Changing your Apple Watch wrist strap can add versatility and comfort to your accessories, especially if the band is beginning to wear out. First, however, you‘ll need to know how to change your wristband and what size suits you beforehand.
Remove your original band by holding the release buttons on the backside of the watch and sliding out the band. Then slide in the new wrist strap. Most men can use a medium wrist strap, while small and medium suits women. However, this depends on the individual.
Don‘t panic if you aren‘t sure what size wrist strap to purchase. There are easy ways to find out what suits you, and the installation process is straightforward. We cover everything you need to know in the article below.
How Do You Change an Apple Watch Band?
Changing an Apple Watch wrist strap is a straightforward process; we cover the steps in more detail below.
How to Remove Your Apple Watch Wrist Strap
Luckily, changing your Apple Watch band to a new one (example on Amazon) is a cinch:
- Set your Apple Watch face down on a stable and clean surface. A micro-fiber cloth or desktop mat works well.
- Ensure your Apple Watch is turned off to prevent accidental taps.
- Press and hold the Band Release button on the rear side of the Apple Watch. You may need to use your fingernail to access the switch.
Note: Each Apple Watch has two band release buttons. The buttons are on the top and bottom of the device‘s rear side. The release buttons are the same color as the device‘s backside, but they should be noticeable.
- Hold the buttons down and slide the strap across to remove them.
- After the strap slides out, you can let go of the release button. If the wrist strap doesn‘t budge, hold the release button again.
- Repeat this process for the rest of the wrist strap.
How to Install a New Apple Watch Wrist Strap
Now that you‘ve removed the original wrist strap, you can install a new one with the straightforward steps below. Remember that the Apple Watch doesn‘t use a typical watch strap, and you‘ll need a specialty band.
- Ensure the small text on the rear side of the new strap is facing you.
- Angle the new wrist strap until it‘s aligned with the Apple Watch wrist strap slot.
- Now, slide the new wrist strap into the slot until you notice a soft click. You can try sliding the band out and back in again if you don‘t hear a click.
Where is the Apple Watch Band Release Button?
The Apple Watch band release buttons are located on the backside of the device. There are two buttons on either side of the watch, which are the same color as the device. They‘re in the shape of a tiny oval and easy to spot.
Does Apple Watch Band Size Matter?
Yes, the size of the Apple Watch band matters and affects the feeling of the device. Ideally, the watch should fit snugly without cutting off circulation or causing discomfort. Thankfully, you can easily measure your wrist to determine which size wrist strap suits you.
How to Measure Your Wrist
- Locate a cloth measuring tape. Alternatively, you can use a piece of tape or string.
- Loosely wrap the measuring tape or string around your wrist.
- Now, take the measurements. If you‘re not using a measuring tape, you can mark the ends with a pen and then measure it with a ruler.
- Finally, take your measurements and add half a centimeter to ensure it‘s not too snug.
Generally speaking, male wrists are between 15cm (5.9in) to 19cm (7.4in). Female wrists typically measure between 14cm (5.5in) and 18cm (7in). However, these measurements can vary depending on the individual.
Small Apple Watch Bands
Small Apple Watch wrist straps are ideal for wrists between 12cm (5.1in) and 16cm (6.2in). Remember that your wrist strap shouldn‘t be too tight and should remain comfortable.
Medium Apple Watch Bands
Medium Apple Watch bands are ideal for wrists between 14cm (5.7in) and 19cm (7.4in). Generally speaking, medium wrist straps will fit most men‘s wrists, depending on the individual.
Large Apple Watch Bands
Large Apple Watch wrist straps are best-suited for larger wrists between 16cm (6.4in) and 20cm (8.2in). However, these wrist straps may be too loose for some wrists, so be sure to find a size that suits you.