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How to Show Seconds on Ubuntu’s Clock & Calendar

Richard
Written by
Richard
Oct 22, 2023 Updated Sep 15, 2026 2 min read
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Showing seconds on Ubuntu’s top panel clock lets you track time down to the exact second for syncs, gaming, or work tasks without touching the terminal. Ubuntu 22.04 and later include this clock option directly inside the Settings app.

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⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings , navigate to Date & Time, and toggle the Seconds switch to the On position. This will immediately display seconds on your Ubuntu clock and calendar.

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Display seconds on the clock and calendar in Ubuntu Linux

You can show seconds on the Ubuntu clock and calendar by tweaking a system preference in the terminal or using the desktop settings tool. This quick change updates your top panel so you can see the exact time down to the second without needing to install extra apps or extensions.

Follow these steps to update the display.

Click the system menu in the top-right corner and select Settings (the gear icon).

Ubuntu settings button on top panel menu
Ubuntu settings button on top panel menu

Select ‘Date & Time‘ in the left-hand menu.

Ubuntu date and time settings menu displayed
Ubuntu date and time settings menu displayed

Locate the ‘Seconds’ option and toggle the switch to the On position.

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Reversing this change requires moving the switch back to Off.

Ubuntu date and time settings showing seconds toggle
Ubuntu date and time settings showing seconds toggle

Seconds immediately appear on the clock and calendar located on the top panel.

That completes the process.

Conclusion: Displaying seconds on the clock and calendar in Ubuntu Linux is now faster, thanks to recent updates.

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  • Displaying seconds on the clock and calendar in Ubuntu Linux is now easier than ever, thanks to the latest updates.
  • The ability to toggle the display of seconds provides users with flexibility, catering to those who find it useful for specific tasks and those who prefer a simpler time display.
  • The new method simplifies the process for all users, eliminating the need for complex steps and making it more accessible, even for beginners.

How do I show seconds in Ubuntu clock?

Right-clicking the panel clock, selecting 'Preferences', and checking the 'Show seconds' box forces the clock to display seconds.

How to enable second display in Ubuntu?

For a related tip: To check display settings, open Settings Displays. Selecting the 'Detect Displays' button (often in the bottom-left corner) commands Ubuntu to search for connected monitors.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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