Changing time (time zone) Why is this so difficult now?

I just had this problem with Ventura. I could not even manually choose my timezone with every option in Date&Time turned off. Simply would not allow it.

For me, It had nothing to do with the settings (if you have them right).

You have to have wifi turned on!

I generally use a hardwire for internet - because it's faster. It took me about an hour to remember that Apple requires Wifi for some things. (airdrop is another).

So, put that on your list - Turn on wifi if you want to autoupdate your timezone.

Rebooting is extremely hostile to the end-user solution. To automatically change the date and time ... there has to be a simpler way.

This took me a while too, but I did get it to work. First, you have to go to privacy settings (in system settings) and allow location services to be active and then make sure location services is active for system settings (in details). Then go back to the date/time settings and tell clock to update automatically based on location timezone. You might have to restart computer as well.

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and try to set the time zone from there. The reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

System Settings > General > Date & Time

System Settings > General > Date & Time

I'd set it to set date and time automatically and automatic based on location.

YES, YES, YES. Turning on location services did the trick.

Thank you so much.

Great! I think it has to do with the new privacy default that doesn’t track location unless you turn it on manually. Just a guess. Mine has worked fine ever since I turned it on.