Remove Apple Watch band without snapping it

I bet, one of the first things you do to clean your watch is to remove Apple Watch band that comes with it. That’s necessary because it gets exposed to messy surroundings much of the time and therefore, needs to be cleaned periodically. Else, it can get thick with grime.

How to remove Apple Watch Band?

While the guidelines around the proper way to remove the band from its dial are not quite as clearly defined, it’s quite easy to swap out your band and clean it. Or replace it with the one you desire. To remove Apple Watch Band from the Watch’s Dial or change the Apple watch band, follow these instructions.

1. Untie the Apple Watch from your wrist.
2. Hold your Apple Watch face down.
3. Press the Apple watch band release button.
4. Slide the band to remove it.
5. Clean it and fasten the band again.

The Bands for Apple Watch come in different sizes but bands for Apple watch band 38mm and 40mm cases are compatible with each other while bands for 42mm and 44mm cases are compatible with each other.

How do you remove the band from an Apple Watch?

Loosen the Apple Watch a bit to free it from your wrist. Then, hold it with its screen surface facing down. Take care to avoid any scratches on the display.

Then, press the band release button as shown in the image above. It can be seen on the rear side of the dial.

Now, just slide the band to gently remove it from the smartwatch dial. Then, clean it or slide the new band in.

Apple Watch band stuck

If you find the Apple Watch band stuck, try dabbing a swab in WD 40 cleaner and applying it to the band. It’s a multi-use product that can help clean up rust or other grime.

How to put on Apple Watch Band

The dial of your smartwatch has 2 connectors at both ends to securely lock the straps or bands. Slide the replacement band into the notch corresponding to it. You should hear a click sound, confirming a proper locked seating. Now, repeat the same steps for the other side.

Note – do not try to force a band into the slot. Also, if you are using a loop band, make sure that both sides are in alignment with your watch dial and the band you are wearing fits rightly—not too tight, not too loose!

Please see that the back of your Apple Watch needs skin contact for features like wrist detection, haptic notifications, and the heart rate sensor. So, the band should be cleaned regularly or removed and replaced with a new one to let the sensors do their job.

Learn How to flip the Apple Watch screen to match your wrist orientation.