Although uncommon, some watches may have setting buttons on the back of the watch or behind a simple cover. Covers can usually be removed with your fingers or a small screwdriver. Some watches may label buttons. Common buttons on digital watches include “Mode,” “Set,” “Reset,” “Start,” and “Light. ”[1] X Research source You’ll likely be using the “Mode” and/or “Set” buttons. “Mode” changes your watch into Time Mode, Stopwatch Mode, and so on. “Set” allows you to adjust the time in Time Mode or finalize changes.

When in the time setting mode, a setting (like the minutes, hours, date, etc. ) will usually start blinking. If your watch has a recessed button and another button, the recessed one is most likely for switching modes and the other for tweaking settings. Avoid using a pencil to press recessed buttons. If the tip of the pencil breaks off in the hole, it may jam the button, making it impossible to set.

Generally, only one unit (minutes, hours, date) will blink at a time. Some watches may indicate option selection differently, like with an underline or box. Complicated watches may have a lot of features. Familiarize yourself with these by pressing buttons to see how they affect the watch’s display. Some watches may not have a mode button, in which case you should use the “Set” button, as described in the next step. [3] X Research source

If a digital manual is impossible to find, look up and call the customer service number for your watch. Model and brand information are usually written or engraved on the back of the watch or somewhere on the watch face.

Simple watches will probably only have two buttons: one to change the mode and the other to advance settings one unit per button press. Most watches will cycle through settings in order from least to greatest (like 1 minute to 59 minutes) or first to last (like Sunday to Saturday) before repeating the lowest/first option. Multi-button watches occasionally use the “Reset,” “Adjust,” or “Set” to advance the settings one unit at a time. [6] X Research source

Some watches may have specific button combinations for certain settings. For example, you may have to hold down a button for a few seconds to set an alarm. [7] X Research source