Military time, also known as 24-hour time, is a way of conveying time. This system uses a 24-hour clock instead of a 12-hour clock. If you want to switch your iPhone to military time, you need to go to the Settings app and select the 24-hour time format.
In this article, you will learn what military time is, why it is used, and how to switch to it on your iPhone. You will also learn how to switch back to standard time if you prefer the 12-hour format.
What is Military Time?
Military time is a time system that operates on a 24-hour clock to demonstrate the time of day. Unlike the 12-hour clock, which divides the day into two periods of 12 hours each (AM and PM), the 24-hour clock counts the hours from 0 to 23. For example, 1:00 AM is 01:00 in military time, and 1:00 PM is 13:00.
You need to add 12 hours to the PM hours if you are willing to convert from 12-hour time to 24-hour time. Also, You need to subtract 12 hours from the hours above 12 to convert from 24-hour time to 12-hour time and add the appropriate AM or PM suffix.
Why is Military Time Used?
Let’s have a look at how Military time is being used for various reasons, such as:
Accuracy
Military time eliminates the confusion that can arise from using AM and PM, especially when dealing with different time zones or daylight saving time. For example, 12:00 AM and 12:00 PM can be easily mistaken for each other, but 00:00 and 12:00 are clearly distinct.
Efficiency
Military time is more concise and easier to write and read than 12-hour time, as it does not require the use of colons, spaces, or suffixes. For example, 9:15 AM can be written as 0915, and 9:15 PM can be written as 2115.
Standardization
Military time is widely used by the military, aviation, emergency services, health care, and other sectors that require precise and consistent communication of time. Military time is also the international standard for timekeeping, as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
How to Change to Military Time on Your iPhone?
If you want to change your iPhone to military time, you need to follow these steps:
Accessing your iPhone’s Settings
- First, get to the iPhone’s home screen.
- Next, tap on the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Finally, tap on Date & Time.
Changing the Time Format
- To turn it on, toggle the switch next to 24-Hour Time. You will see the time on your iPhone change to the 24-hour format.
- If you want to change the date format as well, tap on Region and select a region that uses the 24-hour time format, such as the United Kingdom or France. You will see the date on your iPhone change to the format used by that region.
How to Switch Back to Standard Time on Your iPhone?
If you want to change your iPhone back to standard time, you need to follow these steps:
Accessing your iPhone’s Settings
- First, tap on the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Tap on General.
- Finally, tap on Date & Time.
Changing the Time Format
- Toggle the switch next to 24-Hour Time to turn it off. You will see the time on your iPhone change to the 12-hour format.
- If you want to change the date format as well, tap on Region and select a region that uses the 12-hour time format, such as the United States or Canada. You will see the date on your iPhone change to the format used by that region.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the use and how to switch from military time to standard time and vice versa, it would be each to incorporate them in your daily life based on the necessity.