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. 

[SometimesLucy]

---

@Nurseanne wrote:
I personally wouldn't like a buckle. My hubby has a HR and I sometimes wear it. I don't like this... I love my ALTA!!!!!

---

Me too!!! I wouldn't want a buckle either. A buckle would only give the Alta a larger profile, and I like the less bulky look. The Alta has been redesigned to make it secure, based on customer suggestions. It does take some work to get it "broken in" for the first few times it's snapped on, but after that, you just have to make sure the prongs are "popped in" securely. The band doesn't have as much overlap as previous bands, so it doesn't catch on things very easily. I'd have a hard time having my Alta come off unexpectantly.

[ErickFitbit]

@erikal2119 Thank you for the feedback and for sharing what you did to get the clasp on. We're always working on improving our products and features and greatly appreciate your input!

@GabinkaP Were you able to get the setup process? If not, I suggest restarting the Alta and then giving the setup process another try. Let me know how everything goes.

[SunsetRunner]

Yep, agree with everyone here, can't get the band on myself, very frustrating and have to tap it hard several times to get any readings! Can't see the value in this product!

[Catmusicat]

I have the same problem.

[OneEmi]

I actually use needle nose pliers to help secure my band. Works great and it doesn't scratch or mark it. I also sometimes use colored fasteners over closure. Fitbit could get into that accessory! I use clear shields to protect my screen.

[tvman11]

I agree with the clasp difficulty but my issue is with the clasp coming undone easliy over time as it would with my Flex. I'd have to change the band on it every 4-6 months. I hope it's not the same with the Alta since the bands are much more expensive.

[Nurseanne]

Use the silicone sliders that you can purchase through Amazon. I use them and feel secure!

Sent from my iPhone

[ErickFitbit]

@SunsetRunner @Catmusicat @OneEmi Have you checked out the tips for getting the clasp on here, yet? Also, check out the tips for "Interacting with Alta." That will explain how to tap the Alta or use other features to view the display.

@OneEmi Thanks for the feedback and suggestion, it is greatly appreciated!

@tvman11 If you experience issues with the Alta coming undone, feel free to reach out to our Support Team and share pictures of what's happened to the band with as much detail as possible. I am fully confident that our team will be able to provide you with some further options to help get you back on track.

[sarich]

THANK YOU !!! Great tip with the olive oil.....I was gettting so frustrated that I almost sutfed itback in the box and returned it.  Now that I got it on, lets see how this thing works!!

[nams]

I made the mistake of opening & setting up my Alta at 8PM two nights ago.  Very excited because it would sync with the app already on my android. Then I discovered I couldn't put it on my wrist. WTW?! Obviously, you should not do this when you're at the end of a stressful day.

After texting my daughter-in-law next day, who has a bigger version, but is very smart, I tried her suggestion of softening the band with hot water. Worked like a charm--until I took it off the next morning. 

Of course I'm not going to give it the water treatment again & again.

I stopped fussing with it and turned my attention to 'how to remove the fitbit'; this produced unexpected results. A little experimentation and I discovered that all I had to do was Take the Fitbit Off (one side only). Then I could attach the little buttons with ease at whatever size appropriate for my wrist; next step: hold the Fitbit in place and simply reattach it to the wristband. Snap!

I anticipate feedback as to the inappropriate use of the wristband-Fitbit closures...however, my answer is that it will not be any more abusive than taking off the Fitbit to change bands for a party. Plus I think the holes on the band will eventually be easier to snap in place, so I may go back to the original instructions.

For now, I'm enjoying my "end run" around what seems to be an endemic problem.

[TinaArora]

Terrible time putting it on. Woke up in the morning, took it off for a while and thought would wear it back and sleep some more. Can't wear it. Going to sleep without it. Love the style, hate the clasp! Is this a business gimmick to increase the sale of straps (I'm sure they'll work on an easier clasp) since you're stuck with this investment?

[NAL1575]

I too found it near impossible to secure the Alta on my wrist using the recommended "pinching" procedure, but I found a way to do it that has worked like a charm every time. I wrap the band around my wrist and line up the pegs with the corresponding holes, but I make sure the alignment is such that the spot I have to press is directly over the inside bone of my wrist. I simply press down with my thumb, using the bone in my wrist to press against, and the pegs pop through the holes every time easily and without having to squeeze the band ends together with my thumb and forefinger. It doesn't hurt at all to clasp it this way, and I've had no issues with it not being totally secured.

[sarich]

A drop of oil works good

Sent from my iPhone

[ErickFitbit]

@sarich Happy to hear that the oil tip helped out. Thanks for the update.

@nams @NAL1575 Thanks for the feedback! It should get easier with time as others have said. Hope you're enjoying your Alta now!

@TinaArora Thanks for the feedback, sorry to hear that you were unable to put it on. Have you given the tips here a try yet? That should help get it on.

[bitfan]

My Alta fell off today in the middle of a meeting. I was presenting web based wellbeing communications to a client. Seriously, Fitbit. No one in that room is will buy an Alta. Please offer one buckle solution for the Alta. I like my Alta and I search Amazon and Etsy every day for a solution. Some entrepreneur will make one soon. I want to buy one for my mom, but she cannot fasten this difficult clasp. One buckle option = so many more products sold. Please listen to your customers.

[Carol77777]

Unfortunately I bruised my wrist trying to do this and also tried the olive
oil tip. I returned it several weeks ago. It was an impossible thing
for me.

[Nurseanne]

The leather band is much easier to clasp than what comes with the Alta. I also use silicone pieces to secure... So this won't happen again

Sent from my iPhone

[Catmusicat]

I just bought a new band in Amazon. It has a buckle! I will let you know how it goes...

[Nurseanne]

Wow!! Great!!

Sent from my iPhone

[OneEmi]

I tried removing the band out of curiosity. It worked just fine! It's easy!
I have the leather band & love it. I will probably add the silicone rubber band things again when I'm out or busy. I've had no prob with my Alta falling off. I make sure it's secured properly!