How to Change the Time Zone in Ubuntu Using the Terminal

1. Check the Current Time Zone

Start by verifying your server’s current time, date, and time zone:

timedatectl

This command displays:

• Local time

• Universal time (UTC)

• Current time zone

• NTP synchronization status

This helps confirm whether a change is required.

2. List All Available Time Zones

Ubuntu includes hundreds of time zones. To view the full list:

timedatectl list-timezones

If you want to filter by region (e.g., Asia):

timedatectl list-timezones | grep Asia

This makes it easier to find the exact zone you need, such as Asia/Kolkata.

3. Set a New Time Zone

Once you identify the correct time zone, apply it using:

sudo timedatectl set-timezone Region/City

Examples:

sudo timedatectl set-timezone Asia/Kolkata
sudo timedatectl set-timezone America/New_York
sudo timedatectl set-timezone UTC

The change is applied instantly and does not require a reboot.

4. Verify the Updated Time Zone

Run the following again to confirm:

timedatectl

You should now see the updated time zone reflected in the output.

5. Alternative Method (If timedatectl Is Not Available)

Some minimal installations or containers may not include timedatectl. In such cases, you can reconfigure the time zone using:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure tzdata

This opens a menu-based interface where you can select your region and city.

6. Manual Method (Advanced Users)

You can also manually link the appropriate zoneinfo file:

sudo ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Region/City /etc/localtime

Example:

sudo ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Asia/Kolkata /etc/localtime

This method is less common but useful in restricted environments.