Change your Apple Watch band
Use the steps below to remove your band.
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), Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3 with Apple Watch Series 4 as long as the sizes are compatible. Bands for 38mm and 40mm cases are compatible with each other, and bands for 42mm and 44mm cases are compatible with each other.
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.
When you remove the Milanese Loop
In 2018, the Milanese Loop was redesigned, so 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.
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.
Get help
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.
