How to remove your Apple Watch band

I’m sure you ordered your new Apple Watch with a band you really like. However, if you get bored with it, or simply want to swap out bands for different occasions, it’s easy to do by using the band release buttons on the back of the smartwatch.

First, place your Apple Watch face down over a clean surface like a lint-free, micro-fiber cloth or soft, padded mat so you don’t scratch the screen. If you have a Link Bracelet, press the quick release button on a link to separate the band into two pieces. 

Now hold down the band release button, then slide the band across to remove it. If the band doesn’t slide out, press the band release button again and make sure that you hold it down. Make sure the text on the band is facing you, then slide the new band in until you feel and hear a click.

Don’t force the band into the slot. If you don’t feel or hear a click, slide the band to the left, then to the right. If the band is installed properly, it won’t freely slide until you hold down the band release button. If the band still doesn’t lock, center the band, and push it into place. Then carefully wiggle the band up and down. 

Don’t wear your Apple Watch if the band is sliding. It might disengage, and your smartwatch would fall from your wrist. And even the least expensive Apple smartwatch is too pricey for you to risk that.