How to swap Pixel Watch bands

The Google Pixel Watch is a pleasant lookin’ smartwatch that borrows loads of design cues from the Apple Watch. That consists of its proprietary strap mount, the place you’ll be able to slide bands out and in to fit your private aesthetic. According to Google, it’s meant to imitate the way in which a digicam lens snaps into place. The actuality is that it’s over-engineered and never intuitive at a look.

This isn’t an enormous difficulty should you plan on sticking with the band it got here with. But if you wish to often change up the look, you’ve obtained to grasp the strap mechanism. The excellent news is that after you grasp it, it’s truly fairly easy to swap bands. So easy you would possibly really feel a little bit foolish afterward for struggling. (Though, should you do wrestle, you’re in good firm. Several Google staff and tech reviewers had bother swapping the straps on the Pixel Watch launch occasion.)

The key lies with the Pixel Watch’s launch button. Unlike different smartwatches, it’s not positioned on the underside of the smartwatch case. Instead, it’s to the suitable facet of the strap. It’s a intelligent design, however you would possibly miss it fully should you don’t know what you’re on the lookout for.

The trickier half is getting the strap again on. It is likely to be tempting to attempt to simply snap it again into place — however don’t. If you look intently, you’ll be able to see grooves that must line up accordingly.

Instead, to placed on a strap:

Unfortunately, the Pixel Watch didn’t launch with any third-party equipment. That means you’re principally caught with Google’s bands till third events can catch up. But should you actually need to use present 20mm normal straps, you’re not completely out of luck.

You’ll have to purchase Google’s $79.99 Crafted Leather Bands, which have a pretend lug. You can then use a strap pin instrument to come out the default strap and match considered one of yours as an alternative. (Our very personal Dan Seifert did it with considered one of his straps.) This is extra of a workaround than an official methodology, nonetheless, and prices a reasonably penny. Thankfully, we’ve began to see the primary third-party adaptors hit the market. This one, for instance, is a mere $20.

Now that you know the way to swap bands like a professional, we encourage you to get inventive. After all, wearables are private tech that help you categorical your type — and the Pixel Watch is form of like a chameleon. Its total vibe can dramatically shift relying on the band you employ. We’ll must see whether or not Google retains this mechanism on future Pixel Watches, however for now, you would possibly as properly have enjoyable.