How to change the clock time on your Toyota

A handy reminder on how to change the clock time in your Toyota, hopefully saving you a few minutes in the process!

Key takeaways:

• British Summer Time adds one hour on the last Sunday of March
• Greenwich Mean Time subtracts an hour on the last Sunday of October
• All new Toyota models will automatically adjust the time for you
• Many older Toyota models will also automatically adjust the time for you
• In all cases it is possible to manually adjust the time

In the UK, the clocks change twice a year between British Summer Time (BST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). One hour is added on the last Sunday of March, and one hour is subtracted on the last Sunday of October. While you may need to adjust some clocks manually, all new Toyota models will automatically update the time for you.

Automatic time adjustment has been available in selected Toyota models since the early 2010s. These models feature clocks that are integrated into their multimedia systems, which use either connected services, GPS information and satellite data, or a connection to your mobile phone to keep track of the correct time.

If it is necessary, owners can override this automatic function. Detailed instructions on how to manually adjust the time can be found in the owner’s handbook. However, the subheadings below provide simplified instructions on how to do this, based on the multimedia systems installed from the factory.

How do I change the clock time on cars with a Toyota Touch multimedia system?

The following new models with Toyota Touch / Touch 2 / Touch 3 multimedia systems are designed to automatically adjust the time by synchronising with your mobile phone. This function applies to both the digital clock within the multimedia system and digital clock within the multi-information display in the instrument cluster.

• Toyota Aygo X Hybrid – Icon and Design grades
• Toyota Yaris – Icon and Design grades
• Toyota Yaris Cross – Icon grade
• Toyota Mirai – all grades

To manually override this automatic function, press the Setup cog icon on the main screen, then select General within the sub-menu. Select the Date & Time option, after which you will be able to choose to manually set the time, select the time zone and switch between 12- and 24-hour time display.

How do I change the clock time on cars with a Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system?

The following new models feature connected services through the Toyota Smart Connect or Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia systems. They are designed to use internet-based connected services to automatically adjust the time.

• Toyota Aygo X – Excel and GR Sport grades
• Toyota Yaris – Excel and GR Sport grades
• Toyota GR Yaris – all grades
• Toyota Yaris Cross – Design, GR Sport and Excel grades
• Toyota Corolla – all grades
• Toyota Prius – all grades
• Toyota C-HR – all grades
• Toyota C-HR+ – all grades
• Toyota bZ4X – all grades
• Toyota RAV4 – all grades
• Toyota Land Cruiser – all grades

To manually override this automatic function, press the Settings cog icon on the main screen, then touch General within the sub-menu. Select the Date & Time option, after which you will be able to choose to manually set the time, select the time zone and switch between 12- and 24-hour time display.

What if my new Toyota model isn’t listed above?

The new Toyota Urban Cruiser (below), Toyota Proace Verso and Toyota Proace City Verso are equipped with different multimedia systems to those listed above. However, they are still designed to automatically update the time using GPS satellite information.

To manually override this automatic function, follow the simple steps below:

• Urban Cruiser: touch the digital clock display on the top of the multimedia home screen to enter the time settings menu. Select Date/Time Settings then use the up/down cursors to manually adjust the hour/minute. Touch Confirm to store the new time.
• Proace Verso and Proace City Verso: select the Settings menu in the top banner of the home screen, then press the Options button to access the secondary page. Select Setting the time-date followed by pressing either the Date or Time tabs and adjust using the numeric keypad. Confirm any changes by pressing OK.

How do I change the clock time on a recently discontinued or older Toyota?

The above instructions cover all new Toyota passenger car models. If your vehicle is not listed, we suggest looking through your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to manually change the clock time. If you do not possess a hard copy of this manual, owners of Toyota models produced since 2012 can download a digital copy on the Toyota UK website.

Remember that if you have any query about the operation of your car, feel free to pop in to your local Toyota centre for advice or contact us on social media and we’ll try to help.

FAQs

Why do the clocks change?
Clocks change twice a year to make better use of daylight. The practice was originally introduced to save energy and align waking hours with daylight.

Does my Toyota clock change automatically?
All new and many recent Toyota models automatically adjust the time. This is achieved using either connected services, GPS information and map data, or a connection to your mobile phone.

Why hasn’t my Toyota clock changed automatically?
Check whether automatic time adjustment is enabled in the vehicle’s settings. If your model does not support automatic adjustment, the time will need to be changed manually.

When did the different Toyota multimedia systems appear?
This depends on the age and specification grade of your Toyota. But as a rough guide, the Toyota Touch multimedia system was introduced from 2011 onwards, Touch 2 from 2014 and Touch 3 from 2024. Toyota Smart Connect was installed on selected grades and models from 2021 onwards, and Smart Connect+ first arrived in 2022.

How can I tell which multimedia system is in my Toyota?
The most accurate way to tell is through the system itself. Navigate to the settings/setup screen, click on general/system information, then press the system/software/device information button.

What connected services are available in my Toyota?
The Toyota GB website has multimedia hub that allows owners to easily access guides, FAQs and troubleshooting guides for Toyota multimedia systems, navigation and connectivity features.

What can I do if I do not have a hard copy of my owner’s manual?
Owners of Toyota models produced since 2012 can download a digital copy of their owner’s manual via this link on the Toyota GB website.