FAQs: Watch bands,
watch cases and more

Apple Watches are water resistant, but not waterproof. You can wear and use your Apple Watch when you exercise, walk in the rain and wash your hands. Not all Apple Watch accessories, however, are water resistant. While many Apple Watch bands might have some level of protection against water, the Classic Buckle, Leather Loop, Modern Buckle, Milanese and Link Bracelet Bands aren’t water resistant.

Changing an Apple Watch band is a relatively simple process. First, you need to ensure the new band is compatible with your smartwatch case. Check the size of your smartwatch case. Cases between 38–41mm can accommodate any 38–41mm band. Bands that are 42–45mm cases work with any case within that size range. Got a 49mm Apple Watch case? Bands for that smartwatch case size are compatible with 44mm and 45mm cases and vice versa.

Once you're sure your Apple Watch case is compatible, lay your Apple Watch face down on a clean surface like a microfiber or a soft, padded mat. If you have a Link Bracelet, press the quick release button to separate the band into two pieces. Hold down the release button, then slide the band across to remove it. If it doesn't slide out, press the band release button again and check that you're holding it down. The text on the band should be facing you. Then, slide the new band in until you feel and hear a click.

Charging the Apple Watch doesn't usually take much time. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to get to 80% and 2.5 hours to get to 100%. Of course, battery life and charge cycles vary with use, settings and other factors; actual results will vary.

To charge, plug in your Apple Watch Charger. Whether you're using the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charging USB-C Cable or Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, you'll want to make sure it goes into a USB power adapter. You then need to plug that adapter into a power outlet or a USB port. Take your Apple Watch and position its back on the Apple Watch charger. When the Watch and charger's magnets align, you'll see the battery charging icon on your watch face.

Verizon sells a variety of Apple Watch and smartwatch chargers. It’s easy to shop our latest deals.

There are many Apple Watch bands out there. Verizon sells bands made by Raptic, Milk and Honey, and more. Be sure to check out our lowest prices.

Apple Watch chargers come from a variety of manufacturers, with some different settings. Some use a dock and some are simply attached to a cable. We offer a variety of compatible chargers, including those made by Otterbox, Belkin, Apple itself and more.

Like any covering, Apple Watch screens are susceptible to scratches and cracks. Using an Apple Watch screen protector can help safeguard your screen without limiting your ability to use your smartwatch. We sell many different Apple Watch and smartwatch screen protectors, all of which are designed to still let you use your touchscreen after applying them.

If you love to work out, there are great smartwatch bands for you. You'll want one that fits securely and is water resistant or waterproof. Consider avoiding leather and stainless steel bands, since these don't always do well with sweat. Brands like Fitbit, Otterbox and Apple make smartwatch bands specifically for hitting the gym or going for a run.

It's possible to use your own watch band with a smartwatch, but you'll have to make sure it's compatible. This is an issue because of its size in relation to your smartwatch case and the mechanism it uses to fit in. Be sure to save the watch band included with your smartwatch, so you have something to use if your alternative watch band doesn't work out.

While lots of smartwatches are great for working out, there are some that are particularly suited for providing ventilation when you're working up sweat. Brands like Nomad, Nike, Apple, and Milk and Honey make smartwatch brands with a mesh back to help ventilate sweat. Visit a Verizon store or check online to see some options for yourself.

There are numerous smartwatch bands that can work for a formal occasion. Consider a leather or metal band, including those made by Apple, if you like how it looks with the rest of your outfit. You can also opt for a simple black band. Many brands like Raptic and Montblanc make black bands, including many sold in the Verizon store.

Apple Watch is made with a strong screen that is resistant to scratches and cracks. Still, if you're interested in keeping your Apple Watch in mint condition, a screen protector can be a great choice. It doesn't guarantee perfection, but it does add an additional layer between the face of your smartwatch and things that might scratch it.

Smartwatches are designed to be worn out in the world. But like any device, there's the possibility for scratches and dings. A smartwatch screen protector can be a smart accessory to help protect your investment. The smartwatch screen protectors at the Verizon store or online can help.

If you're using a smartwatch screen protector with a sticky side, similar to a smartphone screen protector, installing it is relatively simple. While different brands may have slightly different instructions, it generally involves gently cleaning your smartwatch face, then carefully exposing the sticky side of the screen protector and sliding it onto your smartwatch face. You might then consider using a straight edge, such as a credit card, to gently smooth out any air bubbles.

