Can’t Remove Apple Watch Band? Reasons and Solutions

As an Apple Watch owner, I was frustrated when I found myself unable to remove the watch band from my device. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share how I solved the problem, as well as some other solutions I discovered. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the various reasons why you can’t remove an Apple Watch band and the solutions available to help you get it off. Whether you’re trying to replace the band or just curious to know more, I hope this post will provide you with the information you need to take care of your Apple Watch.

You may be unable to take off your Apple Watch band because you’re not following the correct steps, the release button is stuck, or the band’s slots and/or ends need cleaning.

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Tips

You may be unable to take off your Apple Watch band because you’re not following the correct steps, the release button is stuck, or the band’s slots and/or ends need cleaning.

To remove an Apple Watch band, lay the watch on a clean, soft surface, press and hold the release button, and slide the band out.
To remove a link bracelet, fold it in half, press and hold the quick-release button, and gently pull apart the links.
To unstuck a release button, press and gently wiggle it, and use a brush or a non-ammonia cleaner.

To clean the band’s slots and/or ends, use a brush or a non-ammonia cleaner to get rid of any stuck grime.

Why You Can’t Remove Apple Watch Band and Ways to Fix It

If you’re having a hard time getting the band off of your Apple Watch, don’t panic or get rough with it to avoid damaging either part permanently.

Instead, look through the reasons and solutions below to properly fix your issue by following the outlined steps.

1. You’re Not Doing It Right

One explanation for why you can’t remove your Apple Watch may be that you’re doing it wrong. While the process may seem straightforward at first glance, it can be trickier than you think.

Here are the correct steps you should follow for taking off a regular band or a link bracelet:

How to Remove an Apple Watch Band

Lay your Apple Watch -with the screen facing down- on top of a clean, soft surface. We recommend using a padded mat or a microfiber cloth.

Find the release buttons on the back of your Apple Watch. These are oval-shaped buttons located right next to the connection points of the watch and band.
Press one of the band release buttons.
While holding the button down, slide the band to the right to detach it.

Do the same for the other side of the band using the corresponding release button.
- If the band doesn’t come off, repeat the steps but make sure you’re holding down the button as you slide the band out.

If you want to put another band onto your Apple Watch, you can easily do so by sliding each side of the band into a channel slot until you hear and feel a click. Meanwhile, the text on the band should be facing you.

Keep in mind that if you don’t hear and feel a click, you should never jam or force the band into the slot. Alternatively, try the following:

Slide the band to the left and then to the right.
Center the band in its slot, push it in, and then gently wobble it up and down.

How to Remove a Link Bracelet

If you use a link bracelet on your Apple Watch, you can’t remove it in one go like you’d do with a regular band.

Instead, you should first separate the link bracelet into two pieces at the bottom and then detach it from the Apple Watch. Don’t try to pull or twist the link band or you may end up damaging the clasp or band.

Just follow the steps below and it’ll come right off:

Close the butterfly clasp by folding one side over the other until you hear and feel a click.
Find the quick-release buttons located on the inner side of the bracelet.
Press and hold down one of the quick-release buttons on one side of the bracelet.

Gently pull apart the links following the button you’re holding.
Press and hold down one of the quick-release buttons on the other side of the bracelet.
Gently pull apart the links.

Now that the bracelet is separated into two pieces, go to work on the piece still attached to the watch.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 mentioned in the section above.

If the band doesn’t come off, repeat the steps but make sure you’re holding down the button as you slide the band out.

2. Your Release Button Is Stuck

Over time, dirt and grime can build up in the release button on your Apple Watch. This can cause it to get stuck and make you unable to remove the band.

How to Unstuck Your Release Button

Press the stuck and gently wiggle the release button.
Use an old toothbrush or small brush to loosen up the accumulated dirt in and around the button.

If you can’t clean it enough, dab a swab in rubbing alcohol or an ammonia-free cleaner and apply it to the button.

3. Your Band’s Slots and/or Ends need Cleaning

Similarly, dirt and gunk can build up in the band’s slots and/or ends if you don’t clean them regularly. This can prevent you from removing the band.

How to Clean Your Band’s Channel Slot or Ends

You can use either a brush or a non-ammonia cleaner to get rid of stuck grime.

Wrap Up

If you can’t remove your Apple Watch band, there’s no need to panic right away!

You may simply be doing it wrong or need to give the release button and band slots/ends a proper cleaning job.