Apple Watch Band Stuck? How to Remove a Stuck Apple Watch Band

What do you do if you want to remove an Apple Watch band, but the Apple Watch band won't come off? Don't worry; we'll show you how to take off an Apple Watch band without damaging your Apple Watch.

How to Remove a Stuck Strap on an Apple Watch

We've already gone over how to change your Apple Watch band; it's a simple process. But, what happens if you try to hold down the band release button and slide the band across to remove the strap as usual, but the Apple Watch band won't come off? At this point you're probably wondering, "Why won't my Apple Watch wrist band come off?" Most likely because the strap's locking mechanism is contaminated with grit and grime. So, are you still wondering, "How do I get my Apple Watch band unstuck?" By cleaning it, of course!

According to Apple, you can clean your Apple Watch with "a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes." Apple instructs users to, "gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your Apple Watch and your Solo Loop, Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, Ocean Band, or metal band. Don't use on fabric or leather bands. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge your Apple Watch in any cleaning agents."

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For visible debris, Apple recommends, "If your Apple Watch has substances or debris visible in places such as the speaker ports, you can hold your Apple Watch under lightly running, warm, fresh water until it's clean. Soaps and other cleaning products shouldn’t be used."

Now, you can remove the Apple Watch band that's stuck. Here's how to get an Apple Watch band off; any style of band!

1. Remove your Apple Watch from the charger and turn it off. 
2. Use a Q-Tip to press back and forth along the band release button several times to try and get it to release. Hold the release button down to see if the band can slide out now.
   
   Image Courtesy of Apple
3. If this doesn't work, use a Q-Tip dipped in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, then squeeze to remove the excess liquid. Gently swab on and around the edge of the band and the band release button. If you have a fabric or leather band, avoid touching the wet Q-Tip to the strap, as you may damage it. 
4. Let your Apple Watch sit for a few minutes, then press the band release button with a dry Q-Tip again to try and release the strap.
5. You may need to try this a few times before successfully removing the Apple Watch band.
6. If the alcohol and Q-Tip solution doesn't work, "hold your Apple Watch under lightly running, warm, fresh water until it's clean" as Apple recommends.
7. After you take off the strap, let all the components dry, then clean the metal end of the band and the slot on your Apple Watch to remove any remaining debris.
   
   Image Courtesy of Apple
8. Allow all components to completely dry before putting another Apple Watch band on.

Have these steps helped with removing your Apple Watch band? If your Apple Watch band is stuck still, it's time to contact Apple Support, in case there's a hardware issue that needs to be repaired. Be sure to check out our free Tip of the Day for more great Apple Watch tutorials, like how to control your Apple Watch with your iPhone.