If timedatectl reports System clock synchronized: no, first identify which time service owns the clock, then verify that it can exchange NTP packets over UDP port 123. On most VPSs, a single, correctly configured chrony instance is the most practical solution. A running service is not proof of synchronization: you must confirm a selected source and valid replies.
Antihost offers Linux VPS plans with full root access, unlimited traffic on a 1 Gbps port and a 14-day free trial.
This guide takes you from diagnosis to a persistent fix, including competing daemons, firewalls, large clock offsets, virtual-machine time sources, and the choice between chrony and systemd-timesyncd.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What “not synchronized” actually means
timedatectl exposes two different facts. NTP service: active means a supported time service is enabled or running. System clock synchronized: yes means the system has obtained and accepted time from a valid source. The first can be true while the second remains false because DNS, UDP traffic, source selection, or a competing daemon is broken.
For chrony, use its own evidence as well as timedatectl:
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
chronyc trackingshows the selected source, reference state, offset, frequency, and other clock parameters.chronyc sources -vlists configured sources, their reachability, and selection state. A^*marker identifies the current source;^+identifies a usable candidate.- A
Reachvalue of0means chrony has received no valid responses from that source. Treat it as a network, DNS, server, or policy problem before changing poll intervals.
A correct clock matters to TLS certificates, package repositories, log ordering, scheduled jobs, authentication, monitoring, and game-server events. It does not require the guest clock to be perfect to the microsecond; it does require a stable, trusted source and a daemon that can recover after drift or a virtual-machine pause.
Identify the active time manager before changing anything
Do not install or enable another daemon until you know what is already controlling the clock. Run these commands as an administrator:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →date -u
timedatectl
systemctl list-units --type=service | grep -E 'chrony|chronyd|timesyncd|ntp'Then inspect each service that appears:
systemctl status chrony --no-pager
systemctl status chronyd --no-pager
systemctl status systemd-timesyncd --no-pager
systemctl status ntp --no-pagerSome distributions call the unit chrony; others use chronyd. Package and unit names therefore need to match your distribution. Ubuntu’s documentation also warns that timedatectl steps back when chrony is installed. Leave only one network time manager adjusting the guest clock: chrony, systemd-timesyncd, or ntpd, not several at once.
timedatectl set-ntp true asks the distribution to enable its supported network-time service. It does not repair a blocked network path, select a valid chrony source, or prove that synchronization has completed, so inspect the service and its logs afterward.
Use a repeatable diagnostic sequence
1. Record the current state
Capture the UTC clock, synchronization flag, active units, and recent messages before editing configuration:
date -u
timedatectl
systemctl list-units --type=service | grep -E 'chrony|chronyd|timesyncd|ntp'
journalctl -b -p warning..err --no-pagerSave this output if you need to involve your VPS provider. The timestamps in the logs help distinguish a persistent configuration fault from a clock jump after suspension or host maintenance.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
2. Check chrony’s view of the sources
If chrony is active, run:
chronyc tracking
chronyc sources -v
chronyc sourcestats -v
journalctl -u chrony -b --no-pagerUse journalctl -u chronyd instead when that is the unit name. In the sources output, look for a selected ^* source, one or more ^+ candidates, a non-zero Reach, and current sample data. If every source has Reach 0, changing the preferred server or poll interval is unlikely to help until replies can reach the VPS.
3. Check the simpler systemd client
For systemd-timesyncd, inspect both service state and its status command:
systemctl status systemd-timesyncd --no-pager
timedatectl timesync-status
timedatectl show-timesync --allThe exact fields vary by systemd release. You are looking for a configured server, a recent successful exchange, and a state that is not merely “service running.” Do not run this client alongside chrony or ntpd.
