How to Show Seconds on Ubuntu’s Clock & Calendar

Richard
Written by
Richard
Oct 22, 2023 Updated Mar 19, 2026 3 min read

You can show seconds on Ubuntu’s clock and calendar by enabling a simple setting in the system’s Appearance preferences.

Ubuntu’s default clock and calendar display only hours and minutes on the top panel, a common configuration for the Debian-based operating system.

Starting with Ubuntu 23.10, you can easily toggle seconds on or off directly within the system settings, eliminating the need for complex command-line adjustments.

This quick visual change helps if you need precise timing for tasks or want a more granular view of the time on your desktop.

Display seconds on the clock and calendar in Ubuntu Linux

As mentioned above, there’s now an easy button to show or hide the seconds on the clock and calendar in Ubuntu Linux.

Here’s how to do it.

First, click the system menu on the top right corner and select the Settings (gear) button.

Ubuntu settings button on top panel menu

In the Settings panel, the Date & Time button on the left menu.

Ubuntu date and time settings menu displayed

Next, select the Seconds tile on the Date & Time settings panel. Then, toggle the switch button to the On position to display the Seconds on the clock and calendar.

To disable it, toggle the switch button to the Off position.

Ubuntu date and time settings showing seconds toggle

When turned on, you will see the Seconds value on the clock and the calendar on the Top panel.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I show seconds on the clock in Ubuntu?

To show seconds on the clock in Ubuntu, click the system menu on the top right corner and select the Settings button. Then, navigate to the Date & Time section and toggle the Seconds option to 'On'.

Can I hide the seconds on Ubuntu's clock?

Yes, you can hide the seconds on Ubuntu's clock by going to the Settings menu, selecting Date & Time, and toggling the Seconds option to 'Off'. This will remove the seconds display from the clock.

What version of Ubuntu allows toggling seconds on the clock?

The ability to toggle seconds on the clock was introduced in Ubuntu 23.10. Users of this version can easily enable or disable the seconds display through the Settings menu.

Why would I want to display seconds on my Ubuntu clock?

Displaying seconds on your Ubuntu clock can be useful for timing events, monitoring system performance, or simply for personal preference. However, some users may find it distracting if they only need to see the time in hours and minutes.

Is it difficult to show seconds on the clock in Ubuntu?

No, it's not difficult at all. With the latest updates in Ubuntu, showing seconds on the clock is as simple as toggling a switch in the Date & Time settings, making it accessible even for beginners.

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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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