How to Change 24-Hour to 12-Hour Clock Format on Mac !
If you’ve recently switched from Windows to macOS and find the 24-hour clock format a bit confusing, you’re definitely not alone. Many users prefer the familiar 12-hour clock with AM and PM indicators—especially for quick glances at the menu bar or lock screen.
Luckily, macOS makes it easy to switch between 24-hour and 12-hour formats in just a few steps.
To change the time format on your M4 Mac Mini (or any macOS device), click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and choose System Settings. From the sidebar, select General, then click on Date & Time.
In the Date & Time section, you'll find a toggle labeled 24-Hour Time. If it’s turned on, your Mac is currently using the 24-hour format. Simply switch it off to enable the 12-hour format with AM/PM.
If there's a separate option for the lock screen, you can turn off 24-hour time there as well to keep everything consistent.
Once updated, your Mac will immediately reflect the 12-hour format across the system—from the menu bar to the Notification Center and login screen.
This is especially helpful if you’re used to the time format used in regions like the U.S., Canada, or Australia, or just prefer a more intuitive way to read the time.
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