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. 

[veebsie]

Putting a little oil on the holes made it easy to buckle!

[veebsie]

Try putting a little bit of oil on the holes; it worked great for me. 

[SunsetRunner]

@Vitta -please don't give up. The Alta is such a good product. Read the suggestions in this thread and try them out. Olive oil or coconut oil has worked for many. I myself like the hot water method. Put the end of the band with the holes in hot tap water, being careful not to get the metal part wet. Leave it there for three to four minutes. Dry it. And put it on. After several days of using this method, I was able to successfully put the Alta on and off without a problem. I have arthritis in my hands so that is saying a lot!

[bitfan]

I purchased a band with a buckle for $13 on Amazon. It is as easy as a
watch to put on and it is secure. I also bought a band with a buckle for my
71 year old mother who could not fasten the original. The Fitbit band was
difficult to fasten and fell off even when fastened. If you have trouble
with the Fitbit band, there are alternatives on Amazon. The Alta is a great
device. Fitbit, not offering one buckle band option - like other Fitbit
trackers have - is a mistake.

[Runinl83]

I agree!!! Thanks for the info

[Nurseanne]

I buy my bands from Amazon too! I am very happy with them and even the patterned ones!

[Runinl83]

Great to know!!! I'll check it out

[anewday54]

Thank you Ineedsun and Steps10000 that helped. I was getting pretty frustrated because I couldn't clasp it after so many tries! Removing one saide of the band worked like a charm! 

[SunsetRunner]

Hi @bitfan. Here's how I look at it. I own an iPhone, iPad and a Kindle. All three devices are very important to me. But they are important for the features they offer and I have no problem having to look at third parties for accessories. Each company offers a nice variety of accessories but I am more than happy to allow each to concentrate on the most important thing - the devices themselves. I feel the same about Fitbit. I am thrilled with the variety of devices they offer, allowing me to customize my Fitbit device to my specific fitness needs. If they cannot offer the exact color or band style I need, so be it. Let them concentrate on the devices. I have no problem with that!

[linda.c]

i've found that the easiest way is to actually take the band off of the alta on one side (from underneath where the clip is), and clasp it in the proper holes. then slide the band back onto the alta 

[MrE2me]

After trying repeatedly to latch my fitbit with the posts while it is on my wrist, I gave up.  I simply latch the posts while holding it in my hand, then I unfasten one of the bands, put the fitbit on and snap the band back. I am able to make it fit better because I don't have to put my finger between the fitbit and my wrist. Fortunately, I don't remove my fitbit very often, but when I do, I use the latch.

[Nurseanne]

Great idea

[Nitecapclio]

Great idea! Unclasping the band on one side of the device....soooo much easier!

[Catmusicat]

Update: since I've bough the new strap from a place I can't mention (site rules) it's being great! No more trouble or pain! Fitbit should definetly change the clasp! I'm very happy!

[Nurseanne]

Great!

Sent from my iPhone

[Anitalhdz]

I'm having a horrible time snapping it too. Why does fit bit continue to use this style snap?!?! It is either difficult to snap or the flex where it falls off!! I had the fit bit flex and it was too bulky. I went with the alta,for its sleekness. Not sure if I will keep it

[Nurseanne]

It will be easier and easier to clasp the bracelet with time. Don't give up... Love the Alta.

Sent from my iPhone

[Barlamb]

Yes, I agree.  I have now had my Alta for just over two weeks and am now finding that if I wear it just a tad looser, I can get a finger under the two metal prongs  which now makes it possible to squeeze them into place when doing the strap up.  Absolutely love the Alta.

[Barlamb]

Don't give up .... I have had my Alta coming up for three weeks and it's now much easier to do up.  Wear it a hole looser so that you can get a finger under the two metal prongs, and you may then find that you can squeeze the prongs into the holes you want.  It's a brilliant little device I think ...

[MzLlyren]

I have had my Alta for a month or so now, and I feel I'm pretty capable as far as changing the band, understanding how to clasp it, etc. However..... I have rheumatoid arthritis and the limited hand strength and dexterity I have make it very difficult for me to put the Alta on every day. My sweet husband or son is willing to help whenever they are available, but sometimes, they're not. I've tried others' idea of taking one side of the band off, putting the Alta on, then re-attaching the band, but I also have difficulty there. 

I'm mostly hoping that someone at FitBit will see this and take into account the many arthritis sufferers who use FitBits, and who might like the Alta with a more user-friendly band/clasp. Otherwise - I'm enjoying my Alta!