There are also screen protectors that fit directly over the smartwatch face. To apply one of these, you can generally just slide it over the face of your smartwatch. Check the manufacturer's instructions.

When you're considering a smartwatch screen protector, look for one that feels like it will be easy for you to put on. You can also consider the types of activities you do, since different screen protectors are rated for durability and strength. If you like the look of your smartwatch without a screen protector, you also might want to see which are reviewed for being a little less visible than others.

There are many smartwatch cases available now. Verizon sells a variety of cases, both in our stores and online. Catalyst, Apple, Samsung and many other brands have smartwatch cases that can protect your smartwatch.

It's a pretty direct process to remove your smartwatch screen protector. To start, power it down. Then, using a dull edge (consider your fingernail or a credit card), gently lift one corner and unstick it from the screen. If that doesn't work, you can place a piece of duct tape on the corner and gently pull it up.

Putting your smartwatch in a case when you travel can be a smart move to help protect it. Some also allow you to charge your smartwatch as you travel, allowing you to arrive with a watch that's ready to wear. Consider whether it fits your style, whether you'd like a bright color you can find more easily, or even one you can engrave.

If you're swimming, you’ll want accessories that can stand up to water. So avoid smartwatch bands made of leather. Instead, choose a band that has a high water resistance. You might also want to use waterproof or water-resistant earbuds that you can pair with your smartwatch, so you're able to listen to music as you swim. There are a variety of options at the Verizon store and online, often with discounts or sales.

If you've lost or broken your Apple Watch charger, it's probably best to get a new one. While there may be ways to charge without one, it can damage your smartwatch. If you visit the Verizon store, either in person or online, you can find new Apple Watch chargers from OtterBox, Belkin and Apple.

Verizon also makes an add-on module for charging your Apple Watch. It provides a charging platform for your smartwatch, so you can charge all your devices at the same time. This sturdy charging arm plugs into your Verizon Wireless Charging Stand or Dual Pad's USB-A port and is rigorously tested for durability and reliability.

There are a few different things you can try if your Apple Watch won't charge. First, be sure you're using the right cable, either the Apple Magnetic Charging Cable or USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable. See that it's plugged all the way into the USB Power Adapter and that it's plugged all the way into a power outlet. Completely remove any plastic wrap from both sides of the charger and ensure the magnetic charger and the back of your Apple Watch are clean. Reposition the back of your Apple Watch on the charger and see if it begins charging. If not, try a different Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable or USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable, and a different USB Power Adapter. If your Apple Watch is out of power, you might need to wait a few minutes for the lightning bolt to appear after you start charging your device. If your Apple Watch still won't charge, force it to restart. Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears.

Different Apple Watches take different amounts of time to charge. The Apple Watch Ultra, for example, charges to 80% in approximately 90 minutes and to 100% in about two and a half hours. Older smartwatch models may take slightly longer. Battery life and charge cycles vary with use, settings and other factors; actual results will vary.

Yes, your smartwatch does come with an Apple Watch charger. If, however, you lose your Apple Watch charger, you can purchase a new one from Verizon, either in person or online.

Numerous brands offer charging docks for smartwatches, including those stocked at the Verizon store. These include smartwatch chargers from Otterbox and Belkin. For those who need to charge an Apple Watch, Apple makes their own chargers. Lastly, Verizon makes a charging module for smartwatches you can use to charge your smartwatch as well as certain smartphones.

A wireless charger allows you to charge a device without plugging into it directly. Many smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, do not have a visibly accessible port and are charged wirelessly. So while you may have to plug in your smartwatch charging port to the wall, you can generally just place the smartwatch on the charger to power it up. There are also wireless charging stands with spaces for your Apple Watch or another brand of smartwatch. Some even have space to charge your smartphone, so you can charge all your devices at once.

When choosing a smartwatch stand, there are a few factors to consider. You'll want something that fits within the size of your bedside area, as some stands are smaller than others. Think about whether you also want the stand to charge your smartwatch while you sleep, which can be useful. Lastly, consider the style of the charger, as you'll want it to match with the rest of your room's aesthetic.