Is there a trick to swapping out the straps on apple watches?

[Marty_Macfly]

Hi All,

I had a real hassle removing my nike strap last night off my series 2 Apple Watch - 1st time in over 3 years.

Link to all the gory details:

Swapping the Watch Straps - is the Watch buttons and clips-in durable? Better after Series 2 watch?

Thanks for the info guys :) Good to hear is a thing loads of people do all the time, so the quality of these watches must be up to it. Good sanity check :) Maybe the marks around the buttons is just years of accumulated crud quashed down around the button holes and I need to brush off...

forums.macrumors.com

Its got me thinking:

Is there a trick to swapping out the straps on these apple watches?

I’m not exactly 2 left thumbs, I use to service my motorbike etc., but I found the buttons etc. really fiddly.

Can I use something like a guitar puck or something to press down the button, to get the straps off easier?




Hope you can advise.

Regards
Martin

 

[BigMcGuire]

My guess is, if it hasn't been done in over 3 years that the springs to press the button down may need a little encouragement or loosening up.

 

[Marty_Macfly]

My guess is, if it hasn't been done in over 3 years that the springs to press the button down may need a little encouragement or loosening up.

Hi B,

Yup thats my guess as well!

Many thanks for all your feedback on the last few posts, btw much appreciated

 

[BigMcGuire]

Anytime - keep asking away. This Apple Watch is something I really enjoy using. I've got like 4 bands for it (I only use 2) lol and it's something that's really engrained in my life. I can't imagine a day without it. It stays on my wrist all day and all night (except for showers). lol.

Let us know if you were able to get that button to depress!

 

[Marty_Macfly]

Hi All,

Been playing around with the straps this week. Glad to say the S6 is easier to change strap with.



My advice for changing straps - For people with difficulties, like me:


1. Set self up well to do the change:
- Do on Work desk if can.
- Do in good light.
- Do on a spongy firm mouse Matt so not worrying about scratching watch screen while man handling the watch.


2. Give self time to do it, no rush jobs with damaged bits to show for it.


3. No Guitar puck needed. Actually easier and more ”hands on“ Less variables - to use just fingernails and a firm grip of watch.


4. Do easiest side 1st.


5. Nike sports straps are thick - so just take time sliding out etc. I actually like the ”keep grit out” tight fit, and the finish against the watch sides is spot on.


6. Get a proper grip on the watch, then press down buttons, then slide out straps.


7. Straps slide in a lot easier than out!


Hope that helps

Martin

 

[Disneymom2003]

I have had an Apple watch for 5 years. I never have a problem UNLESS i use a third party band. The only thing I do is change on my bed or over carpet in case I might drop it.

 

[JT2002TJ]

One thing I figured out was that if you press in the button too hard it make is hard to remove the band. You only need to slightly press in the button on the back of the watch to be able to slide the band off.

I was muscling it so hard, it was creating too much friction for the band to slide out.

 

[Marty_Macfly]

One thing I figured out was that if you press in the button too hard it make is hard to remove the band. You only need to slightly press in the button on the back of the watch to be able to slide the band off.

I was muscling it so hard, it was creating too much friction for the band to slide out.

Hi JT,

oooohhhhh right! I’ll give it a go next time 🙂

thanks!

Martin

 

[Marty_Macfly]

One thing I figured out was that if you press in the button too hard it make is hard to remove the band. You only need to slightly press in the button on the back of the watch to be able to slide the band off.

I was muscling it so hard, it was creating too much friction for the band to slide out.

Hi JT,

Just tried it - no joy I’m afraid 😔


The S6:
Makes no difference for me I’m afraid. I need to press the button down fully - not hard but fully - before the sports loop would move


The S2:
The buttons are knackered now one of them has no spring at all. I managed to get one of the straps off. I put back on, made sure not falling off, and then just left it at that!



Thanks for the suggestion though. If it works for others, then great 🙂

 

[rsfrid]

Every time I change out band (2-3 times a week) I apply a tiny drop of 5weight watch oil on the buttons on back of watch body and work them up and down. Keeps them free.

 

[Marty_Macfly]

Every time I change out band (2-3 times a week) I apply a tiny drop of 5weight watch oil on the buttons on back of watch body and work them up and down. Keeps them free.

Thanks Rs,


Thats old school, brilliant. I’ll take a look 🙂

Are you into sailing? Be great to hear how you look after your kit against the salt / fresh water / natural elements etc.

I’ve put separate posts on this forum asking for tips about looking after the watch straps themselves. Be it Leather, or silicone/Rubber etc.


I’m most interested in trying to restore my Nike silicone sports band. See post link below, hope you can help 🙂

I’ve already looked on the internet and only saw good responses against serious diving watches, but thinking about it those were talking about rubber straps. The consensus was to simply scrap the straps - as you don’t want your family heirloom sub mariner snapping off and dissapearing into the swells.


https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/revitalising-the-silky-waxy-feel-of-nike-sports-band-what-do-i-use.2261798/




Regards
Martin

 

[rsfrid]

This is what I use. The Eezox is a staple for preventing rust and corrosion so should work for salty environments. Don't use where staining is an issue. My day doesn't involve salt water, but does involve sweat and dirt in garden, etc.

 

[Marty_Macfly]

Hi Rs,


Sweat and Dirt is all good! 🙂

Do you ever wear a leather watch strap? How‘d you keep that is good condition?


Bet wishes
Martin

 

[rsfrid]

I don't have very expensive straps. If I am out in garden, I use nylon straps, if I want something for good, I have metal link bands (with wood inserts). I just don't worry about the few leather ones. I'd bet leather cleaner and treatment used on leather furniture would protect your bands.

 

[Marty_Macfly]

Morning Rs,

Many thanks for all the advice
Hope you have a nice day! 🙂

Martin