Most devices adjust their clocks automatically when Daylight Saving Time begins or ends. However, for my Mac, I ensure everything runs smoothly by adjusting a few settings so that it always updates right on time, whether we're moving the clocks forward or back.

✕ Remove Ads Enable Automatic Date and Time in System Settings

The first step in ensuring your Mac automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time is to make sure that macOS can automatically change the date and time, which will adjust the clock depending on whether DST has started or ended. Follow these steps:

Click the Apple logo in the menu bar and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click General, and choose Date & Time. Enable the Set time and date automatically option, and enter your Mac's password when prompted.

If your Mac still shows the incorrect time, there might be an issue with Apple's time server. In this case, you can try changing the source your Mac uses to adjust the time. To do this, click Set next to Source and enter time.google.com as an alternative.

✕ Remove Ads Enable Location Services to Set the Time Zone Automatically

Your Mac also needs to know which time zone you're in to handle Daylight Saving Time changes correctly. You can use Location Services to automatically set your time zone, which is especially handy if you often travel or work across different time zones.

Open System Settings on your Mac and navigate to General > Date & Time. Toggle on Set time zone automatically using your current location.

If you receive a message asking for permission to access your location, you can allow it by following these steps:

✕ Remove Ads Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and make sure you've enabled Location Services. Scroll down and select Details next to System Services. Toggle on Setting time zone.

Once you've done this, go back to Date & Time in System Settings and toggle on Set time zone automatically using your current location again. Your Mac should now display the nearest city and adjust the time automatically.

Remember to keep your Mac connected to the internet around DST changes, as it needs network access to sync with the time server you're using.

✕ Remove Ads

This way, when you wake up on November 5th, you'll see the system clock has fallen back an hour automatically, letting you enjoy that extra hour of sleep without worrying about your device's clock. If your computer is still not adjusting for DST, there are several other ways to set the correct date and time on your Mac.