On 1 November 2026 Cuba did not turn its clocks back, as it used to every year when daylight saving time ended. But many phones changed the time on their own, and ETECSA has explained how to fix it. Here is what happened, how to set your phone and what it means if you have family in Cuba.
What happened with the time in Cuba
On 24 October, the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security announced that Cuba will keep daylight saving time (UTC−4) until 7 November 2027. The goal is to reduce electricity demand at peak hours.
ETECSA adjusted its network so the time would not change, but many phones turned it back anyway: their operating systems ship with Cuba's time zone and the scheduled clock change. Some users also reported that mobile data did not work until they corrected the time.
Sources: ETECSA's statement and the ministries' announcement of 24 October 2026, as reported by CiberCuba.
How to fix the time on Android
These are the steps ETECSA recommends:
- Go to Settings and then System.
- Open Date & time.
- Turn off automatic time.
- Move the clock forward one hour and check that it matches the actual time in Cuba.
How to fix the time on iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Turn off Set Automatically.
- Set the time manually: move it one hour forward from what the phone shows.
Tip: if the phone keeps changing the time, instead of setting it manually choose a time zone that stays on UTC−4 all year, such as Santo Domingo or Caracas. It will show the same time as Cuba throughout the period.
Did your relative top up and data isn't working?
Before assuming the top-up failed, ask them to check the time on their phone. A wrong time can stop data from connecting. If it still doesn't work after fixing it, write to us with the top-up number and we'll look into it.
Time difference with Cuba this winter
- Mainland Spain: 5 hours ahead of Cuba until 28 March 2027; 6 hours after that.
- Canary Islands: 4 hours ahead of Cuba until 28 March 2027; 5 hours after that.
- Miami and the US East Coast: 1 hour behind Cuba until 14 March 2027; the same time from then on.
Keep it in mind so you call your family at a good time.
Frequently asked questions
Until when will Cuba keep daylight saving time?
Until 7 November 2027, according to the official announcement of 24 October 2026.
Why did my phone change the time if Cuba didn't?
Because the phone's operating system has Cuba's clock change scheduled. Turning off automatic time and moving the clock forward one hour fixes it.
Does it affect the top-ups I send to Cuba?
No. Top-ups arrive as normal. The only thing is that, if the recipient's phone shows the wrong time, data may not connect until they fix it.
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