Use these steps to remove your band.
Before you buy a new band for your watch, make sure that you use a band that corresponds to your Apple Watch case size. You can use a band that's designed for Apple Watch (1st generation) and Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3 with Apple Watch Series 4 and later and Apple Watch SE as long as the sizes are compatible.
Bands for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases are compatible with each other, and bands for 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm cases are compatible with each other.
Bands for 49mm cases are compatible with 44mm and 45mm cases. Bands for 44mm or 45mm cases are compatible with 49mm cases.
Change your band
Solo or Braided Loop
Milanese Loop
Ocean Band, Alpine Loop, and Trail Loop
Modern Buckle
Link bracelet
Change your band
Place your Apple Watch face down over a clean surface like a lint-free, micro-fiber cloth or soft, padded mat.
If you have a Link Bracelet, press the quick release button on a link to separate the band into two pieces.
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 that the text on the band is facing you, then slide the new band in until you feel and hear a click.
If you have a Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop
If you have a Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop, simply pull from the bottom of the band to stretch it over your wrist when you put it on and take it off.
Using the Milanese Loop
In 2018, the Milanese Loop was redesigned so that you could open the band completely by sliding the magnetic closure through the band connector, or lug. On earlier Milanese Loop models, the closure won't slide through the lug.
Using the Ocean Band, Alpine Loop, and Trail Loop
The Ocean Band, Alpine Loop, and Trail Loop are all 49mm bands that are specifically designed for use with Apple Watch Ultra and later when engaged in rugged activities like hiking, running, climbing, kiteboarding, diving, and more.
Apple Watch Ultra is also compatible with 45mm bands, but 45mm bands should only be worn for casual, everyday wear.
If you like the Braided Solo Loop or Solo Loop and want to use one with Apple Watch Ultra, you might need to use a smaller size than you're used to due to the larger case size of Apple Watch Ultra. Before purchasing a Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop to use with your Apple Watch Ultra, try the bands with your Apple Watch Ultra.
If you have the Modern Buckle
You can adjust the fit of the Modern Buckle. To open the band, press the release buttons on the sides of the magnetic closure. Use the adjustment holes to resize the band. To close the band, line up the two-piece magnetic closure until the band locks into place.
How to remove the Link Bracelet
You must separate the Link Bracelet into two pieces before removing the band from your Apple Watch. While removing the band, don’t force the band or twist it. Use the steps below to avoid damaging the band or clasp.
Close the butterfly closure
If it's open, fold in the butterfly closure one side at a time until you feel and hear a click.
Hold down a quick release button
The quick release buttons are on the inside of the bracelet. You only need to hold one down.
Gently pull the links apart
Hold down a quick release button while you pull. You should separate the band into two pieces before removing the band from your Apple Watch.
Remove your band
Hold down the band release button, then slide the band across to remove it.
Learn more
Never 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.
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