On this page
01. Why the clock matters02. Set it on the terminal03. Sync from the PC04. If the time keeps drifting05. After correcting a bad clock06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
On the K40 Pro go to Menu > System > Date/Time and set the date, time and format. In the software you can also synchronise the device clock with the PC from the Device list.
Key takeaways
- Punches use the terminal clock.
- Set time on the device or sync from the PC.
- Power cuts can reset the clock if the battery is flat.
- Fix the time before you download records.
01Why the clock matters
The terminal stamps each punch with its own clock. If it is 20 minutes fast, every employee looks 20 minutes late in your reports, even though they arrived on time. See wrong punch times for the recovery steps.
02Set it on the terminal
- Press Menu and sign in as administrator.
- Open System then Date/Time.
- Set the date, time, time format and date format.
- Save and check the screen shows the correct time.
03Sync from the PC
In ZKBio Time.Net open Device > Device, select the K40 Pro and look for a Synchronize Time or Sync Time action. It pushes the PC's clock to the terminal. First make sure the PC's own clock is right, and tick the Kenya time zone (UTC+3, no daylight saving).
04If the time keeps drifting
- Check the terminal's internal battery; a flat one loses the time on power cuts.
- Fit a small UPS so power cuts do not restart it. See power backup.
- Set a monthly reminder to sync time from the software.
05After correcting a bad clock
Punches already stored keep their old, wrong stamps. Decide whether to leave them, correct them with manual edits, or exclude that period from payroll. Note the date you fixed the clock in your records.
06A typical scenario
A Rongai factory noticed everyone was 'late' by exactly 18 minutes. The terminal clock had drifted fast after several power cuts. Setting the correct time and fitting a UPS ended the false lateness, and HR stopped receiving complaints.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- Fixing the PC clock but not the terminal's.
- Choosing the wrong date format and reading 03/10 as March.
- Changing the time after the pay period closes without a note.
- Never checking the clock after power cuts.
- Setting the time zone wrongly on the PC.
08Quick checklist
- Check the phone time against the terminal
- Set date and time in Menu then System
- Sync from the PC if needed
- Fit a UPS
- Check after power cuts
- Record the date of any correction
09Frequently asked questions
Does the K40 Pro update its time automatically?
Not on its own unless your setup includes a time server or the software syncs it. Plan to check it.
What time zone should I use?
Kenya uses East Africa Time, UTC+3, with no daylight saving.
Will changing the time delete my records?
No. It only changes future stamps. Existing records keep their old time.
Why does the time reset after a power cut?
The internal backup battery may be weak. Ask your installer to check it.
This guide is part of our ZKTeco K40 and ZKBio Time.Net series. For the full start-to-finish walkthrough with screenshots, read How to Configure a ZKTeco K40 Pro with ZKBio Time.Net.
ZKTeco and ZKBio are trademarks of ZKTeco Inc. Menu names on the K40 Pro and in the software vary slightly by firmware and software version; where yours differ, look for the nearest match. Qyvea is a ZKTeco reseller and installer in Kenya.
