Set your Mac's date and time by hand

Why it happens

Your Mac normally takes the time from the internet. While that's on, the date and time are locked so they can't drift from the real time. Turning automatic time off frees them up, and your Mac may ask for your password because the change affects every account.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, click General in the sidebar and then Date & Time.

2. Turn off Set time and date automatically.

   General›Date & Time›Set time and date automatically

3. Click Set… next to Date and time. If your Mac asks, use Touch ID or type your password.

   General›Date & Time›Set time and date automatically›Set…

4. Enter the date and time you want, then confirm.

5. Check the clock in the menu bar shows the new time.

Still not fixed?

1. Still greyed out? Your account may not be an administrator. Ask someone with an admin account to type their name and password.

2. If only the time zone is wrong, leave automatic time on and fix the time zone instead with Set time zone automatically using your current location.

   General›Date & Time›Set time zone automatically using your current location

3. Turn automatic time back on when you're done. A wrong date can stop websites, iCloud and some apps from connecting.

4. On a school or work Mac, the time may be locked by the organisation. Ask whoever manages it.

5. If the date jumps back to an old year every time the Mac is switched off or unplugged, it may be a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support or a repair shop.