How to Display Seconds on Ubuntu Top Menu Clock

This guide explains how to add seconds to the clock on your Ubuntu desktop’s top menu bar. These instructions are updated for 2026 and apply to modern versions of Ubuntu, including 24.04 LTS and later. If you are using an older version like 22.04 LTS, some steps may differ.

Why add seconds to your clock?

By default, Ubuntu shows only the hour and minute. Adding seconds helps if you need precise timing for tasks, like joining a meeting at an exact moment or tracking time-sensitive activities. When you are done, your clock will tick forward every second, giving you a more detailed view of the time.

Show seconds with the clock on the top menu bar

In modern versions of the GNOME desktop (used by Ubuntu 24.04 and newer), the option to show seconds in the core settings has been removed. To bring this feature back, you must use a GNOME extension.

The easiest way to manage these tweaks is by using the Extension Manager app. This is the standard, user-friendly tool for customizing your Ubuntu interface.

1. Open your app launcher and search for Extension Manager. If you do not have it, you can install it from the Ubuntu Software store.

2. Launch the app and click on the Browse tab.

3. Search for the extension named Clock Seconds.

4. Click the Install button next to the extension.

Once installed, the seconds will appear on your top menu bar immediately. You do not need to restart your computer.

A note on Dconf Editor

You may see older tutorials suggesting the use of Dconf Editor or terminal commands like gsettings. Please note that these methods are only applicable to older Ubuntu versions (pre-23.10). These commands will not work on modern Ubuntu releases because the underlying system setting has been removed from the core GNOME desktop. If you are familiar with Windows, you might compare Dconf Editor to the Windows Registry Editor, but for modern Ubuntu, stick to the Extension Manager for safety and ease of use.

Conclusion

Customizing your desktop makes your computer work better for you. While Ubuntu has moved away from including seconds in the default clock settings, using the Extension Manager is a simple and reliable way to get that functionality back. By using modern tools like Extension Manager to handle the day of the week and other UI tweaks, you keep your system clean and avoid potential errors caused by manual configuration changes.