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. 

[BashamB]

I'm only stating my experience with them.

[SunsetRunner]

Glad to see yours was replaced. I didn't want the same strap that was going to offer the same problems. I opted to order off amazon and get watch like straps to eliminate the issue all together. I got mine in May of 2016 and it was broken within 5 months roughly. Based on what "fit bit moderators" are indicating, for changes to be made, ideas need to be "liked."

[AnnieFitbit]

Hi there @SunsetRunner @BashamB @cholly @Deniselt @SunsetRunner! Thank you for joining us again. 😄

@SunsetRunner Thank you for keeping us posted and letting us know you're not having clasping issues. 

@Deniselt I really appreciate your feedback in this matter. I have passed it along, but you can also vote for a band suggestion in our Feature Suggestions board. You can also comment and post your own suggestions. 

I'm very glad to hear your band got replaced @BashamB! Thank you very much for keeping us updated on this one. 

@cholly please keep in mind that all cases are handled differently and we are unable to provide information in regards other user's cases. Also, keep in mind that our Customer Support team provides the best solution, according to our Return and Warranty Policies. 

Thank you for informing us about this @SunsetRunner! You can also vote for this idea in our Feature Suggestion board. I'm sure our team would be pleased to read such an amazing idea! 

Keep me posted in case you have any further questions! 

[JWS0511]

II have had a Fitbit for 2 years, previously the Flex, and was very excited to get the Alta since my wrist is tiny and always felt the Flex was too visable and awkard.  I've had the Alta about a week and found it impossible to clasp, also getting my husband to do it for me.  The "oil" trick helped, but it was still awkward.  I finally cut off the excess band and now it clasps perfectly and feels 100% better.  Originally I had 2 holes that showed; now I have zero holes showing and it's a good fit and easy to clasp.  My suggestion is to offer more sizes, like a XS, or to have a band that can be easily clipped for a custom size.  I originally clipped it in the same design with a pointed edge, but that dug into my skin.  Then I changed it to a straight edge and it's comfortable.

[AnnieFitbit]

Thank you for joining us in this thread and for your feedback @JWS0511! This is super important for the improvement of our products and services, so I'll pass it along! 😄

In the meanwhile, in regards the XS size of the Alta, you can go ahead and post it in our Feature Suggestion board. I'm pretty sure our team would be pleased to check such a great idea! You can also check other user's suggestions, vote and comment! 

Let me know if you need anything else. I'll be around! 

[SunsetRunner]

Excellent idea, @JWS0511! I could use an XS band myself. I suggest you make the idea official by posting it to the Feature Suggestions - Alta page. Tap here then tap the Suggest an Idea button. 

[scootrn2]

Hi JWS0551:

     I couldn't agree with you more & would also love to have XS.  I have 2 holes showing during the night when it's tracking my sleep.  But during the day, I like a better fit (no holes showing)  Good idea to cut the excess strap 🙂 

Moderator edit: Format. 

[Michfit]

This particular forum has had so many participants who have expressed the same problems with the Alta wristband. This forum started so many, many, many months ago. I shared my experiences in the past and, as many other participants, offered unsolicited solutions to Fitbit. I inocently thought Fitbit Product Development was in sync with customers opinions at some level and interested on putting into action some immediate solutions. If there is interest and desire from their part to solve the problem, I wonder how long that is going to take. At least simple temporary solution with no cost to existing customers would be appreciated while they solve problems. That simple solution would be to  send each customer a set of fasteners in the colour and material of the bands they purchased. This way one does not have to bother on purchasing fasteners separately from other suppliers.

I love the tracker. I had to buy fasteners in order no to lose the device... Losing device is only one of many issues encountered with the Alta wristband. 

[AnnieFitbit]

I totally agree as well @scootrn2! It's an amazing idea, so you can go ahead and post it in our Feature Suggestion board, so it can get votes and comments! I'm sure you're not the only one thinking that an XS band would be very helpful.

I really appreciate your feedback in regards this matter @Michfit. The feedback from our users is always taken into consideration for the development of the products. Sometimes, the design change isn't done to the tracker, but it works for feedback for any further products. 

Also, as a friendly reminder, please keep in mind the correct way of clasping the Alta, to prevent any issues. Also, you can contact Customer Support in case you have any issues with the band, and they'll gladly assist you. 

Happy Holidays! 

[Izzyleilei11]

I had the same problem. I put some oil on the end of a chopstick and used the chopstick to loosen the hole a bit and was able to get it on. If it continues to be a problem, with having to remove it for showers, It may become quite annoying, but I imagine that the clasp will become easier to put on with wear. 

[SunsetRunner]

I propose that this thread is *unmarked* as resolved.

All the "solutions" proposed are workarounds for a bad design.

My wife can't put this fitbit on unless she uses one of the kindly suggested workarounds. But even then, the user/ customer experience is crap and makes her not want to wear it.

How do we get a replacement with a better/ proper strap?

[jodib425]

Return it like I did.  Went back to a Charge HR

[Flossie2081]

---

@andymattmom wrote:
Rub oil on the holes. Read that trick on here. It really helps. It does get easier but on new band just a little oil helped..

---

Worked like a charm!  Thanks!

[JonPaul]

I agree...I still cannot get it on. Will try a needle or something to widen the holes.

When you pay this much for a device no one should have to fight with the wrist band

and go through hoops with it.

[Flossie2081]

Hi JonPaul,

I had trouble too. I just rubbed a little olive oil on the band and it
locked in like a charm!
I hope this helps.

[Ldog77]

You guys I'm almost 12 and everyday I struggle with putting this stupid band on this Fitbit was on the very top of my xmas list and it's embarrassing to have to ask my parents everyday to put I on for me please does someone have an idea that really works

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@newcomb14 wrote:

This is my 3rd fitbit.  I lost the first HR Charge due to the band coming apart, the second (HR Charge) separated from the strap after 8 months and then stopped working.  So I have just moved onto the Alta, and I have spent 20 minutes trying to close it.  So I went onto the community, and see that I am not alone.  Why do they have so much trouble finding a good, long lasting band?  I am hoping the 3rd time is a charm, or I am giving up on fitbit.

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[SunsetRunner]

The olive oil works. 

[Carolyn299]

Yes it is impossible to work the band...  I lost it today the first day wearing it. I went all the way back to the restaurant and found it under the bar.  

But thanks for this suggestion.  It works to put it on.   It will be a miracle if I am able to keep it on without losing it. 

Poor design!

[JonPaul]

I got it on once and that was it. Now I cannot get it on again

Plus I cannot set the time to the correct time no matter what I do.

Waste of money.

If Fitbit cared they would respond to our concerns but obviously

they do not care....They just want to make money selling the product

and turn a blind eye to all the faults associated with it.

[HELPS]

It's actually very easy. Here, I learned from this video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfWV5mIufsc