Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about timezone conversion, meeting scheduling, and using Timezone Assistant for global teams.
How do I use the timezone converter?
Using Timezone Assistant is simple: search for cities or time zones using the search bar, add multiple locations to compare, and the tool will display all times side-by-side. You can drag and drop timezones to reorder them, click on any time slot to see it in all timezones, and use the "Find Best Time" feature to automatically find meeting times that work for everyone.
Does the timezone converter account for Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Yes! Timezone Assistant automatically accounts for Daylight Saving Time changes. The tool uses real-time timezone data and updates automatically when DST begins or ends in different regions. You'll see a warning indicator if a DST change is happening in a selected timezone within the current week.
How do I find the best meeting time across multiple time zones?
After adding at least two timezones, click the "Find Best Time" button. The tool will analyze working hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM local time) across all selected timezones and highlight time slots where everyone is available. Green areas indicate working hours, yellow areas are flexible hours, and red areas are off-hours.
Can I add the meeting time to Google Calendar or Outlook?
Yes! Once you've selected a meeting time by clicking on a time slot, you'll see options to "Add to Google Calendar" or "Download .ics file" (which works with Outlook, Apple Calendar, and other calendar applications). The calendar event will include the correct time for your timezone.
What is the difference between UTC and GMT?
UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) are often used interchangeably, but technically GMT is a time zone while UTC is a time standard. For practical purposes, they're the same (UTC+0). Timezone Assistant supports both UTC and GMT references, and you can toggle UTC mode to see all times displayed in UTC.
How do I convert UTC to my local time zone?
Search for "UTC" in the timezone search bar and add it to your comparison. Then add your local city or timezone. The tool will show you both times side-by-side, making it easy to see the conversion. You can also use the UTC toggle button to display all times in UTC format.
Can I save my frequently used timezone groups?
Yes! After adding your team's timezones, click the "Save" button (folder icon) to save the current selection with a custom name like "Engineering Team" or "Global Sales". You can then load saved groups anytime using the "Load" button, making it quick to switch between different team configurations.
How accurate is the timezone converter?
Timezone Assistant uses authoritative timezone databases that are updated regularly to reflect current timezone rules, including DST changes and political timezone adjustments. The times displayed are accurate to the second and update in real-time.
Does the tool work on mobile devices?
Yes! Timezone Assistant is fully responsive and works on all devices including smartphones and tablets. The interface adapts to smaller screens, and you can still use all features including drag-and-drop reordering, searching, and calendar integration.
Is Timezone Assistant free to use?
Yes, Timezone Assistant is completely free to use. There are no sign-ups required, no hidden fees, and no usage limits. It's a free tool built and maintained by HiveDesk to help global teams coordinate more effectively. For teams that need comprehensive workforce management—including time tracking, scheduling, and activity monitoring—HiveDesk offers a complete platform. BPOs and contact centers managing teams across multiple countries can also explore [Globalify](https://globalify.com) for access to vetted talent pools in 8 countries.
How do I share a timezone comparison with my team?
Click the "Share" button (share icon) after setting up your timezone comparison. This generates a unique URL that you can copy and send to your team. When they open the link, they'll see the exact same timezone configuration you created.
What time zones are supported?
Timezone Assistant supports all major timezones worldwide, including all IANA timezone identifiers. You can search by city name, country, or timezone name (e.g., "America/New_York", "Europe/London", "Asia/Tokyo"). The tool recognizes common aliases and abbreviations.
How do I customize working hours for a specific timezone?
Click the settings icon next to any timezone in your list. You can set custom working hours (e.g., 8 AM to 6 PM instead of the default 9 AM to 5 PM). This helps the "Find Best Time" feature identify meeting slots that work for teams with non-standard schedules.
Can I use this for scheduling across US time zones?
Absolutely! Timezone Assistant is perfect for coordinating across US time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii). The tool automatically handles DST transitions for each timezone, so you'll always see accurate times regardless of the season.
What's the difference between a timezone converter and a world clock?
A world clock typically shows the current time in multiple locations simultaneously. A timezone converter like Timezone Assistant goes further by helping you find the best meeting times, visualizing working hours, and providing calendar integration. It's designed specifically for scheduling and coordination, not just time display.
Still have questions?
Try Timezone Assistant yourself—it's free and requires no sign-up.
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