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]

Asked a friend who can fit and adjust watch straps to have a go at fitting the Milanese strap I also got for Christmas. I'd struggled for a crazy amount of time, getting more and more frustrated with it.  He couldn't fit it either! Fortunately I bought it from Amazon and can send it back. It shouldn't be this hard.

[Gjtupa]

Defective design.  Fitbit should provide fix. Have lost 3 pins already. Poor, dumb design.

People ask, tell you them, think again before you buy.

gjtupa

[mb2727]

I am SO ready to throw this watch out the window! Beyond frustrated. I have three different fit bit bands and one is the silver dressy mesh band I have tried EVERYTHING and watched multiple you tube instructional videos and after breaking a nail still have had no luck. Wishing I just stuck with my Blaze. Loved that I could so easily snap in and out of different bands. This is my first disappointment with Fitbit:(

[SunsetRunner]

@mb2727 the only ones I have managed to swap to are the other silicone  colours made by Fitbit themselves. I have bought numerous 3rd party ones to no avail! 

[mb2727]

The silver mesh one is by fitbit, but I’m still having no luck. 

[JSommers]

I had to cut the plastic band at the corner and worked on it 8 hours! I’ve not switched because it too flipping hard. I have work and casual bands but it’s not worth it.

Sent from my iPhone

[BJG525]

I own several smart watches including the Versa, Amazafit Bip, Withings steel HR and Apple watch. This issue is not Fitbit specific but is inherent to all watches that use this spring pin design. There are some bands out there in which the pins are sealed inside the band so they don't fall out when trying to insert and these are easier to put in. Also, the overpriced bands that Fitbit sells are somewhat easier to install. If you want a watch for which the band is truly easy to replace, as mentioned elsewhere the old Fitbit blaze or the Apple watch is your best bet. BTW the Apple watch milanese loop band cost more than I paid for the Versa watch.

[talltam]

Thanks! 

[Lizhz]

I have not been able to wear my new Versa since the 3rd day I got it - why? went to change the band with a fitbit different colored band (but still silicone) and after a total of 5 hrs over the course of a week, can't get one side in. Even bought a special tool now taking to a watch repair shop and hopefully they can do this but Im so disappointed -this has tainted my fitbit experience forever.  I've been with fitbit since the beginning and almost went Apple watch this time. Didn't keep packaging so can't return but I'm done with Fitbit! Hope someone at Fitbit sees this so they will pay attention to how difficult these bands are and they can look into something for those of you that will still use Fitbit versa.  😞

[Happyvalley46]

How is this even possible normal use?

[WendyB]

Sorry I see them now. But do not know what to tell you

[sharronp69]

I haven’t been able to wear the silicone band since I purchased the Versa over a year ago. I can switch to any bands except for the silicone band. They’ve sent me videos and new bands and nothing has worked. 

[Badwils]

So I got a replacement device and brand new Fitbit band from the store to use with it and this is where I started having issues. At first i thought the bands were the issue but then i tried them with my old device and they worked fine And on the replacement device the issue was with only one side (the side with the logo). Went to customer service and despite the background I gave they decided it was the band that was the issue so they sent me a new silicone band. The classic silicone band was where I had the real issue. The metal band was a bit tricky but because you can move it around I managed to get it sorted. But with the silicone band I just couldn't get it to fit. I damaged my nails, spent multiple hours and then wrote a snarky email to customer service telling them I was returning everything and swearing off Fitbit for life. But then I saw JSommers' message about snipping. So I got a blade out. And it worked! 

That said as I have had 2 replacement devices since September 2018 and have now had to take to blades to get my band in I've decided if anything further happens, I'm just going to move back to Garmin. I prefer the Fitbit user interface but their devices are more robust (other than the starpholders which always break!). I have a 3 year old Garmin that works fine still. I don't think I've had a Fitbit last an entire year. And this madness with the bands is beyond frustrating. 

I saw some people suggest issues are more likely with third party bands. I'm not sure. I had a third party bad with my original device and the first replacement and I had no issue attaching it. I think some devices have issues and those issues are worse with the silicone bands. Unfortunately the metal bands are not made for intense exercise or swimming and tarnish easily so they're not really an option for daily use. 

Never posted in a forum before but I realise that I benefit so much from others experience it's a bit selfish not to share my own! Hope someone finds this useful. 

[Badwils]

I got a replacement device and brand new Fitbit band from the store to use with it and this is where I started having issues. At first i thought the new bands were the problem but then i tried them with my old device and they worked fine. With the replacement device the issue was with only one side (the side with the logo). Went to customer service and despite the background I gave they decided it was the band that was the issue so they sent me a new silicone band. The classic silicone band was where I had the problem. The metal band was a bit tricky but because you can move it around I managed to get that attached. But with the silicone band I just couldn't get it to fit. I damaged my nails, spent multiple hours and then wrote a snarky email to customer service telling them I was returning everything and swearing off Fitbit for life. But just before I hit send I saw JSommers' message about snipping pieces off the band. So I got a blade out. And it worked! 

That said as I have had 2 replacement devices since September 2018 and have now had to take to blades to get my band attached I've decided if anything further happens, I'm just going to move back to Garmin. I prefer the Fitbit user interface but Garmin devices are more robust (other than the strapholders which always break!). I have a 3 year old Garmin that works fine still. I don't think I've had a Fitbit last an entire year. And this madness with the bands is beyond frustrating. 

I saw some people suggest issues are more likely with third party bands. I'm not sure. I had a third party band with my original device and the first replacement and I had no issues so can't be that simple. I think some devices have issues and those issues are worse with the silicone bands. Unfortunately the metal bands are not made for intense exercise or swimming and tarnish easily so they're not really an option for daily use. 

[sharronp69]

I totally agree. The classic silicone band is a problem. I've basically giving up on trying. I've ordered replacements and have not one time had a problem attaching them.  

[Lizhz]

I agree the Fitbit brand silicone band is the only one I’ve spent way too much time trying to replace. So far any of the Amazon bands I’ve purchased ( now 4) no problem.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[sharronp69]

I actually order my replacement bands on ebay and I've never had a problem. Hell, I've even been able to order them in sets.

[Dagunnar]

Agreed! So do you just never change the bands? I have to. I'm calling the company tomorrow as I have watched tutorials and took mine to 2 jewelers who tried changing it and they stated the black band does not fit the watch. How can they sell the purple Versa watch with the black band inside and state that it is interchangeable? I guess I will find out tomorrow when I call the company.

[Dagunnar]

The fitbit Versa I bought came with a black band as well. IT DOES NOT FIT! I am pissed they would include it in the box. Took it to 2 jewelers who tried and stated it does not fit the watch. Grrrr

[sharronp69]

Yea, I've called them a couple of times about the black silicone band and they've sent me tutorials on had to put the band on. Nothing works. The band is too thick. they need to make it thin like the grey woven band. I have no problem with any other band except for that black silicone band. I've ordered a few bands in the past and I just ordered me some new bands off Ebay this week.