Clasping and switching your Alta wristband

[MatthewFitbit]

One of the trickiest parts of getting started with a brand-new wristband tracker is simply learning how to get it clasped properly. The following post can help you with that!

How do I clasp my Alta wristband more easily?

• Before putting the wristband on your actual wrist, you can clasp and unclasp your wristband repeatedly using both hands. This will help to loosen the holes in the band a little bit, and should make it a bit easier to clasp when it's actually on your wrist.
• As detailed in this help article, most people have success with "pinching" the clasp between two fingers when they go to put it on. This will usually be more effective than simply pushing hard against your wrist, which is both awkward and potentially uncomfortable.
• An awesome tip that has been shared by @Gmadiane is to place a drop of olive oil on the holes and push the clasp through. This seems to have worked for quite a few other users. Thanks for sharing!
  
• Once your wristband is clasped, make sure that both the metal prongs are securely in their holes, as shown below on the left. If one of the prongs is still loose, as shown on the right, then the band is not yet secure and may come off your wrist unexpectedly.
  

We're confident that you'll be able to get your alta clasped with just a little practice. Don't be discouraged if it's difficult at first - it definitely gets easier over time!

How do I change my Alta wristband?

Fitbit Alta's wristband is detachable from the top and bottom of the tracker, so that you can replace it with accessory bands of different color or material. For help with detaching your Alta's wristband, check the steps in this help article, or watch the video below. 

[SunsetRunner]

@ErickFitbit. I did reach out to the support team. They're the ones that sent me here. While their responses were incredibly prompt all they wanted to do was send me the same piece of crap wristband. Clearly the same wristband is not a suitable option. I requested they reimburse me a simple $20 so I can purchase a proper wristband for myself and my mother. They declined and suggested I come here and vote for the dozens and dozens of other people having the same issue because apparently not enough people are complaining. So I bought my own wristband off of Amazon. It's watch style and it's lovely. Which is what I suggest everyone does. A simple search for Alta Fitbit wristband on Amazon and the options are endless!! I appreciate you checking in though!!

[Nurseanne]

Yes... Amazon has what you need! I buy mine there too. I do not work for Amazon

[p1automation]

An alternative would be to buy the silicone fastener for Fitbit from
Amazon. If you like the look and feel of the band, just buy the fasteners
which will secure the band, making sure it doesn't fall off. They are $5.99.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks. But already purchased a watch style band. 100% not interested in the band that came with the Alta. Had I known the band was like that I would have bought another brand.

[p1automation]

I'm surprised you didn't know what the band looked like when you bought it. I like the band, .. just not its propensity to fall off.Nevertheless Li5aMarie, to clarify, my comment wasn't necessarily just for you. Just tweeting to help. 😊

[Nurseanne]

Yes!! I use them always

Sent from my iPhone

[SunsetRunner]

I found the warm water approach to be the best. WhenI would take my Alta off to shower, I would place the end of the band with the holes in a small cup of hot tap water (being careful not to get the metal device wet). After several days of doing this, the band softened just enough for me to be able to snap it onto my wrist.

[uslimey]

I too have arthritis and couldn't get Alta clasped on.   Bought a bracelet with buckle and everything is perfect. - two for $10 on Amazon!  Good luck!

[ErickFitbit]

@Vu2see Sorry to hear about the discomfort that you've experienced. I recommend discontinuing usage and getting in contact with our Support Team. I also suggest explaining the full details of your experience and sharing a picture of your wrist, if available. 

@Dcartermn Thank you for taking the time to reach out to our team and providing me with an update. Happy to hear our team was able to help resolve the issue and get you back on track. Again, thank you!

@SunsetRunner Thanks for taking the time to reach out to our team. I definitely think that you should vote for this existing idea within our Feature Suggestions board that calls for an Alta wristband with a buckle and tang style clasp.

[phil28]

What a crappy design that you need to break in, oil, or practice to use this new product. The engineers should be embarrassed by such a poor design.

[CocoDaisy]

I just got the Ulta for my birthday.  This is my first fit and I agree it is impossible to put on.  Someone suggested using a quarter to put press it down on.  I have been able to clasp it with that method but it still takes way too long.  I would like to take it back but it was a gift so I guess that I am stuck with it.  I am super dissapointed.

[JudyNP]

Seriously....they have KNOWN for years that the band is IMPOSSIBLE to buckle. WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN REDESIGNED???? Why not have a band that buckles like a simple watchband???? Not a customer-friendly company.

[Vu2see]

Yes truly agree with JudyNP.... they should have redesigned the belts.

[Nurseanne]

I don't work for Amazon... but they have great bands w buckles for the Alta!! Check it out!

Sent from my iPhone

[SunsetRunner]

The Alta was designed for a specific audience (me included) who was interested in a Fitbit with a very sleek design. And one without all the "bells and whistles." It is a big seller but it is not for everyone. This is why Fitbit offers so many different devices ... with different features ... and different types of bands. And the newer models feature removable bands so you can purchase bands of different styles and colors from third party sellers. 

I have several different Fitbit devices but the Alta is my favorite. Using the warm weather method for a week, I was then able to snap it off, then securely back on ... even with severe degenerate arthritis in my hands. 

[AnnieFitbit]

Hello everyone! I'm glad to see new faces around in the Community! I see that some of you are having issues with the clasp of the Fitbit Alta. I have an Alta and have to agree on the fact that it can be a little difficult to clasp, but that difficulty has helped it to be more secure around my wrist; I see that the Alta is more secure now that it is a little bit more difficult to clasp. Also, it would eventually break in as you keep using it, and it will be easier to clasp in time. 

Some of our users recommend to use a small amount of oil on the band for helping to clasp. Another suggestion is to put your band in warm (not hot nor boiling) water and leave it there for a few minutes, and that would help the holes to loosen up a little as well. You can give it a try and let me know if it works! I'll be around. 

[LesleyJW]

I have about a dozen different silicone bands with great printed patterns, some of which are the buckle type.  I use the little fit bit clasps on the bands with the regular clasps.  I also have some metal bands to look a bit dressy and a cool black magnetic leather one.  

They are all inexpensive and great fun 

[SunsetRunner]

Sent from my iPad

[JudyNP]

Shouldn't have to purchase different bands.

Judy

Sent from my iPad

[LesleyJW]

I didn't have to buy more bands.  I just enjoy all the variety and patterns available.

I did, however, feel that I needed the little rubber clasps.  Perhaps Fitbit should include those with the trackers.