How to Set Timezone on Debian 12: Top 5 Methods

Set timezone on Debian 12

Setting the timezone ensures accurate system time, correct file timestamps, and proper scheduling for tasks and communications. With inaccurate time-related configuration, you can risk incorrect time displays, scheduling conflicts, and potential compliance issues, which ultimately disrupt workflows and also cause confusion.

If your timezone on Debian 12 is not accurate, get ready to explore five easy methods to fix it. Whether you prefer working in a terminal or using a GUI, you’ll find the appropriate method to update your system’s timezone accurately.

So, let’s start the guide!

Method 1: Using timedatectl 

One of the common ways to set or change the Timezone on Debian 12 is using the timedatectl command.

To change the Timezone it is necessary to view it first by:

timedatectl
viewing the current Timezone on Debian use timedatectl command

To choose your desired Timezone, you need to select it from the list of available options. For that, run:

timedatectl list-timezones
listing down all the available regions

As the list is too long, you can specify the country of the Timezone in the below command:

timedatectl list-timezones | grep -i [preffered-timezone-area/country]
Adding a Country Filter

Now, select the intended state along with the country name:

sudo timedatectl set-timezone [preffered-country-and-state]]
Setting the desired time zone

Our Timezone has been successfully changed. Moreover, if you want to view the changed Timezone, use:

timedatectl
Verifying the Time Zone

Method 4: Using Symlink

The second last method to set the Timezone on Debian 12 is using the Symlink file. In this method, you have to manually adjust the file. However, before doing so, first list down all the regions for the desired country:

ls /usr/share/zoneinfo/[Desired-Country]/
listed all the regions of desired location

Now, create a symbolic link to the specified timezone file, and also update the system’s local time configuration: 

sudo ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/[country/state-or-region] /etc/localtime
creating a symbolic link for the desired time zone

To view the details of the changes made, run:

ls -l /etc/localtime
viewing details of changes made

In case you want to validate the Timezone changes, execute:

timedatectl
Validating the Changes

Method 3: Utilizing tzdata Package

In Linux, the tzdata package provides comprehensive timezone information and ensures the systems maintain accurate local time across different regions.

You can use tzdata to set the Timezone as follows:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure tzdata

After executing the command a dialog box will appear. Review the instructions and click “Ok”:

setting the timezone using tzdata

Now, select the desired geographical area to proceed further:

selecting the Geographical area related to the current location

Select the region based on your geographical area:

selecting the relevant city according to the desired time zone

After selecting the desired region, the timezone on Debian 12 will be successfully changed as indicated below:

Time zone hasbeen changed

Method 4: Using tzselect Menu

tzselect menu can be used to set Timezone on Debian 12. It allows you to select their timezone by choosing a region and city. Moreover, it also helps configure the system’s local time setting based on the user’s location.

To start the tzselect tool, run:

tzselect
launching tzselect utility

Here, you’ll see four main location categories such as:

  • continent
  • ocean
  • coord or coordinates
  • TZ or timezone

In our case, we’ll go with the first option. Next, select a country whose time aligns with yours:

selecting the desired country

Confirm the changes by entering 1:

confirming the changes

Resultantly, you’ll see some guidelines for making permanent changes:

Instructions for making permanent changes in the time zone

To make permanent changes in the Timezone, run:

echo "TZ='Asia/Karachi'; export TZ" >> ~/.profile
making the change in the timezone permanent

Again, use the timedatectl command for validating added changes:

timedatectl
Verifying the Time Zone change

You can also use coordinates to change the timezone in Debian 12 from the main menu.

To do so, first, select the “coordinates” option, then enter the respective coordinates and choose the required region:

entering the coordinates of the location

Confirm the changes as indicated:

Confirming the Changes

Notably, there is one more method of setting the Timezone by specifying the desired value of the Timezone environment variable:

Selecting the Time zone using the tzselect utility by selecting the TZ format

Method 5: Using GUI

This is the final method by which you can change or set up the Timezone using the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of your Debian 12 system.

Firstly you’ll need to unlock the settings as demonstrated:

changing the timezone on Debian is by using the Date & Time settings

Now, confirm specify your account password for authentication purpose:

authenticating the identity

After that, select  the Time Zone option:

clicking on the Time Zone option

The first method allows you to search for your desired region using a search function:

Searching the Respective Country

The second method involves placing a pin on a map to accurately select your location:

selecting the pin on map

After specifying your timezone, verify the added changes:

time zone has been changed successfully

Conclusion 

This guide covered several methods to set or change the timezone on Debian 12. These methods include command-line tools, such as timedatectl and tzselect, the tzdata package, Symlink, and GUI settings.

By following any of the approaches mentioned in this article, effectively update your timezone, prevent issues related to incorrect time displays, and ensure smooth system operations. So, choose the method that best suits your preferences on your Debian 12 system.