The /time command is a powerful tool in Minecraft that lets you control the in-game time. Whether you want to instantly switch to daytime to avoid mobs, set the perfect sunset for screenshots, or check how long your world has been running, this command has you covered. It works in both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, though there are some key differences.

Understanding Minecraft's Daylight Cycle

Minecraft's day-night cycle lasts 20 real-world minutes, or 24,000 game ticks. Time progresses at 20 ticks per second. Here's a breakdown of key times:
Time of Day Ticks Description
Sunrise 0 Start of the day
Day 1,000 Morning (mobs despawn)
Noon 6,000 Midday
Sunset 12,000 End of day (Bedrock preset)
Night 13,000 Darkness begins (mobs spawn)
Midnight 18,000 Peak night
Sunrise 23,000 Dawn (Bedrock preset)

Prerequisites

  • Singleplayer: Create or edit a world with "Allow Cheats" enabled.
  • Realms/Servers: You need operator (OP) permissions.
  • Open the chat with T (Java) or / (Bedrock).

Basic Syntax

The command structure is similar across editions:

/time

/time set

Sets the time to a specific value or preset.

 
/time set day
/time set noon
/time set night
/time set midnight
/time set 6000  (sets to noon)
Note (Bedrock Edition): Presets like day advance time forward to reach that point, rather than jumping backward. Use /time set 1000 for direct setting.

/time add

Adds ticks to the current time (advances forward).

/time add 1000     (adds 50 seconds)
 /time add 1d       (adds 1 day - Java only)
 /time add 24000    (adds 1 full day)

/time query

Checks the current time.

/time query daytime   (ticks into current day: 0-23,999)
 /time query gametime  (total ticks since world creation)
 /time query day       (number of full days passed)

Practical Examples

  1. Make it daytime instantly:
    /time set day
  2. Skip to night for mob farming:
    /time set night
  3. Fast-forward 10 minutes:
    /time add 12000
  4. Check world age:
    /time query gametime
  5. Set to day 100 at noon:
    /time set 24039000 (100 * 24000 + 6000)

Stopping or Freezing Time

To pause the daylight cycle (time still advances internally for some mechanics):

/gamerule doDaylightCycle false

Resume with true. Note: This doesn't stop gametime.

Warning: In Java Edition 26.1+, advanced features like world clocks and pause/resume are available for precise control in custom dimensions.

Java vs. Bedrock Differences

Feature Java Edition Bedrock Edition
/time set presets Sets directly Advances forward only
Extra presets - sunrise (23,000), sunset (12,000)
Time units d, s, t (e.g., 0.5d) Ticks only
Upcoming World clocks, pause/resume Stable core commands

Tips and Tricks

  • Use command blocks for automated cycles: /time add 1000 on a repeating block.
  • Combine with /weather clear for perfect conditions.
  • For redstone contraptions, query time to trigger events at specific hours.
  • In singleplayer, time pauses when the game is minimized (Java).