How to Show Seconds on Ubuntu’s Clock & Calendar

This article describes how to show seconds to the clock & calendar in Ubuntu Linux.

Ubuntu, the popular open-source operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution, shows its clock in 24-hour format on the top panel by default. The clock and calendar display the date, hour, and minutes.

We previously wrote an article on how to show the seconds on the clock in Ubuntu. That post provided detailed steps to show the seconds on the clock. It’s not the easiest or the best method, especially for new users.

As of Ubuntu 23.10, there’s a button in the settings panels that one can toggle to show or hide the seconds on the clock on the top panel or calendar.

Showing seconds on the clock in Ubuntu can be useful for various purposes, such as timing events or monitoring system performance. However, some users may find it distracting or unnecessary, especially if they only need to see the time in hours and minutes.

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.

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

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.

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.