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Replace or not

I

ijon01

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 5, 2014
164
11
So I’ve received a replacement s3 as the old one had screen issues

On the new one there is a bit of play in the band sockets the straps wiggle about a bit when not on my wrist but the rest of the watch is perfect, really unsure about what to do?

I’ve read online that other people have wiggly bands but I’m hoping another replacement might not have this but it might be the same?

Just looking for advice if anyone can help?
 
It doesn't wiggle when it's on your wrist? Seems like a non-issue.

I have had each generation of the watch. They have all had some play in the band when its off my wrist. Never worried about bands falling off when they are on my wrist though.
 
I also have wore Apple watches since series 0 and agree all have some play. Important thing is the band locks in place.
 
The band locks in ok there is some play up and down and left and right only small but can feel it when holding the watch off wrist.
 
Ok, it’s the lugs on the bands in the lug holes on the watch it’s moving about in a bit so that’s normal?
 
ijon01 said:
Ok, it’s the lugs on the bands in the lug holes on the watch it’s moving about in a bit so that’s normal?
Click to expand...

There’s no way anyone can answer that question, unless they test your watch. If you’re really that concerned, you should go to an Apple store, and have a genius take a look at it. If there’s too much side-side play with the band inserted into the watch, then it’s likely the band lugs that are not positioned properly.
 
From the answers I’ve received it seems that some play is normal in the bands when off the wrist.
 
bands dont wiggle for me on my S2 nor the S3 i gifted away...id ask for another one
 
bbednarz said:
It doesn't wiggle when it's on your wrist? Seems like a non-issue.

I have had each generation of the watch. They have all had some play in the band when its off my wrist. Never worried about bands falling off when they are on my wrist though.
Click to expand...
Hi

Can you hear the bands moving in the sockets when they wiggle? Is that normal ?
 
ijon01 said:
Hi

Can you hear the bands moving in the sockets when they wiggle? Is that normal ?
Click to expand...
If I physically try to move them around when it is off my wrist then yes it does make some noise. Not a lot, but a bit. When it's on my wrist the bands may be moving slightly, but if they are I cannot tell. As long as the band isn't coming out I would think you are fine. Don't overthink it too much. If they are moving significantly then it is probably an issue. Are you using Apple bands or 3rd party bands?
 
It’s a bra
bbednarz said:
If I physically try to move them around when it is off my wrist then yes it does make some noise. Not a lot, but a bit. When it's on my wrist the bands may be moving slightly, but if they are I cannot tell. As long as the band isn't coming out I would think you are fine. Don't overthink it too much. If they are moving significantly then it is probably an issue. Are you using Apple bands or 3rd party bands?
Click to expand...
bbednarz said:
If I physically try to move them around when it is off my wrist then yes it does make some noise. Not a lot, but a bit. When it's on my wrist the bands may be moving slightly, but if they are I cannot tell. As long as the band isn't coming out I would think you are fine. Don't overthink it too much. If they are moving significantly then it is probably an issue. Are you using Apple bands or 3rd party bands?
Click to expand...
It’s a brand new genuine sports band, I can feel the band moving in the sockets when I hold the watch off wrist.
 
850887C1-0980-47E1-B8D1-DDE5B0339153.jpeg


This is just letting the bands rest holding on the side
 
A picture is worth a 1000 words. My bands fill the slot in the watch case. That looks like the band could be defective. I wouldn’t accept that. Go to the Apple store and try one of their display bands. If it fits snug than have it replaced.
 
drew0020 said:
It is normal. There is always some wiggle with the bands. I've seen this on every Apple watch I've owned and I've had them all. I would not worry about it.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that, looks like it’s normal then, was just concerned because I can feel and hear the band moving in the sockets when off wrist but this is normal right ? Yours have made the same sounds ?

thanks
 
ijon01 said:
Thanks for that, looks like it’s normal then, was just concerned because I can feel and hear the band moving in the sockets when off wrist but this is normal right ? Yours have made the same sounds ?

thanks
Click to expand...
Yes. I really think it’s normal. My Ceramic watch band was probably looser than yours on the S3 but it never lost connection. As long at it connects I wouldn’t worry about it. Just enjoy the watch.
 
My sports band on the Watch series 3 wiggles a little bit too. If I grad both bands and try to wiggle them in different directions, I can feel the wiggle and there is a bit of noise. I have had the watch for almost two years and never had any problem with the band. I think yours should be fine.
 
Thanks for the replies, it seems it’s fairly common then it’s just that I can feel / see them moving by just holding the watch and tilting it side to side
 
Update..

sent the photo to Apple and engineers have looked at it and said it’s expected behaviour, so all good then
 
ijon01 said:
Update..

sent the photo to Apple and engineers have looked at it and said it’s expected behaviour, so all good then
Click to expand...

Excellent. That’s what I would’ve done in the first place, is that you can send direct photos to Apple, which they pass it on to the ‘engineer team’, and they will tell you if it is within parameters or not. I had that happen to my first stainless steel link band I owned, it had a slight discoloration on it, and I passed the picture along to a lead advisor for Apple, which then the engineers had said it wasn’t abnormal. You don’t have an Apple store within reach to have an opinion, this is definitely the best method to use in the future.
 
I actually sent a video of the band moving in the slot, the picture on here is a frame from the video, I sent the video a couple of days ago but wanted other opinions from watch users while I waited for Apple

Watch owners on the forum and Apple agree its normal, it’s normal.
 
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