How to Change Your Apple Watch Band

This article explains how to change your Apple Watch band. These instructions apply to the Apple Watch 1st generation, Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, Series 5/SE, and Series 6.

How to Remove Your Apple Watch Band

You need to be able to remove your Apple Watch's original wrist strap before you can replace it with a new one.

1. Place your Apple Watch face down on a smooth and clean surface, ideally a micro-fiber cloth or soft mat on a desktop.

   Make sure your Apple Watch is switched off so that you don't accidentally tap anything.

2. Hold down the band release button on the back of the Apple Watch with your fingertip or fingernail. 

   There are two band release buttons for each strap. They're located at the top and bottom of the back of the Apple Watch. The buttons are the same color as the rest of the back of the Apple Watch, but they're fairly easy to spot.

3. While holding the button, slide the band across to remove it. 

4. Once the band slides out, you can release the band release button. If the band does not slide out, try pressing the band release button again and make sure you are holding it down.

5. Repeat the same process for the remaining strap.

How to Install a New Apple Watch Wrist Band

Inserting a new band is even easier than removing the old one.

1. Make sure the small text on the back of the new band is facing you. 

2. Tilt the new wrist band a little so that it's in line with the angle of the Apple Watch's wrist strap slot.

3. Slide the new band in until you feel and hear a soft click.

   If you don't feel or hear a click, try sliding the band back out, then back in again. When you're done, you can change your Apple Watch face to match your new band.