One Button to Set FANUC Language and Time| Full Guide + Video

1. Introduction

Sometimes, the simplest functions on a FANUC system are hidden in plain sight. If you’ve ever wondered how to adjust the time or change the display language, the answer lies in a single button — but we’ll get to that in a moment.

2. When You Need to Change FANUC Language or Time

There are several situations where you may need to update your FANUC system’s time or language settings:

After replacing the mainboard or resetting the system parameters

When the system battery is replaced and the clock resets

When you receive a machine configured in another language (e.g., Japanese to English)

To keep your machine log and alarm timestamps accurate

Keeping these settings correct helps ensure proper documentation, easier troubleshooting, and better usability.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Change FANUC Language or Time

Step 1: Change FANUC System Time and Date

To adjust the system time and date on a FANUC control, follow these steps carefully:

  1. After powering on the machine, press the OFS/SET key.
  2. Select [SETTING] from the menu.
  3. Locate the option “Parameter Write”.
  • Change its value from 0 (Not Writable) to 1 (Writable).
  • The system will display a message confirming that parameter write mode has been enabled.
  1. Press the OFS/SET key again and scroll down the page until you find the time and date settings section.
  • This page usually includes Power-On Time, Cutting Time, Date, and other related information.
  1. Move the cursor to the field you want to change — for example, the Date field.
  2. Enter the new date and time (Format: YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS) and press INPUT to confirm.
  3. The system will immediately update the displayed values, showing the new date and time.

Tip: You can also modify other time-related settings, such as total power-on time or cutting time, in the same way.

Step 2: Change FANUC System Language

This method applies to FANUC 0i-D and 0i-F series controls. If you’d like to see how it works on other FANUC series, feel free to contact us.

  1. Power on the control and wait until the main screen appears.
  2. Press the OFS/SET key on the panel — the same button used earlier for the time setting.
  3. Scroll to the right and find the “Language” option in the system menu.
  4. Select the language you want to switch to (e.g., English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.).
  5. Click “Operation”, then “OK”, and wait for the screen to refresh.

That’s it — your FANUC CNC display language has now been successfully changed!

Set FANUC Language and Time button

4. Video Tutorial: Change FANUC Language or Time

Watch the full video below to see every step in action!

These two video demonstrates how to modify both settings quickly and safely using the same OFS/SET button.

For more real repair cases and technical insights, check out our YouTube channel
— we regularly share CNC system tips videos.

5. Common Issues and Solutions

Issue

Possible Cause

Solution

Time or date doesn’t save after restart

CMOS battery is low or dead

Replace the system battery

Language change doesn’t apply immediately

System not rebooted

Restart the controller after saving

Cannot find DATE/TIME option

Older system version

Modify through parameters manually

OFS/SET button not responding

Panel configuration issue

Check soft key mapping or contact support

6. Conclusion

Both system time and language settings on FANUC controls can be adjusted easily — and surprisingly — through the same OFS/SET button.
Regularly checking your system clock ensures accurate alarm and operation logs, which are essential for maintenance and troubleshooting.

If you found this guide useful, check out our other tutorial here.

FAQ

How do I change the language on my FANUC CNC system?

To change the FANUC display language, press the OFS/SET key, scroll to Language, and select your preferred option. Confirm by pressing OK and restart the control if needed.

Most FANUC 0i-D, 0i-F, and later series support this method. Older models may require language changes through system parameters instead.

After powering on, press OFS/SET → SETTING, enable parameter writing, then go to the DATE/TIME section. Enter the correct date and time format (YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS) and press INPUT.

This usually happens when the system battery is weak or dead. Replace the backup battery on the mainboard to keep time and parameters stored correctly.

No. Changing the system display language only alters the interface text. It does not affect machine parameters, programs, or memory data.

Yes — both settings are accessed through the OFS/SET key, making it a convenient central menu for basic system configuration.

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Step 1: Contact Us:

Get in touch with us and provide as much detail as possible about the issue you are experiencing.

Our professional repair team will help assess the severity of the problem and the possibility of repair.

  • If the fault is likely repairable, we will provide an initial quote and arrange for logistics to collect the item.
  • If the fault is difficult to repair, we will suggest replacing the parts and offer a special discount quote for your reference.

The customer sends or delivers the servo drive to our company. We register it in our system and prepare it for further inspection.

Our engineers diagnose the fault points of the servo drive and provide a detailed inspection report, including the final repair cost and estimated repair time.

We provide the repair quote to the customer and wait for their confirmation. If the customer agrees to the quote, we proceed with the repair. 

Upon customer approval, we carry out the necessary repairs. After repairs are completed, we perform tests with the motor and conduct aging tests to ensure the servo drive operates reliably under various conditions. Once the testing is successful, we register the drive for delivery.

The customer completes the payment, and we deliver the repaired servo drive to the customer.

We provide attentive follow-up service to ensure customer satisfaction and address any further needs.

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