Remove, change, and fasten bands

Remove, change, and fasten bands

Follow these general instructions for removing, changing, and fastening bands, and then find the instructions for your specific band later in this section. Make sure you’re replacing a band with one of the same size. The bands are sized according to the size of Apple Watch and should not be used interchangeably. Some band styles are made for a particular size Apple Watch only.

Change bands.  Press the band release button on Apple Watch, slide the band across to remove it, then slide the new band in. Never force a band into the slot. If you’re having trouble removing or inserting a band, press the band release button again.

Illustration of how to change bands.

Fasten a band.  For optimal performance, Apple Watch should fit closely on your wrist.

For best results, the back of Apple Watch needs skin contact for features like wrist detection, haptic notifications, and the heart rate sensor. Wearing Apple Watch with the right fit—not too tight, not too loose, and with room for your skin to breathe—will keep you comfortable and let the sensors do their job. You may want to tighten Apple Watch for workouts, then loosen the band when you’re done. In addition, the sensors will work only when you wear Apple Watch on the top of your wrist.

Classic Buckle

Materials include leather with stainless steel or 18-karat gold.

To fasten the classic buckle band, guide the free end up throught the loop, then back out while capturing the latch in a hole. Slip the excess under the loop.

Leather Loop

Materials include leather with stainless steel; fits the 42 mm Apple Watch only; contains magnets. For information about magnets, see “Medical device interference” in Important safety information.

To fasten the leather loop, insert the free end of the long end up through the slot in the other half, then fold it back against itself until the magnets engage.

Link Bracelet

Materials include stainless steel.

Important: Press a quick release button first so that the Link Bracelet is in two pieces before you attempt to remove or resize it.

Illustrations of sizing the link bracelet and changing the band.
To fasten the link bracelet band, fold the hinged ends toward each other until they click together.

Milanese Loop

Materials include stainless steel; contains magnets. For information about magnets, see “Medical device interference” in Important safety information.

To fasten the milanese loop band, insert the free end of the long end up through the loop on the other side of the watch, then fold it back against itself until the magnets engage.

Modern Buckle

Materials include leather with stainless steel or 18-karat gold; fits the 38 mm Apple Watch only; contains magnets. For information about magnets, see “Medical device interference” in Important safety information.

Illustration of how to size the modern buckle strap.
To fasten the modern buckle band, lay the two halves on top or each other, then press until you hear the click.

Sport Band

Materials include fluoroelastomer with stainless steel or 18-karat gold.

To fasten the sport band, press one of the holes over the metal post, then thread the excess through the gap.