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]

How about just make a watch style strap like all your other devices?

[Nurseanne]

I don't work for Amazon... but they have bands w buckles in all colors. Check it out!

Sent from my iPhone

[cholly]

I have ordered replacement bands from Amazon. The quality isn't as good as the bands made by Fitbit (at least the ones that I have ordered). The best thing I have found to do is to just use a small safety band that goes around the Fitbit band, or a very small pony tail band around the Fitbit band.

[bitfan]

Agreed. My stainless steel band might be my favorite watch band ever. It
has a butterfly clasp that is easy to open to take it off. It is secure. A
butterfly clasp does not detach so the band is always a closed circle. When
you open it, you have an extra couple of inches to slide it off. The links
are removable so you can make it any size. I thought stainless steel
sounded uncomfortable, but it is very comfortable. I wear it all of the
time and take it off only to shower. It looks good with business clothes
and workout wear. I got the purple/blue iridescent color that looks like a
bit an oil puddle, but you can get a dark blue, silver, or dark charcoal.
The finish has not scratched and I tend to bang up watches and jewelry.
Skip a couple of restaurant lunches, get this band, and you'll never worry
about losing your Alta again. I do not work for Amazon. I've never been to
China where this band was made. I am grateful that the band is available to
buy! I have also purchased silicon bands on Amazon that functioned well and
stayed buckled and secure. The stainless steel band is more comfortable
(because there isn't a change in surface caused by a buckle and it doesn't
stick to my skin like silicon can). Also, it looks nice!

[Annabel398]

I haven't read all 20 pages () so pardon me if this has already been mentioned...

I have very small wrists and my finters are not strong--I simply cannot do up the stock Alta band while it's on my wrist. So I unhook it from the watch instead of trying to unhook it at the clasp. In other words, I closed the clasp (by pushing the two straps together as hard as I could onto the hard countertop), and then I just undo the band at the point where it joins the tracker, by hooking a fingernail underneath and popping the catch open. It's SO much easier than this darn clasp. Give it a try, especially if you have narrow wrists, because the length of the Alta actually makes it really easy to access the catch.

[SunsetRunner]

Already did. Already ordered cause clearly fit bit doesn't want to fix
this.

[sunfellow]

The band on FitBit Alta gets my vote for "the worst band ever"! It is very difficult to put on and can also snap off if it catches on something. I have no idea how a band that was so poorly designed managed to get all the way into production. The first thing I did was purchase another band to replace the one that came on the Alta.

[yrenes]

What kind did you get

Sent from my iPhone

[sunfellow]

I bought a Henoda Silicone Band on Amazon for 10.88.

[Sandra-Leigh]

Ouch - Ouch - Ouch - what a difficult band to put on. I have had my Alta for a week. Swollen wrist from trying to push the buttons in the slots, sore fingers from pushing them in. This is crazy!! Was this band not tested thoroughly before releasing it for sale? I hate having to remove it before showering, etc, knowing the pain I have to go through to put it on again. It is a worry to have to make the holes bigger or use oil. The result could be a lost Alta. Come one Fitbit powers that be - get your act together and produce a user-friendly wrist band!!!

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@Skat77 wrote:

I just got my new Alta after wearing a Jawbone for years.  The band is IMPOSSIBLE to put on.  I m pushing down as hard as possible and even asking for help and the studs just do not go through.  I called customer care and they told me to undo the band each time.  Considering I shower twice a day and can not shower with it I find it very annoyting and time consuming.  Is there a trick?   I spent over 20 mins trying to put it on

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Moderator edit: Format. 

[yrenes]

I used a crochet needle to widen the holes. Still have problems sometimes

Sent from my iPhone

[Raiberg]

I agree. My band was very difficult to put on . . . then I used some oil - and now it is much much easier . . . . 

[Sandra-Leigh]

That’s exactly what I have just done – much easier – thanks!! 😊

[Sandra-Leigh]

I just tried the oil technique – works a treat – just a tiny amount though! 😊

[ErickFitbit]

@SunsetRunner I recommend voting for this existing idea for an Alta band with a buckle from our Feature Suggestions board. The more votes the suggestion receives, the more likely our Product Development Team is to consider it in the future.

[DunneMac]

Or, try someone's prior suggested post to use olive oil!   I did; it worked.    I also tried coconut oil; it also works but is messy.   Both of these methods can result in staining the cuff of your sleeve.    My solution....wait for it.....yup.....spit.       Spit into the holes of the strap and it's easier to close the little bugger.  I still think that it's just an inadequate design. You shouldn't have to spit to get the strap to close!

[Nurseanne]

LOL best solution ever!!

Sent from my iPhone

[OurCoach]

Me too! makes me feel stupid that as a grown adult I can't do up a strap!

[OurCoach]

Every day I have the same problem -- someone slipped up on the design of this closing method. I advise others not to buy it -- too hard to simply put on your wrist. 

[SunsetRunner]

While it's great you've thought outside the box for a solution. I'm not rubbing oil or salivia on my wrist.