How to: Change the date and time settings on your Mac to use a certain NTP server


Introduction

Open System Preferences and click Date & Time. Check the box for "Set date and time automatically" and type your preferred server into the adjacent field.

Recommended servers:

  • Computers usually located on the TTU network: ntp.ttu.edu
  • Computers usually located outside the TTU network: time.apple.com or time.nist.gov

Instructions

1) Open System Preferences.

2) Click Date & Time.

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3) In the bottom left-hand corner, click the lock icon to unlock the preferences pane.

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4) Type the username and password of an account with administrative privileges on your Mac. Then, click Unlock.

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5) Ensure that the box for "Set date and time automatically" is checked. Then, choose a server from the drop-down list or type your own preferred server. When done, close the System Preferences window.

Recommended servers:

  • Computers usually located on the TTU network: ntp.ttu.edu
  • Computers usually located outside the TTU network: time.apple.com or time.nist.gov

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NOTE: If your computer is regularly located outside the TTU network, it will not be able to synchronize its date and time with ntp.ttu.edu because NTP traffic is blocked at TTU's Internet firewall. In this case, you should set a different time server.

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Outcome

On a regular basis, your Mac will automatically update its date and time from the server that you specified.