How to Adjust Your Time Zone in Gmail

Update your settings if your email times are off

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on September 30, 2022
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • In Google Calendar, go to Settings > Settings > General > Time Zone > Primary Time Zone and select a time zone.
  • Check your computer to make sure the operating system clock is correct.

This article explains how to adjust time zone settings in Gmail in a web browser.

You should also check your operating system's time zone (and Daylight Saving Time options) to ensure that the computer's clock is correct.

Adjust Your Gmail Time Zone

If the email messages you receive in Gmail seem to come from the future or the past, or your recipients wonder what you're doing writing messages at 2:00 AM, you can easily change your Gmail time zone.

  1. The time zone settings for Gmail are accessed through Google Calendar, which you can open through Gmail. First, open Gmail.

  2. In the upper-right corner, select the Google menu (dot grid icon) and choose Calendar (you may need to select More at the bottom of the menu window to find it).

    Gmail with Google menu displayed.

  3. In the upper-right portion of Google Calendar, select Settings (gear icon). From the menu, choose Settings.

    Settings submenu in Google Calendar's Gear icon

  4. In the left rail, if the General menu isn't already displayed, select General. Under General, choose Time zone. In the main display area, under Time zone, select Primary time zone. From the menu, choose the correct time zone.

    Time Zone drop down menu, highlighting Alaska Time - Anchorage in Google Calendar Settings

  5. Settings are saved automatically and should be applied in Gmail.

FAQ
  • Why is my Gmail set to a different time zone?

    It's possible that you've accidentally set the wrong time zone when originally setting up your Gmail account. You may also see the wrong time zone displayed if you're traveling or have moved, as Gmail will continue to use the time zone you originally selected regardless of your current physical location.

  • How do I change the time zone in Yahoo Mail?

    In Yahoo Mail, select the Calendar icon > Settings > Calendar Options, then choose the time zone you want from the drop-down menu.

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