Accurate system time is critical for SSL certificates, logs, cron jobs, and distributed systems. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS uses systemd-timesyncd as the default NTP client. This guide shows you how to configure it, verify time synchronisation, and optionally switch to a different NTP server pool.

Tested and valid on:

  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS server
  • A user with sudo privileges
  • Internet connectivity

Step 1 – Check Current Time Status

View the current time, timezone, and NTP status:

timedatectl

Step 2 – Enable and Start timesyncd

The service is usually active by default. Ensure it is running:

sudo systemctl enable systemd-timesyncd
sudo systemctl start systemd-timesyncd

Step 3 – Enable NTP Synchronisation

Activate time synchronisation via timedatectl:

sudo timedatectl set-ntp true

Verify:

timedatectl show

Step 4 – Configure NTP Servers

Edit the timesyncd configuration to use specific servers:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/timesyncd.conf

Uncomment and set your preferred pool:

[Time]
NTP=0.ubuntu.pool.ntp.org 1.ubuntu.pool.ntp.org
FallbackNTP=ntp.ubuntu.com

Step 5 – Restart timesyncd

Apply the new configuration:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-timesyncd

Step 6 – Verify Synchronisation

Check the synchronisation source and offset:

timedatectl timesync-status

Step 7 – Set the Timezone

List available timezones:

timedatectl list-timezones | grep Europe

Set your timezone:

sudo timedatectl set-timezone Europe/London

Conclusion

Your Ubuntu 26.04 LTS server is now keeping accurate time via systemd-timesyncd. For higher-precision or server-grade NTP requirements consider switching to chrony or a full NTPd installation.