Keeping track of time across different parts of the world is essential for many of us, whether for work, travel, or staying connected with friends and family abroad. Apple’s iOS devices offer several built-in and third-party options to help you monitor multiple time zones effortlessly. Let’s explore the most effective ways to stay on top of global times using your iPhone or iPad.
Use the Built-in World Clock Feature
The Clock app that comes pre-installed on all iOS devices includes a powerful World Clock function. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Open the Clock app and tap on the “World Clock” tab at the bottom.
Step 2: Tap the “+” button in the top right corner to add a new city.
Step 3: Type the name of the city you want to add in the search bar and select it from the results.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2-3 to add more cities as needed.
Once set up, you’ll see a list of all your added cities with their current times. The app also displays whether it’s day or night in each location and the time difference compared to your local time.
Add World Clock Widgets to Your Home Screen
For quick access to multiple time zones without opening an app, utilize the World Clock widget:
Step 1: Long-press an empty area on your Home Screen until the apps start wiggling.
Step 2: Tap the “+” button in the top left corner.
Step 3: Scroll down and select “Clock” from the widget list.
Step 4: Choose the World Clock widget style you prefer (there are several sizes available).
Step 5: Tap “Add Widget” to place it on your Home Screen.
Step 6: Customize the cities shown in the widget by tapping on it while in edit mode.
This method allows you to see multiple time zones at a glance every time you unlock your device.
Utilize Siri for Quick Time Checks
When you need to quickly check the time in a specific location, Siri can be your go-to assistant:
Step 1: Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or holding the side button (or home button on older models).
Step 2: Ask a question like “What time is it in Tokyo?” or “What’s the time difference between New York and London?”
Siri will provide an immediate vocal response and display the information on screen, making it perfect for hands-free time zone checks.
Create a Custom Lock Screen with World Clock
iOS 16 and later versions allow you to add a World Clock complication to your Lock Screen for constant time zone awareness:
Step 1: Long-press on your Lock Screen to enter edit mode.
Step 2: Tap “Customize” at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select the area below the time where you want to add the World Clock.
Step 4: Scroll through the complications and choose “World Clock.”
Step 5: Tap on the complication to select which cities to display.
Step 6: Tap “Done” to save your changes.
This method keeps important time zones visible without even unlocking your device.
Use Third-Party Apps for Advanced Features
While the built-in options are sufficient for most users, third-party apps can offer more advanced features:
World Clock Time Widget
This app provides customizable widgets and allows you to rename cities, making it easy to track specific people or events rather than just locations.
Time Buddy
Time Buddy offers a visual timeline that makes it simple to find overlapping “awake hours” across multiple time zones, which is invaluable for scheduling international calls or meetings.
Circa
Circa stands out with its ability to create “smart groups” of time zones and its clean, intuitive interface for comparing multiple times at once.
These apps often include features like the ability to schedule events across time zones, more detailed daylight saving time information, and customizable alerts for specific times in different locations.
Set Up Multiple Clocks in Calendar App
For those who frequently schedule international events, setting up additional time zones in the Calendar app can be helpful:
Step 1: Open the Settings app and go to “Calendar.”
Step 2: Tap on “Time Zone Override” and toggle it on.
Step 3: Tap “Time Zone” and add the locations you frequently work with.
Now, when creating new events in the Calendar app, you can easily set the correct time for different locations, ensuring your schedule is accurate across time zones.
Tracking multiple time zones doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the simplicity of built-in features or the advanced capabilities of third-party apps, your iPhone and iPad offer numerous ways to keep global times at your fingertips. Experiment with these methods to find the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs.