Resolving Zebra TC51 Time Zone Configuration Issue

Users encountered difficulty adjusting time and date settings, including the time zone, on their Zebra TC51 device with Android 8.1 and MX 10.3.0.29. Using Group>Advanced Configuration>Time Synchronization only worked on TC52 A11, not on TC51 A8.1. To resolve this, users attempted to control the time settings through the Zebra OEM config module but faced challenges due to the lack of documentation on the correct syntax for specifying the time zone.

The cause of the time synchronization issue on Zebra TC51 devices may stem from compatibility issues between the device's Android version, MX version, and the Time Synchronization feature. Variations in device configurations and software versions can also contribute to inconsistencies in time settings synchronization. Additionally, limitations or differences in the implementation of time-related features between TC51 and TC52 devices may result in discrepancies in time zone settings.

Note: Apply the following configuration on a test device first.

To manually set the time zone using the Zebra OEM config module:

1. Navigate to the Zebra OEM config module on your device.

2. Use the following syntax to specify the time zone: TimeZone=<value>

3. Replace <value> with a value starting with the prefix "GMT" followed by an offset in hours or hours and minutes. For example:

• GMT-10 (GMT minus 10 hours).
• GMT+05:30 (GMT plus 5 1/2 hours).
• An Olsen/tz Time Zone identifier (for example, "America/New_York").

Additional Information:

• The string must not exceed 255 characters.
• Leaving the value empty or absent from the XML will retain the previous time zone setting.
• For more information, refer to the Time Zone Database and Daylight Saving Time Calculator.

Compatibility and Requirements:

• This feature is available in devices running Android 13 and later.
• You can be access the feature through StageNow and compatible EMM systems or using Android Device Policy Manager (DPM) APIs.
• Ensure that the "Auto Time Zone" checkbox is unchecked to access this feature.

For additional reference, consult the Zebra MX Clock Techdocs.