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Asked: 2024-09-26T23:32:57+05:30 In:

How can I synchronize the system time with a network time server using timedatectl on Ubuntu 18.04?

I’ve been trying to get my system time on Ubuntu 18.04 synced with a network time server, but I’m kind of hitting a wall here and could really use some help. So, here’s the deal: I’m not entirely new to Linux, but when it comes to some of the more detailed stuff like time synchronization, I often feel lost. I’ve heard about this tool called `timedatectl`, which seems like it should do the trick, but I’m not sure how to use it effectively.

The other day, I noticed my system clock was way off, and it’s messing with a few things I’m trying to do, especially when scheduling tasks with cron jobs. I did a bit of digging around online and found some threads about using `timedatectl` to sync with NTP servers, but honestly, the explanations went right over my head! I mean, I understand the basics about NTP and how it’s supposed to keep your system clock aligned with the real world, but the commands just leave me scratching my head.

What I’d love to know is: How exactly do I get started with this? Do I need to enable NTP before I can sync the time? And once it’s enabled, how do I tell it to sync with a specific network time server? It’d be great if someone could walk me through the process or at least give me some clear commands that I should run.

Also, are there any common pitfalls to watch out for? I’ve messed up things in the terminal before, and it usually takes ages to recover! If there’s any specific configuration file I should look into or edit, I’d really appreciate that info too.

I know it’s probably a straightforward process for some folks out there, but I could use a little guidance. If anyone has done this before and can share their experience or tips, it would really help me out. Thanks a ton!

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    1. Syncing Time on Ubuntu 18.04

      Getting Started with `timedatectl` for NTP Sync

      First off, no worries! Syncing time with NTP using `timedatectl` is definitely doable. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.

      1. Check Current Time Settings

      Open a terminal and run:

      timedatectl

      This command shows you your current time settings. Look for the line that says NTP enabled:. If it says no, then let’s fix that!

      2. Enable NTP

      To enable NTP (Network Time Protocol), you need to run this command:

      sudo timedatectl set-ntp true

      This tells your system to start syncing the time with NTP servers automatically.

      3. Specify a Custom NTP Server (Optional)

      If you want to sync with a specific time server, you might need to edit the configuration file. Open the file with:

      sudo nano /etc/systemd/timesyncd.conf

      Find the line that looks like #NTP=. Remove the # and add your NTP server, like this:

      NTP=pool.ntp.org

      Save and exit (in nano, it’s CTRL + X, then Y, then Enter).

      4. Restart the Time Synchronization Service

      After making changes, restart the service with:

      sudo systemctl restart systemd-timesyncd

      This makes sure your changes take effect.

      5. Check Status Again

      Run timedatectl again to see if NTP is now enabled and syncing. Keep an eye on the Server and NTP synchronized lines to make sure everything looks good.

      Common Pitfalls

      • Make sure your internet connection is active; otherwise, NTP can’t reach the servers.
      • If you have a firewall, ensure it allows NTP traffic (UDP port 123).
      • Sometimes, it might take a bit for the time to sync, so be patient.

      What to Do If Things Go Wrong

      Don’t sweat it! If something doesn’t work as expected, you can always revert your changes. Just run:

      sudo timedatectl set-ntp false

      And then disable the NTP service if needed.

      Conclusion

      That’s pretty much it! Now you should have your system time synced with a network time server. If you have more questions or run into issues, feel free to ask!


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