How to take Apple Watch case off

Guys, halp! I put a hard plastic case on my new Series 7 and now I can't get the bloody thing off. It's interfering with swipes and there's a couple of air bubbles under it (it's not even a sticky screen protector, just a hard shell, so I'm not sure how the air bubbles even got there). I want it off, but I'm not nearly strong enough; I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to break it, and I've thought about digging under the edges with a pair of scissors or my pliers but I'm scared to scratch the watch itself.

Any ideas?

EDIT: IT'S OFF!!!

Thanks for the advice, guys. It still took some doing (my thumbnails are sore) but I got it off (using the strap for leverage really helped) and I didn't even break the bloody thing. I threw it away, though; I'm not risking that again!

The case, I mean. I threw the case away, not the watch. /s

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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 that’s designed for Apple Watch (1st generation) or Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3 with 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 as long as the sizes are compatible. Bands for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases are compatible with each other, and bands for 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm 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 any previous version of Apple Watch. The Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands are designed specifically 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. Bands designed for early Apple Watch models also are compatible with 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.

Remove and change bands

  1. Hold down the band release button on your Apple Watch.

  2. 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.

How to take Apple Watch case off

Fasten a band

For optimal performance, your Apple Watch should fit closely on your wrist.

The back of your Apple Watch needs skin contact for features like wrist detection, haptic notifications, and the heart rate sensor. Wearing your Apple Watch 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 on the top of your wrist.

For more information, see the Apple Support articles Wearing your Apple Watch and Change your Apple Watch band.

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Can you change the case on an Apple Watch?

The case or frame of the Apple Watch cannot be customized or replaced. However, it can be covered with another frame placed on top.

How do I take my Apple Watch screen protector off?

The easiest way to take off a screen protector is to use a credit card, guitar pick/plectrum, or toothpick. First, slide your chosen tool under each corner in turn. Take care not to scratch the screen of your Apple Watch. With a corner pulled up, push the tool left and right to encourage detachment.