure Set Date and Time Automatically option is selected.
If it is not, enable Set Date and Time Automatically option and make sure your Mac is showing the correct Time & Date.
Note: You need to be logged in to your Admin Account in order to make this change.
3. Manually Correct Date & Time On Mac
MacBook can end up displaying incorrect Time/Date when it moves from one Time Zone to another. In such cases, you can manually correct the Date and Time on your device.
Click on Apple Logo in the top-menu bar and select System Preferences or System Settings in the drop-down menu.
From System Settings screen, go to Date & Time > uncheck Set Date and Time Automatically option.
After unchecking “Set Date & Time Automatically” option, you will be able to manually select a different Time Zone and correct Date and Time as required.
4. Allow Mac to Automatcally Set Time Zone
If you are a frequent traveler, you can set MacBook to automatically set its Time Zone based on its current Location. This option is suitable in case you travel frequently accross different Time Zones.
Click on Apple Logo in the top-menu bar and select System Preferences or System Settings in the drop-down menu.
From System Settings screen, go to Date & Time > On the next screen, switch to Time Zone tab and enable Set Time Zone Automatically using current location option.
If Location Services is not enabled, you will see a popup, click on Open Privacy Preferences… button.
On the next screen, Enable Location Services option and click on the Details… button, located next to System Services entry.
On the next screen, Enable the option for Setting Time Zone and tap on Done.
After this, your MacBook will be able to update Date and Time based on its Location.
Now, whenever you cross time zones, your MacBook will be able to make use of Location Services to track its location and switch to the correct Time Zone as required to show the right Date and Time.
