Replacing Ionic wrist band

[LSEN]

In replacing my Iconic wrist band one side released as per instructions. The other side would not release. In the end it was crud that has built up over the year I have been wearing the watch that froze the band in the socket of the watch. I squirted isopropyl alcohol and the band finally released after some twisting and working and prying. Probably WD40 would have worked better.

The crud that built up was hard and crusty and the new band would not fit in. You'll have to scrape away all matter. I used a small 1/8" blade flat screwdriver and using the alcohol to clean it up. If the shoulder that the band clips into is not cleaned you will get only a partial grab on the clip or no grab at all and the band will not hold and randomly pop out.

I suppose some maintenance from time to time would prevent this. Release the wrist bands and clean the socket with whatever will work. An old toothbrush with soap and water, WD40 or the such. Do not use harsh solvents. As I mentioned the crud was hard so you may have to carefully scrape it away.

Hopefully this experience helps someone.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[Rich_Laue]

How do I clean my Fitbit device? Get instructions on caring for your device

Wear and Care

[EdsonFitbit]

@LSEN @Rich_Laue It's great to see you in the Fitbit Community.

@LSEN Thank you for sharing the steps you followed to replace the wristband of your Fitbit Ionic. For instructions to change the wristband we usually recommend visiting this article, however our team is constantly working to improve the Fitbit products and appreciate all the feedback from users.

@Rich_Laue Thanks for your support.

Feel free to contact us if you need any assistance.

[LSEN]

The article for changing the wristband is very descriptive except in the extreme when the latch is frozen in the socket. I suspect that between dander and salt (from sweat), the crud I speak about the latch would not release. Furthermore I could not insert the new band until I scraped away the crud. it was hard and dry. Maybe it is a rare encounter but it happened to me.

[Rich_Laue]

@LSEN  I can see this happening if the tracker has not been properly cleaned or cared for, and for some all that crude is a source of their skin irritation.