System and processes

The timedatectl command

Shows and adjusts the time, the time zone and network synchronisation (NTP).

Syntax

timedatectl [set-timezone ZONA]

Most useful options

statusCurrent time and zone
list-timezonesLists the available zones

Copy-ready examples

$ timedatectlDate and time status

You can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.

Typical mistakes

  • If the clock is wrong, check that 'System clock synchronized' is yes.

Related commands

datehostnamectlhwclock

FAQ

What is NTP?

The protocol that syncs your clock with time servers over the internet.

Learn to actually use it

The basic Linux course takes you from zero to console fluency with 24 self-grading lessons.

Start the free course