Choose one client for the VPS
Chrony is generally the better default when a VPS needs more than a minimal client: it handles changing network conditions, learns local clock drift, offers detailed source diagnostics, and is designed for systems that may be disconnected or resumed. The chrony project recommends it over timesyncd when a full-featured client is desired.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorssystemd-timesyncd implements SNTP only. It is intentionally small and suits a simple systemd-managed machine with reliable, trusted sources. It steps large offsets and slews smaller ones, but it exposes fewer source-selection and troubleshooting controls than chrony.
| Aspect | chrony | systemd-timesyncd |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol and features | Full NTP client with richer source selection and diagnostics | Minimal SNTP service; large offsets are stepped and smaller offsets are slewed |
| Practical fit | VPSs with measurable drift, multiple sources, intermittent connectivity, or detailed troubleshooting needs | Simple systemd-managed clients with dependable sources |
| Diagnostics | chronyc tracking, sources, and sourcestats |
timedatectl timesync-status and systemctl status systemd-timesyncd |
| Conflict rule | Must not run concurrently with systemd-timesyncd or ntpd | Must not run concurrently with chrony or ntpd |
Chrony’s current FAQ recommends at least three NTP servers for reliable operation. Use several trustworthy sources or the source documented by your VPS provider rather than relying on one public server.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
Install and activate chrony without leaving a competing daemon running
On Debian- and Ubuntu-family systems, a typical migration is:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install chrony
sudo systemctl disable --now systemd-timesyncd 2>/dev/null || true
sudo systemctl enable --now chrony
systemctl status chrony --no-pagerIf your distribution installs a chronyd unit, substitute that name in the final commands. Before enabling it, stop and disable any active ntpd service as well. Do not mask a service blindly on a distribution that uses it as the supported default; confirm the replacement is installed and starts successfully first.
Recommended Free Tools
On Ubuntu 25.10, Canonical’s current server documentation makes chrony the default instead of systemd-timesyncd. Older Ubuntu releases and other distributions can still use different defaults, so inspect the units rather than assuming the release’s behavior.
Apply a conservative chrony configuration
A minimal Internet-client configuration from the chrony project is:
pool pool.ntp.org iburst
driftfile /var/lib/chrony/drift
makestep 1 3
rtcsyncUse the drift-file path supplied by your distribution; it can differ from the example. The directives have distinct jobs:
poollets chrony obtain several addresses from a pool. You can instead use several explicitserverlines, preferably from a provider-approved source or a set of trustworthy servers.iburstsends a short burst at startup so the initial measurement completes faster. It does not bypass a firewall.driftfilestores chrony’s estimate of the guest clock’s natural rate of gain or loss, improving behavior after restart.makestep 1 3permits a large correction during the first three updates when the offset exceeds one second. Without a step allowance, chrony normally slews the clock gradually.rtcsyncallows the kernel to copy the synchronized system time to a real-time clock where that mechanism exists. Many VPSs have no meaningful emulated RTC, so its effect depends on the platform.
Edit the configuration file named by your distribution, then restart and immediately inspect the result:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
sudo systemctl restart chrony # or chronyd
chronyc tracking
chronyc sources -vDo not add a large list of unrelated servers to hide a fault. A smaller set of known, reachable sources makes source selection and packet captures easier to interpret.
Prove that DNS and UDP 123 work
NTP requests and replies normally use UDP port 123. A successful ICMP ping proves only that some ICMP traffic works; it does not prove that NTP packets leave the VPS or that replies are allowed back.
Resolve the configured names
Check every hostname shown by chronyc sources -v or in the timesyncd configuration:
getent ahosts pool.ntp.org
resolvectl query pool.ntp.orgIf resolution fails, fix the VPS resolver, local DNS policy, or provider DNS settings first. If names resolve to addresses that are unreachable from the VPS network, use a provider-documented source or another valid server.
Inspect outbound and return policy
- Review cloud security-group or network ACL egress rules for UDP/123.
- Review the VPS host firewall, such as nftables, iptables, or a distribution firewall.
- For a stateless firewall, allow the return traffic as well as the outbound request.
- Check provider-level restrictions on public NTP and any policy that requires a local time endpoint.
