System Settings Time Zone Only Shows PST but I am in CST

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Level 1

11 points

System Settings Time Zone Only Shows PST but I am in CST

iMac 2019, 27 inch, running OS Sequoia as from very recently.

I have the same problem as the person on this page: Automatic date and time detection does no… - Apple Community He was in Israel and couldn't get this fact reflected in Time and Date settings.

I am located in Mexico in CST time zone but the options for manual Time Zone choice are all PST. There is something blocking correct location for this computer whether automatically or manually.

I tried the solution offered to change a plist using the Terminal command: sudo rm /var/db/timed/com.apple.timed.plist I rebooted but nothing has improved.

Strangely, logging into Apple Discussions just now, there is SOMETHING that knows where I am located. I was logging in for the first time on Chrome since my iMac was erased and finally able to update to OS Sequoia. A map came up showing my part of Mexico plus Mexico City, all on CST. Had to enter a 6 digit passcode presented by the 'system' to enable login using Chrome. Unfortunately I didn't take a screenshot.

Is there anything else that can be done? It does not seem very essential but it's weird that it's happening. If it takes time for the plist instruction to be registered in order to properly show my location, like wait 24 hours and reboot again, send word!

Thanks!

iMac 27″

Posted on Mar 7, 2025 5:13 AM

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Answer 1

lifewebb Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 7, 2025 6:47 AM in response to Chattanoogan

Thank you Chattanoogan.

There is no padlock in that setting window.

I had to use my pword to get the icon for System Services to be revealed when in use next to the Control Center on the top menu bar. Actually caught sight of it for a fleeting moment - so maybe this will help?

Am I expected to put in my location in 'Significant Locations'? So far I have ignored that as I have assumed this is an aid for traveling somewhere or the location of a family member etc. Have not looked up how to set it yet.

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Answer 2

lifewebb Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 7, 2025 7:41 AM in response to dialabrain

Thank you for this and previous questions dialabrian! I shut down the computer to do a bike ride, back now and have checked the Language Region setting. Guess what! It knows I am in CST...Mexico has three time zones I believe.

System Settings is showing the correct time only when first opened. It does not keep up with the time changing - should it I wonder?

Yes, Wifi as shown, is on.

The reboot made no difference to Date and Time settings.

Of note is that this installation of OS Sequoia actually derived from the iMac's original OS which was Mojave. The computer had to be taken back to its first OS due to a corruption problem that could ONLY be cleared by this means...Internet Recovery installation subsequently of Sequoia came in without any blocks, thank God. But just this oddity happening that i have noticed so far.

And I need to double check if Find My Mac is operational - but am having trouble finding that out. To be followed up

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Answer 3

lifewebb Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 11, 2025 12:03 PM in response to Barney-15E

Thanks for the question Barney-15E. The Location settings have been ON all the time since OS Sequoia got installed on Feb 26. I didn't do anything in that Setting until recently when I asked for the System Services to show up on the menu bar when something is happening.

So it would seem that there is a glitch in determining my location. BUT not so far as iCloud.com's Find My Mac is concerned. That button on the home page presented a map of the street and the house location - with my iPad and iMac! So that part has it down to very precise knowledge, to put it mildly!

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Answer 4

Mar 7, 2025 5:36 AM in response to lifewebb

Re: “… It does not seem very essential … “

The wrong system time zone might seem inconsequential today, but it can “inject” itself into to your life at seemingly the most inconvenient of times.

Many apps depend on that time.

Def something we want to trace to it’s source.

Is there a “padlock” icon in the corner of the setting window?

If so “click it” and enter your local account username password. (use the administrator’s user name and password if the accounts are separate)

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Answer 5

lifewebb Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 11, 2025 11:13 AM in response to lifewebb

This morning I spoke with Apple Support, and was put through, after a while, to a senior adviser. Hurray! The issue is fixed!

All it required was for System Settings - 'Set time zone automatically' - to be switched off. Then to write in the box for Closest City a local city here in Mexico. Instantly the correct time zone - Central Standard Time - showed up where it should be in that interface.

I swear I had tried to type in that box before and had not been able to manually change things - but now I am not sure! Was it the magic of a senior adviser overseeing what was happening on my screen which unlocked that thing? Maybe!

Anyway, I hope this post helps others to sort out their Time Zone properly.

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Answer 6

Barney-15E

Level 10

118,968 points

Mar 11, 2025 11:26 AM in response to lifewebb

If you had to turn off automatically set time zone, that would indicate your location services isn’t providing data to your Mac in order to handle location based settings.Do you have location, settings, disabled or can it just not determine your location?