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. 

[40Posie]

I am very frustrated  with the band I have tried numerous times  every day for the past  two weeks with no lasting success. I can get it to hook one loops of my jeans.  I have tried pliers that only work sometimes with a great deal of effort. I think the design is poor.  I am 75 years old, want to make this work.  HELP

[Tulips123]

@EcEcNomas Thank you so much!! That tip really helped! 🙂 

[bubbanana]

Thanks for the tiip. It worked like magic.

[Ready2Retire2]

Are there any plans to make a more 'user friendly' band that doesn't create bruises on your wrist from trying to close it? Putting olive oil or vaseline on the prongs to get it to close does not seem like a product where a lot of engineering brain cells were used to create. And the answer ' it will get easier with use' seems to indicate that will also increase the chances of it falling off easier?

[Furr]

I had mine a month and it fell off today. Left messages with last two locations. Very disappointed with closure design.

[40Posie]

I have given up the daily hassle. I have purchased a watch type enclosure strap for my Fitbit Alta. I do not have it yet but I expect it will be easier.
We should be able to purchase the Fitbit with alternative bands

Moderator edit: removed advertising

[Ready2Retire2]

I ended up cuttong off half the excess strap and it made it easier to close, but still a pain. 

Hopefully the fitbit decision makers will pay more attention to all the complaints about the band and fix the problem. It's not like there are only a few whiners making a

 stink. Competitors are probably already gearing up to exploit the weakness and fix it in their product. 😞

[Ready2Retire2]

I'm pretty sure the instructions say to dry it immediately if it gets wet.

[ErickFitbit]

@40Posie Sorry to hear of the trouble you've experienced with clasping your Alta. I recommend trying out these tips for making clasping easier.

@40Posie @Ready2Retire2 I suggest checking out our leather or bangle accessories, which you may find easier to clasp.

@Furr Oh no! Sorry to hear about your lost Alta. Please get in touch with our Support Team who will be able to provide you with options to help get you back on track.

[Savysam]

Placed 2 replies....wasn't able to send negative reply written in good taste, not vulgar etc. Guess they don't want to hear the frustration anymore.

Sent from Shelley

[SandiSC]

They are a problem for everyone. I have bruised my arm several times putting it on. Someone suggested olive oil but I never tried that.

Sent from my iPhone

[new22222]

I have severe arthritis in both of my hands. I purchased a charge (which I later found out is no longer being made) and that band also has issues as I quickly found out. When I contacted customer service, I was graciously offered a warranty replacement - the alta. When it came, I was not able to fasten the band. I asked two of my neighbors and my kids for help - no dice from anyone, we all struggled and ultimately could not fasten the band. I contacted support for assistance. I was told I could purchase another style band from your web site with a different style clip (all 3 $175 or more) or I could send back the warranty replacement alta and take a total loss on my inital charge purchase and buy a completely new tracker for a 25% discount, resulting in about $100 loss for me. Don't get me wrong. I am glad that there was a warranty replacement option. But I feel like your R & D should really take into consideration all types of individuals who use your trackers and you don't.  I just don't see why I should have to spend additional money to fix your design issues.

[RPFarrah]

When new, the band can be difficult to get "clasped".  It will get easier over time, but some have found putting a drop of olive oil or cooking oil on the knob makes it easier to clasp.  I can see where someone with arthritis would have a very difficult time getting it to clasp.

[africalover]

Hi Sandi Same thing here. My charge was replaced with the Alta.  Enough is enough.  I just threw away my Alta!  I'm sick of it. Good luck.

Moderator edit: format

[Makenmad]

I had the same problem! I solved it with a tiny piece of duct tape 😂worked like a charm my daughter got me a 3 pack with regular straps for very cheap and super easy to change

Sent from my iPhone

[ladybugNessa]

I went to amazon and searched for fitbit alta bands" and found a lot that buckle like a regular watch band.  They are not made by FITBIT but they work just fine for me.   I too have arthritis.

[nonfatlatte]

II love my fitbot now- but it is still a pain to put on drives me crazy. I'll never buy another one-horrible customer service and design. Boo!

Moderator edit: format

[Carolyn299]

Hi all
I do not work for Fitbit.
Yes they should fix this flaw, but suck it up and put it on using the side
clasp. And enjoy it. It is really good for your health.

Moderator edit: format

[new22222]

With my arthritis I unfortunately cannot even depress the band joiner to use that trick.  It is unfortunate.  I did find some on Amazon with a watch clasp.  But if I was going to spend $130 US total, I would have just bought the Charge 2 while it was on sale with the same type of band I just bought that would have had the heart rate tracker in it (I originally bought the Charge at $100 because it was more in my price range). 

[tepia53]

I bought some silicone bands from Amazon that fit over the fastener just in case and sometimes if I can't get the band to fasten I fasten it then put on my wrist and fasten it where it connects to the fitbit itself.