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]

There's been more development in my struggle to change bands:  https://youtu.be/JnUqrTIoFqA

I watched this video and clearly understood that I was doing something wrong.  I took the band off again and decided to try putting it on again. I bought a pile of silicone bands and matching covers from Amazon. I need to figure this out!! I easily put the FitBit band back in twice in 10 seconds by inserting the band at (about) a 45-degree angle; it easily snaps in. I should have started by watching this video. With the 3rd party silicone bands that I purchased, it's a little more difficult, you have to "feel" your way a bit until it snaps in place. But totally doable. I do wish they had made it easier. I had a Blaze before this Versa and it was so much easier to change bands.

[KHiggs]

Fitbit brand is just as difficult in my opinion. Super frustrating! 

[SunsetRunner]

I agree. Fitbit need to get their act together! They have made it incredibly difficult for 3rd party bands to be used as none of them fit andctye chespsst strap Fitbit sell is the silicone one at £25! Making the Versa a really expensive bit of kit! 

[SunsetRunner]

The fit bit straps are relatively easy it’s the 3rd party ones that do not fit! Spending money and time then having to send them back is a pain! 

[SunsetRunner]

I had an Apple Watch but didn’t like it. It never seemed to register anything I did. Love the versa and it’s capabilities but the strap issue really does let the side down! 

[SunsetRunner]

It really is frustrating. They seriously need to have a look at the design! 

[guitarwoman]

Now that’s true. I have returned every third party band I have ever bought for any of my Fitbit devices. They just don’t fit!

Sent from my iPhone

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[DakobyTako]

I'm also am in the "Love the watch, hate the band" camp. My one suggestion is to try not to get frustrated with the pin mechanism. I was swapping out my band for my workout band a few weeks ago and the **ahem** pin would come out. So I continued to struggle and wiggle until finally the Lever snapped. And when the lever snaps, that band is in there FOREVER. I had to call fitbit for support, they offered to take the watch back and send me a new one. The whole thing took about 2 weeks without a watch.

I have, however, found an alternative to the pin bands. I found a type of band where you slip in the watch and not have to deal with the pins at all. 

This band literally took me 5 seconds to put on. The downside? its a third party band and i had to dig thru the depths of amazon to find it. There aren't a lot of selection and I'm hope that by posting the pics here, fitbit takes this design and makes a better looking version and of better quality

PLEASE FITBIT... MAKE THIS

[Lottieheaven]

I too have had this problem switching to the fitbit silicon band from the lavender woven one.  The buckle end was the worst and I could not get it in....in the end what worked for me (within a few seconds) was flipping it over so the face was upwards, I put in the end with the lever first and then on the other end carefully with a fingernail pressed down the rod and gently slid it into the hole.....worked first time.  The other strap end was fine

[SunsetRunner]

That’s good to know! I will try that! 

[Genesislady]

I got mine today and both me and my husband have tried with no success.  I will try your solution and watch video on YouTube.  Thanks.

[Moscow80]

I had been trying to switch from the lavender band to the black one for about half an hour. This trick then worked on my 1st attempt, thank you! Definitely put the lever end in 1st and push the other end of the spring with your nail. Popped straight in to place!

[DakobyTako]

OH WOW Thank you for this suggestion

just tried this and works like a charm

A+

[Captain-Canuck]

Ya, coming from an Apple watch it was a pain lol. Why is the Versa not as smooth an easy? $$$

[DakobyTako]

Why indeed LOL 

[missd1985]

Hey!! Thanks for the update on this. I injured my left index finger and cannot bend it the same. So I had a lot of trouble trying to put the silicone band and just gave up on it. I do not like how dirty the SE band has gotten. 

[MelissaInMA]

Thank you to whoever said about turning at 45° so the ridge was inside already. I got a new band from Fitbit because the gray one got stained too easy and they sent me a black one. For the life of me I couldn't get the thing in. Once I turned it like you said I did it in five seconds 👍  Both of my aftermarket bands go on very easily and now that I know how to do this one I can swap them out whenever I want. I have a colorful one for fun, the black one for work, and a nice pretty silver one for dress up 

[Lmhodge80]

I’m also having issues with the black rubber band. I’ve broke 4 nails trying to get the bands on. Why is this so difficult? 

[JSommers]

Only problems on the non buckle side. I have been working to change my band for 4 hours while watching college football and the tour championship golf tournament which I plan to go to tomorrow and hope to track all my steps. Even used a knife and now I’m bleeding on my new band. I will never be able to get the original band back on, it’s not just the fakes. My daughter gave me the Fitbit after she got tired of the drama because she thought she wasn’t coordinated enough. She got an Apple Iwatch instead. I have shaved some plastic off, tried the nonpin side last and use a watch tool to poke the pin inside but can’t get it to pop in the hole. I use a band for work that is attached to a protective cover so I don’t have to fiddle with the dang pins. It’s one piece and the watch snaps underneath. The fabric ones seem to be easier because they are flexible. So frustrating! 

[JSommers]

Got it, not that easy. One side is defective, that’s all.