How To Set A Digital Clock

Unlike analog clocks, which use hour and minute hands to point to the correct time, digital clocks display the current time as numbers. A digital clock can be much more convenient than a traditional analog clock because it allows users to determine the exact time with a single glance. While specifics of the time-setting process for digital clocks can vary by manufacturer, the basic steps are the same.

Step 1

Plug your digital clock into a standard AC wall outlet.

Step 2

Insert batteries into the battery compartment to avoid having to reset the clock if the power goes out or if the clock is accidentally unplugged. Make sure to observe the correct polarity when installing batteries in your digital clock.

Step 3

Examine the digital clock for a button or switch that allows you to access its time-setting mode. Look for buttons labeled "Clock," "Clock Set" or "Time." If your digital clock model does not have one of these buttons, look for ones labeled "Mode" or "Settings." Press, or press and hold, the appropriate time-setting button until the numbers on the digital display start blinking.

Step 4

Press the clock's "Hour" button repeatedly until the desired number value is shown. On some clocks, you might have to hold down the "Hour" button while adjusting the hours digits with "+" and "-" buttons.

Step 5

Press the "Minute" button repeatedly until the minutes place digits on the digital display reflect the desired value. Again, on some models, you might need to hold down the "Minute" button and use the "+" and "-" buttons to adjust the clock to the correct time.

Step 6

Press the "Clock Set" or "Mode" button on your digital clock to save your changes. Note that some digital clock models automatically save your changes after five seconds and return the clock to regular time-keeping mode.