Anyone else having difficulty switching bands?

[Iliyana]

I have the SE version. I have no problem getting the woven band off and on. I get one of the silicone sides on no problem. The other side? The pin keeps popping out. (Yes, it’s angled, pin pressed down, I’m aware of the ridges...) I’m about to give up. Bands shouldn’t be this difficult to switch out. 

Anyone else experiencing issues it is it just me? I’m wondering if it’s my Versa. Especially since I’m only having difficulty on one side. (Always the same. )

[SunsetRunner]

i have this problem too 😞

[SunsetRunner]

I was so excited about my new Fitbit Versa! I was going to work to show it off tomorrow so I thought. After an hour and a half and watching the video on how to change the band, still no success. I am very disappointed, at a $200 price point, the band should be easy to change. I am so sad. I will wait until Fitbit comes up with a better band design for the Versa. I will be returning the watch and the extra Fitbit band that I purchased ASAP!

Super disappointed. 

[Iliyana]

I got the horween leather band. I got that to install no problem. The silicone band is still difficult to install. Third party? I’m very leery at this point in time. 

[SunsetRunner]

I am using the Fitbit brand bands. I just called Best Buy and they are saying I passed the 15 day window and need to go to the store to see if they will accept the return. I am going to PISSED if I am stuck with this watch and out of $200 plus dollars. I will be visiting the store tomorrow when I get off work.

[dianewordsmith]

I’ll admit it’s tricky at first, but I have the black Fitbit silicone band, the Fitbit silver mesh and two third-party bands. After the first couple of times, it’s gotten much easier. The silicone is the hardest as you have to angle it almost straight up to get it in. I find the other bands much easier than that one. 

[Carbashian]

I've had many fitbits (hr charge 2, blaze, ionic and one) - and I've been a huge fan and advocate, but in their quest to continuously sell new chargers, new bands, etc. they continuously switch technology so no devices share. They got it wrong this time. Very wrong. 

I love the versa itself (though it does have some issues). but, I cannot believe that Fitbit would opt for such a crappy band replacement system. The ionic and hr charge were so easy to change. but, if it takes longer than 5 minutes to change a simple watch band, it's ridiculous. Considering giving up the fitbit completely. I need to wear a non sporty looking watch to work and having to struggle with changing bands every day is not going to work for me. What a drag. I really wanted to love this watch. 

[SunsetRunner]

I’ve only had problems with third party bands.... bought a bunch from amazon and they all had problems.... Fitbit authentic bands no problems 

[KHiggs]

Same issue with black sport band. Not an issue with the fabric one. Both bands came with my versa special edition. Super frustrating and I’ve split 3 nails pulling the pin lever down. Most annoying thing is thinking you finally got it in and having it pop off. Must be a manufacturer defect. 

[wtchambers]

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@KHiggs wrote:

 Most annoying thing is thinking you finally got it in and having it pop off. Must be a manufacturer defect. 

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I posted this on another thread - I think I have figured it out - the key is to use your left thumb to push the ball to the outside securing the band before you release your right hand’s hold on the band:

I am right handed - I lay the Versa face down on the fingers of my palm up left hand with the thumb on top, holding it still (button ends are up and down - band ends are left and right) - so, I am not touching the side buttons.  With my right hand, I angle the band up 45 degrees so that the ridge goes in - I put in the first end of the pin, then use my right index finger to pull the ball toward the center to insert the second end of the pin - then, with the right hand still holding the band in place, with my left thumb (this is the smart part, I think), I reach across the back of the Versa and push the ball toward the outside to secure it. No broken nails, no muttered foul words...

[wtchambers]

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@KHiggs wrote: Most annoying thing is thinking you finally got it in and having it pop off. Must be a manufacturer defect. 

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I posted this on another thread and think I have figured it out:

I think I have come up with a way to change the bands!  I was able to do it twice yesterday in under 5 minutes each time...I am right handed - I lay the Versa face down on the fingers of my palm up left hand with the thumb on top holding it still (button ends are up and down - band ends are left and right) - so, I am not touching the side buttons.  With my right hand, I angle the band up 45 degrees so that the ridge goes in - I put in the first end of the pin, then use my right index finger to pull the ball toward the center to insert the second end of the pin - then, with the right hand still holding the band in place, with my left thumb (this is the smart part, I think), I reach across the back of the Versa and push the ball toward the outside to secure the band.  I push with the nail side of my thumb.  No broken nails, no muttered foul words...

[Bobled]

It is doable.  Takes less than a minute once you have it figured out.  The classic band is the worst.  I have 2 silicone bands that are a snap to change out.  

Once you conquer this.  Who knows what’s next.  Maybe go after world peace.  

[Iliyana]

The pin on my black silicone band bent! I love my Versa except for this feature. 

[mcrmama]

Once I figured out I needed to rotate the band slightly so the ridge slides into the right spot, i have found it much easier.  

[ICU]

You have to angle it a tad away from the watch face. 

[ICU]

You have to angle it a tad away from the watch face instead of staight into side of watch face. 

[polkahontas303]

I struggled with this and broke two nails.  Finally, I took the pin out and practiced putting it in without the band.  I was shocked at how hard I had to push on the quick release side even without the band on at all.  Then I put the pin back in the band and using the round side of a spoon, I mashed down on the quick release side to get it to click.  Sure glad I didn't break the screen, be careful.  

[guitarwoman]

I have found that third party bands for fitbit devices just don't work well, and have retuned all that I bought.  All genuine fitbit bands worked fine.  I have not yet gotten a second band for my versa--I am still figuring out how to get the device to work the way I want it--and will be happy to stick with the light grey band  I have for now.  I also can't believe it is so hard to change the band.  

[mcrmama]

Ever since I have figured it out, I change my watch band usually a couple times per day since I use the classic band for working out, and a couple others for working or sleeping.  Usually just takes a few seconds for each strap.  So far, mine are all Fitbit bands.  I actually find the classic one the quickest to put on.  Enjoying my bands.  

[Iliyana · Accepted solution]

Actually finally figured it out.... after breaking 2 pins.... I find that I need to place the Fitbit on a table so I can actually use both hands to 1) angle and hold the band at proper angle and 2) to line up the pin and ensure it secured properly. I practiced lining up the band with no

pins. You’ll see the precise angle the classic band needs to be. I also practiced inserting the pins on their own as when you’re trying to secure the bands you have to be precise as there is no wiggle room for the classic bands, The woven and leather straps are easier to secure as the band doesn’t have to line up in the ridge like the classic. (Watch a video on YouTube. Gives a visual cue if you’re angling it right.... )

I guess bottom line for the moment.... official Fitbit bands and patience. Avoid 3rd party until you’re fully comfortable with the change mechanism. It gets easier with time. I’m still Leary about trying another 3rd party band. Still the weakest point in this watch, but I liked it too much to return it otherwise. 

Suggestion for Fitbit..... include a couple of replacement pins with the watch. Price is high enough as is!

[NVRose]

II have no problem getting the lavender woven band on but the silicone black band will not go on.