No two Apple Watch owners are alike. From the combination of apps on the device to the size and color of the Apple Watch itself to the actual Apple Watch band material itself, the Apple-branded smartwatch is known for its remarkable versatility and unique customizability.
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However, it’s the last of these that remains the least known: the ability to change an Apple Watch band. How can it be done? Not to mention, why change a band in the first place?
Below, we’ve outlined the steps necessary to change an Apple Watch band. Regardless of your band material, your Apple Watch size, generation, or color, these steps will help you remove the Apple Watch band you have on now and attach a new band in its place.
Additionally, we’ll talk about some of the reasons why you might want to change an Apple Watch band in the first place. Follow along with the photos and steps below.
Why Change an Apple Watch Band?
Before learning how to change an Apple Watch band, it helps to understand why you’d want to change it in the first place. As it turns out, there are several reasons beyond the simple fact that you can. From comfort levels to skin sensitivities to fashion statements, these are the top reasons to change an Apple Watch band.
Comfort
Firstly, there’s comfort. There are currently more than a dozen different Apple Watch band types in the Apple Store. This number increases exponentially when you realize that the Apple Store isn’t the only place to find bands, either.
From nylon to leather to stainless steel to rubber to polyester and countless other materials in between, changing an Apple Watch band is synonymous with changing your watch’s comfort level. If the band is too firm on your wrist while working out, you can consider switching to a more flexible material.
If your band is too flashy for a professional meeting, you can class up your Apple Watch with a stainless steel band. The possibilities and reasons are endless, but one thing is a constant across all these materials: to change an Apple Watch band is to change the kind of comfort you’re going to experience while wearing it.
Allergies
Secondly, there are allergies. Sometimes, our skin doesn’t react very well to an irritating material. This is especially true when the material gets all sweaty and dirty during a workout or outdoor excursion. (Not to mention those of us who are allergic to some synthetic materials.)
For this reason, many Apple Watch users with skin sensitivities will switch out their standard Apple Watch bands for some hypoallergenic, skin-friendly ones instead. Whether you have a rubber allergy, a metal allergy, a synthetics allergy, or simply find your Apple Watch band irritating your skin for some reason, changing it can be a great way to put a stop to frequent allergic reactions.
There are many third-party sellers out there who specialize in hypoallergenic Apple Watch bands. The same goes for Apple Watch bands for people with sensitive skin.
Style
Thirdly, there’s style. With more than a dozen band types and band colors, three different band collections, and seven different Apple Watch sizes in the Apple Store alone, the customization options are seemingly endless.
Once you’ve opened up your search to the entire internet, those customization options become even greater. There are innumerable options for you to choose from out there, each with its own unique style.
The Apple Watch is more than just a thing that tells you the time. When you change an Apple Watch band, you’re making a statement whether you’re intending to or not.
That statement can be understated and minimalist with a plain-colored sport band, or it can be high fashion with a luxury Apple Watch Hermès band. Or, it can be anything in between these two opposite ends of the spectrum.
How to Change an Apple Watch Band
Here are the three simple steps you need to follow in order to change an Apple Watch band. These steps remain the same no matter what generation, size, or material your Apple Watch or band is made of. Follow along with the steps and photos below, and you’ll be sporting your new Apple Watch band in no time.
Step 1: Turn the Apple Watch Over
To begin, turn your Apple Watch over so that the face of the Watch is facing down. You’ll want the back of the Watch to be facing upwards toward you. Here, you’ll see two release buttons; one on either side of the Watch casing.
Step 2: Remove the Band
With the Apple Watch still turned over, press your finger hard on one of the release buttons. These buttons can be tricky to press, so it might help to use your fingernail to press down. While pressing, slide the Apple Watch band out. This is another part that takes some effort, but fear not: it’ll budge.
Step 3: Slide the New Band In
Once the Apple Watch bands have been removed from both sides, you can now slide the new Band in their place. You may hear a slight click when the new Band is in place, but a better indicator that the Apple Watch band is secured in place is if it stays immobile when pulled and doesn’t start to move back out again.
