Adjusting the time on your PlayStation 5 is a straightforward process, but doing it correctly ensures your console maintains accurate timestamps for game saves, online matchmaking, and system logs. Whether you are setting up a new PS5 or correcting a drift caused by a power outage, the steps are designed to be user-friendly and require only a few minutes of your time.
Automatic Time Setting via Internet
The easiest and most reliable method to set the time on your PS5 is to let the console sync with Sony’s servers automatically. This option is recommended because it eliminates manual errors and accounts for daylight saving time changes without further intervention.
Steps to Enable Automatic Time
From the home screen, navigate to Settings using the controller.
Scroll down and select System, then choose Date and Time.
Ensure the Set time automatically option is toggled on.
Make sure the Time Zone setting is configured to your specific region.
When this setting is active, your PS5 connects to the internet during startup and periodically thereafter to check the current time. As long as your network connection is stable, the console will always display the correct time.
Manual Time Adjustment Method
There are scenarios where automatic synchronization fails, such as when dealing with strict router firewalls or network address translation (NAT) issues. In these cases, you must input the time manually to keep your system accurate.
How to Set Time Manually
Go to Settings on your PS5 dashboard.
Select System followed by Date and Time.
Turn off Set time automatically.
Choose Set time and hour and minute precisely.
After entering the values, confirm the settings. The console will use the information you provided for all in-game clocks and system functions until you re-enable the automatic feature.
Configuring the Time Zone Correctly
Even with the correct time entered, an incorrect time zone setting will cause the clock to display the wrong hour. The time zone dictates the offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which determines your local standard time.
Adjusting the Time Zone
Access the Date and Time menu in Settings.
Select Time Zone.
Choose either Automatic or Manual.
If manual, pick your region or the specific city closest to your location.
Selecting the correct zone ensures that game patches, streaming services, and voice chat timestamps align with your local schedule, preventing confusion during multiplayer sessions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the time keeps resetting or does not update, the issue is usually related to the console’s ability to reach the internet. The PS5 requires a connection to PlayStation Network to verify the time if automatic settings are enabled.
Network and DNS Checks
Test your internet connection speed in the Settings menu.
Check your DNS settings; using a public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8) often resolves lookup failures.
Reboot your router if the console fails to maintain a connection.
Additionally, ensure the console firmware is up to date, as outdated software can occasionally cause system clock errors that manifest as incorrect time displays.
The Role of the CMOS Battery
Unlike a PC, the PS5 does not use a traditional CMOS battery to maintain the clock when the console is completely off. Instead, it relies on a network connection upon the next startup. If your console fails to keep time after being unplugged, this is usually due to network settings rather than a hardware fault.
