Remove, change, and fasten Apple Watch bands
Follow these general instructions for removing, changing, and fastening bands.
Make sure that you use a band that corresponds to your Apple Watch case size. You can use a band thatʼs designed for other Apple Watch models with Apple Watch Ultra as long as the sizes are compatible. Bands for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases are compatible with each other, and bands for 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm cases are compatible with each other.
Most bands designed for Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), and Apple Watch Series 8 are compatible with Apple Watch Ultra. Bands designed for Apple Watch Ultra are compatible with 44mm and 45mm cases.
Remove and change bands
Hold down the band release button on your Apple Watch Ultra.
Slide the band across to remove it, then slide the new band in.
Never force a band into the slot. If you’re having trouble removing or inserting a band, hold down the band release button again.
![Two images of Apple Watch. The image on the left shows the band release button. The image on the right shows a watch band partially inserted into the band slot.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6398A9D9257A2C1D9026967A/6398A9DD257A2C1D90269684/en_US/9d7bf918c913b93fd0b5689961bce29c.png)
Fasten a band
For optimal performance, your Apple Watch Ultra should fit closely on your wrist.
The back of your Apple Watch Ultra needs skin contact for features like wrist detection, haptic notifications, and the heart rate sensor. Wearing your Apple Watch Ultra with the right fit—not too tight, not too loose, and with room for your skin to breathe—keeps you comfortable and lets the sensors do their job. In addition, the sensors work only when you wear your Apple Watch Ultra on the top of your wrist.
Tip: For a more secure fit during higher-impact water sports, on the Ocean band, move the loop closer to the buckle.
![Side view of the Ocean band showing the loop closer to the buckle.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6398A9D9257A2C1D9026967A/6398A9DD257A2C1D90269684/en_US/c00b6e880541c74e3502fd43e9fc7585.png)
Tip: The Trail Loop is not recommended for higher-impact water sports. For a more secure fit during water sports, attach the folded side of the Trail Loop band to the top of the watch.
![Side view of the Trail Loop band showing the folded side of the band at the top of Apple Watch Ultra.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6398A9D9257A2C1D9026967A/6398A9DD257A2C1D90269684/en_US/d33b094e44acd2a264c12d8533bf940d.png)
For more information, see the Apple Support articles Wearing your Apple Watch and Change your Apple Watch band.