How to Change the Date Format in OneNote for iPad
Question details
The user needs to change the default date format displayed in OneNote on an iPad, such as switching the layout from MM/DD/YYYY to DD/MM/YYYY.
- Product
- OneNote
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Organizing notes and needing the date and time stamps to reflect a specific regional format for better readability.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote displays the date format based on the global iPad system settings rather than offering an independent in-app formatting option.
Ensure your iPad is updated to a recent version of iPadOS so you can easily navigate to the system's Language & Region settings.
Change Date Format via iPad System Settings
Since OneNote for iPad mirrors your device's global settings, you must change the date format directly in the iPad's Settings app.
OneNote for iOS and iPadOS does not have a built-in feature to change the date format independently. Instead, it relies on the global region and language settings configured on your iPad.
Navigate to your iPad's home screen and tap on the 'Settings' application.
Scroll down the left-hand menu and tap on 'General'.
On the right side of the screen, locate and tap on 'Language & Region'.
Look for the 'Date Format' option and select your preferred format (e.g., changing to DD/MM/YYYY). Alternatively, changing the overall 'Region' will automatically update the date format to match local standards.
Close the OneNote app completely by swiping it away in the app switcher, then reopen it to see the newly applied date format on your note pages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the date format in OneNote for iPad without changing my system settings?
No, currently OneNote for iPad relies entirely on the iPadOS system settings for its date and time formatting. You cannot isolate this specific change to only the OneNote app.
Why did my OneNote date format suddenly change on its own?
This typically happens if your iPad's region or language settings were updated, if you traveled to a new timezone with automatic updates enabled, or if a system software update reset your global date preferences.
How do I change the time format to a 24-hour clock in OneNote?
Similar to the date format, you must change this in your iPad's global settings. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time, and toggle on the '24-Hour Time' option. OneNote will reflect this system change.
Does changing the region to adjust the date format affect my iPad's App Store?
Changing the 'Language & Region' settings in the General tab for date formatting does not change your Apple ID App Store region. Your purchases, subscriptions, and available apps will remain unaffected.