When Reach remains zero, use logs and a packet capture rather than repeatedly editing the configuration. Chrony’s troubleshooting guidance recommends packet inspection with tools such as tcpdump or Wireshark when a firewall is suspected.
sudo tcpdump -ni any udp port 123Start the capture, wait through a polling attempt, and compare outbound requests with inbound replies. Requests without replies point to a route, security rule, server, or return-path problem. Replies visible on the interface but not reflected in chrony suggest local filtering or a daemon/configuration issue.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
Correct a large offset safely
Chrony normally slews a small error so applications see a continuous rate of change. A very large error may take too long to correct by slewing, which is why the baseline includes makestep. systemd-timesyncd similarly steps large offsets and slews smaller ones.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Avoid repeatedly running date -s or another manual clock-setting command while a daemon is active. Manual jumps can make source selection and logs confusing and can disturb applications that depend on ordered timestamps or a stable monotonic timeline. If the initial offset is severe, stop the competing manager, ensure chrony has a reachable source, allow the configured startup step, and then verify chronyc tracking.
After a step, check services that are sensitive to time changes: authentication, TLS, schedulers, databases, and game servers that persist event timestamps. A one-time correction is different from a clock that repeatedly jumps; recurring jumps usually require investigation of the virtualization host or suspension behavior.
Use the VPS provider’s time source when appropriate
A virtual machine may receive time from a host clock or a provider-operated link-local service. Provider guidance can be more reliable than sending traffic to public Internet servers, especially when public UDP/123 is filtered.
Azure virtual machines
Azure documents host synchronization and, for supported Linux VM configurations, the /dev/ptp_hyperv device. Follow the current image and kernel requirements for your VM type. A host or PTP source is not interchangeable with another provider’s endpoint; use only the mechanism documented for the Azure environment.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
AWS EC2
AWS documents the local Amazon Time Sync Service at 169.254.169.123 and recommends it as the direct EC2 source. Because it is link-local, do not test it as though it were a normal Internet address, and do not copy it to a VPS hosted elsewhere.
If your provider publishes a time-source hostname, PTP device, or special route, prefer that documentation over a generic public pool. Provider images and kernels can change their supported method, so verify the instructions for the exact image and region.
Verify the fix after restart and under normal load
Synchronization that works once but fails after a reboot, host migration, or busy period is not fixed. Recheck the state at several points:
Quick Recap
- Immediately after enabling or restarting the chosen service, run
timedatectl,chronyc tracking, andchronyc sources -v(ortimedatectl timesync-statusfor timesyncd). - After the first few polls, confirm that a source is selected,
Reachis non-zero for chrony, and the offset and frequency are settling. - Reboot the VPS and repeat the checks. Confirm that the same single manager starts and that its configuration and drift file are readable.
- Observe the VPS during normal CPU and network load. A stable service should continue receiving valid samples rather than losing every source when the machine is busy.
- If the clock jumps after host maintenance, suspension, or migration, collect service logs with their timestamps and open a provider ticket. Include the observed jump, the selected source, and whether the guest was paused.
Common symptoms and the next action
| Symptom | Most useful next check |
|---|---|
System clock synchronized: no while a service is active |
Inspect the manager’s own status: chronyc tracking and sources -v, or timedatectl timesync-status. |
Every chrony source shows Reach 0 |
Verify DNS, UDP/123 egress, return traffic, security groups, host firewall rules, and packet capture results. |
| Both chrony and timesyncd (or ntpd) are running | Choose one manager, stop and disable the others, then restart the selected service. |
| Clock is far wrong immediately after boot | Confirm a reachable source and a startup makestep policy; avoid repeated manual clock changes. |
| Synchronization disappears after a VM pause or host event | Check provider-specific host, PTP, or link-local time guidance and provide logs to the provider if the behavior repeats. |
Final checklist
- One and only one guest time manager is enabled.
- The selected service is active and its logs show no persistent errors.
- DNS resolves every configured source.
- UDP/123 requests and replies are permitted, including return traffic through stateless firewalls.
- Chrony has a non-zero
Reachand a selected^*source, or timesyncd reports a successful exchange. - The configuration uses several trustworthy sources or the VPS provider’s documented endpoint.
- Large initial offsets are handled by an intentional step policy rather than repeated manual changes.
- Synchronization survives reboot, normal load, and expected virtual-machine lifecycle events.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
