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How to Change Date and Time in Ubuntu Linux

Richard
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Richard
Sep 8, 2022 Updated Sep 15, 2026 2 min read
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Changing the date and time in Ubuntu Linux lets you fix a wrong clock or set your system for a new time zone using either the Settings app or the command line. Ubuntu updates your clock automatically over the internet by default, but you can turn off automatic updates to set the exact date and time by hand.

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Running the timedatectl set-time command on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS forces the system to accept your exact manual time right away. You can also open the graphical Settings menu to pick your time zone and adjust the clock with your mouse if you prefer clicking buttons.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings , click Date & Time, and toggle off Automatic Date & Time. Then, click the Date & Time section again to manually set your desired date and time.

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How to manually change system date and time in Ubuntu Linux

You can change date time Ubuntu manually by turning off the automatic time setting in your system preferences. Open Settings , go to the Date & Time tab, switch off the automatic date and time option, and then set your own time and date using the on-screen controls. This fixes incorrect system clocks right away.

Below is how to do that.

Open Settings to manage your system preferences.

Ubuntu Linux activities overview interface
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

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On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.

Ubuntu Linux system menu showing settings option
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

Click the 'Date & Time' tile in the Settings app to open its panel.

Ubuntu Linux date and time settings tile
ubuntu linux date and time tile

In the 'System Settings - Date & Time' panel, toggle the 'Automatic Date & Time' switch to the 'Off' position.

Ubuntu locks manual clock changes while network sync is enabled. Disable the automatic toggle first.

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Turning off automatic date and time updates in Ubuntu
ubuntu linux turn off automatic date and time updated

Once the Automatic Date & Time setting is turned Off, click the Date & Time calendar to set the date and time manually, ensuring your system clock is accurate.

Changing date and time settings in Ubuntu Linux
ubuntu date and time change

Configure the Time, Month, Day, and Year on the pop-up window. Whatever settings you choose here will be applied system-wide.

Manually setting date and time in Ubuntu Linux
ubuntu set date and time manually

That should do it! You can now close the Settings app.

Conclusion:

  • Changing the date and time in Ubuntu Linux is feasible through the System Settings panel.
  • Toggling the Automatic Date & Time switch to the off position allows users to set the date and time manually.
  • By selecting the Date & Time tile, users can easily set the date and time according to their preferences.

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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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