How to change Timezone in Ubuntu

Ubuntu, like most Linux distributions, allows users to configure system settings to their preferences, including the system timezone. Changing the timezone can be crucial for system logs, scheduling tasks, and managing servers that interact with other systems across different time zones. This guide will cover how to change your Ubuntu system's timezone using the tzselect command-line interface (CLI), a straightforward method for users who prefer managing settings through the terminal.

Understanding Timezone Settings in Ubuntu

Ubuntu stores timezone data in /etc/localtime, which is a symbolic link or a copy of a timezone data file from the /usr/share/zoneinfo directory. Before changing the timezone, it’s helpful to understand the current setting. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

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timedatectl

This command will display the current timezone along with other time-related information.

Using tzselect to Select a Timezone

The tzselect command helps you choose the correct timezone by presenting a series of options based on geographic areas. Although tzselect will not change the timezone permanently (it just helps you find the right timezone), it's a useful tool for identifying the exact timezone name required for making the change.

To use tzselect, follow these steps:

1. Open the Terminal: You can find the Terminal in your applications menu, or press Ctrl+Alt+T to open it directly.
2. Run tzselect: Type tzselect in the Terminal and press Enter. Follow the on-screen prompts:
   • Choose the geographic area by entering the number next to the corresponding region.
   • Select the country.
   • If applicable, select the specific area or city.

After making your selections, tzselect will display the chosen timezone like America/New_York. It’s important to note or copy this output as you will need it for setting the timezone.

Setting the Timezone Permanently

Once you have the correct timezone from tzselect, you can set it permanently using the timedatectl command:

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sudo timedatectl set-timezone <Your-Timezone>

Replace <Your-Timezone> with the timezone you identified using tzselect. For example, if you are setting it to New York, you would run:

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sudo timedatectl set-timezone America/New_York

Verifying the Change

To ensure the timezone has been updated correctly, run:

bash
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timedatectl

The output should reflect the new timezone setting. Additionally, you can check the date and time:

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date

This command will display the current date and time according to the newly set timezone.

Conclusion

Changing the timezone in Ubuntu via the command line with tzselect and timedatectl is a straightforward process that can be performed in just a few steps. This method is ideal for users who need to manage their systems via the CLI, offering a quick and effective way to adjust the system’s timezone settings. Remember that correct timezone settings are crucial for the proper functioning of scheduled tasks and logs.