Several users have reported that the ‘Set Time Automatically’ option for their iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max Date and Time settings is grayed out or dimmed. This means that users are unable to turn on or off this option because the option is inaccessible for them.
If you are not able to change the date and time settings of your iPhone 18 Pro Max or iPhone 18 Pro, then this article is for you. This article explains what you can do to fix it if you’re experiencing this problem on your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max.
You can turn on the option to set the date and time automatically by going to Settings > General > Date & Time. Then you will need to swipe the Set Time Automatically switch to the right. When you do this, your date and time based on your time zone will automatically be set.
For your iPhone to work properly, it is very important the date and time on your device are set correctly for your time zone. Because, if they are not set correctly, you may experience various problems. Your device clock’s date and time settings will be inaccurate and this may trigger, seemingly, other unrelated problems. For example, you may not be able to connect to the App Store, iTunes Store, or other Apple services. Likewise, you may have issues making or receiving FaceTime calls.
Before you do anything, make sure you have the latest version of iOS. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If there is an update available, follow the onscreen instructions to update your iPhone.
Screen Time
If you have Screen Time turned on on your iPhone 18 Pro, you may not be able to change some settings, and the Set Time Automatically option may be dimmed, or grayed out. Apple says that if the device has a Screen Time passcode, the setting might be dimmed (grayed out).
You can turn off and on Screen Time by going to Settings > Screen Time. In order to turn it off, you may need to enter your Screen Time passcode if you have set up a Screen Time password.
If you want to turn on or off Set Time Automatically, you will need to disable this. To disable it, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn off Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Work or school profile
Apple also says that if the device has a corporate profile with device restrictions installed, the setting might be dimmed (grayed out). To check for one, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and look for a configuration profile.
Privacy settings
For this feature to work properly, you will need to allow your device to use its current location. Make sure that Location Services is enabled (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services).
Furthermore, also ensure that the Setting Time Zone is turned on in Location Services. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > scroll down and > System Services and enable Setting Time Zone.
In iOS 27 the time zone also has its own switch, separate from the time itself. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and you will see Set Time Zone Automatically alongside Set Time Automatically. To set the time zone manually, turn off Set Time Zone Automatically, then either tap Time Zone City and search for a city, or tap Set By, tap Time Zone Offset, then tap + or -.
Update your carrier settings
Carriers may release updates occasionally to improve network connectivity and performance. You can check for a carrier settings update by going to Settings > General > About. A popup will appear saying “Carrier Settings Update. New settings are available. Would you like to update them now?” Simply tap Update.
Reset all settings
Reset all settings on your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max to see if this can fix your problem. Doing so will restore all of your customized settings (sounds, display, Wi-Fi, etc) to the factory settings. Your data such as photos, apps, etc will not be affected. In other words, this will restore to the default settings without erasing your data.
Please go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and then choose Reset All Settings. And then follow the onscreen instructions.
Other notes:
If you are still unable to fix your problem, please read the following:
- Not all cellular carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc) offer the option to turn on Set Time Automatically. You may want to contact your carrier for further help.
- This feature is not available in all countries.
