How to Change Your Apple Watch Strap

Apple Watches aren’t just practical. They’re a powerful accessory, and – with the right band – they can work with any outfit, and suit any occasion. But how can you change bands? It’s easy. We’ll show you how.

If you’ve read our guide on how to replace a watch strap, then you’re probably already an expert at changing straps with quick-release and spring bar attachments. But what do you do if you have an Apple-branded smartwatch? Luckily, changing an Apple Watch strap is a quick and easy task.

What you’ll need

You’ll just need 3 things to change your Apple Watch strap:

• Your Apple Watch
• Your replacement band
• A soft, clean cloth or soft rubber mat

How to change an Apple Watch band

Use these steps if you have a standard silicone, leather, or nylon Apple Watch band

To remove:

• Turn your Apple Watch face down onto your soft cloth or rubber mat
• Press and hold the quick-release button on the back of the watch case (the small rectangular button)
• Continue holding the button down as you slide the band sideways away from the case

To replace:

• Grab your new band, and hold it so that the connector is face up
• Slide the new band sideways into the case, in the same way you slid the old band out
• Keep sliding until you hear a ‘click’ sound

How to change an Apple Watch link bracelet

Use these steps if you have a link bracelet-style Apple Watch band.

To remove:

• Join the clasp on the back of the back of the strap, as if you were wearing the watch
• Press one of the quick-release buttons on the inside of the bracelet
• While holding the button, gently pull two of the links apart to separate the band into two pieces
• Press and hold the band release button while sliding the band sideways away from the case

To replace:

• Use the quick-release buttons to remove any links to make the band the correct size for your wrist
• Grab your new band, and hold it so that the connector is face up
• Slide the new band sideways into the case, in the same way you slid the old band out
• Keep sliding until you hear a ‘click’ sound

Troubleshooting

Having issues? Here’s how to combat some of the most common problems:

The band won’t slide out! What should I do?

Don’t panic! Let go of all buttons, and try again. This time, ensure you’re pressing firmly on the band release button, and you’re continuing to press as you slide the band. You shouldn’t need to force it. If it’s still not budging, try sliding the band out in the opposite direction, or giving it a gentle wiggle.

I didn’t hear a ‘click’ when putting my new band on. Is that OK?

If you’re concentrating heavily on replacing your Apple Watch band, you may not always hear the ‘click’. That doesn’t mean your strap isn’t properly in place. To check if the new band is in right, give it a wiggle without pressing on the release button. If it’s in correctly, the new strap shouldn’t move.

Why does my new Apple watch band keep moving?

It’s likely that the new band you’ve put onto your watch isn’t quite in the right place, so it hasn’t locked properly into the mechanism. If this happens, centre the band against the watch case, and gently push it into place. You should hear the ‘click’, telling you that the new band is now secure.

Can I use any watch strap?

Not all watch straps will fit an Apple Watch, so it’s important to make sure that any band you’re changing to is designed to work with this style of watch. While you can buy official Apple-branded straps, it’s usually more cost-effective to choose an Apple-compatible band. These aren’t made by Apple themselves (so you won’t pay Apple prices), but they are specially designed to work seamlessly with Apple-branded devices. By opting for compatible straps, you’ll often find that you’re able to choose from a much wider selection of materials and designs, so you can customise your look for less.

What size Apple Watch strap do I need?

Take a quick look at your Apple Watch. You’ll see that the case size is engraved on the back, so it’s easy to figure out what size you need. For example, if you have a 38mm case, look for a 38mm band.

To make things even easier, Apple has made some cases and bands compatible with each other:

• 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases can use the same bands
• 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm cases can use the same bands
• 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm cases can use the same bands

Ready to customise your look?

As you can see, changing your Apple Watch strap is a straightforward process that allows you to personalise your watch to match your style or occasion. By following the simple steps outlined, whether you're switching out a standard band or a link bracelet, you can easily achieve a secure fit.