Exchange my Apple Watch 6 solo loop band for a size down

I had a similar question and asked Apple's online support and the response was rather disappointing. I myself am waiting on my Series 6 with Solo Loop to arrive on Tuesday. I opted for a Size 6 based on the print off size guide however based on feedback from others it appears that in fact most seem to be more comfortable and achieve a far better fit by going for a size or two down.

I asked if it was possible to exchange the band in store or by returning it however that brings up two issues;

1. Apple apparently need you to return the entire package, ie the watch and band. This means based on current stock levels in my location, I'd be looking at a mid to late November delivery for the replacement. Even if I were to take it into the store I would have to return the watch and strap.
2. Availability of Solo Loops in any size is abysmal. Again looking at late October into November in my region.

Pretty poor if you ask me. If we are to use the size guide provided and it is wrong, then my view is that the onus is on Apple to resolve the issue.

I will wait until my watch with Size 6 loop arrives on Tuesday and see how it fits. However if it does not, then I will be making sure Apple resolve the issue with out me having to return my new blue watch and waiting another two months.

Same issue here, and I also contacted Apple Support but got a different answer. If you ordered online (my case), and the solo loop band needs to be changed for a different size, you do have to return the band, and the watch.

Who ever thought of this exchange policy for the Apple Watch Series 6 with the solo loop band, did not think right, and is making customers unhappy, and having to wait a month or more, even though you have placed the order on the day of the announcement.

Same here - got a size 7 based on the sizing chart and it is too loose. I also bought a sport band and I just want a to send back the solo loop and get a refund on the sport band, but I'm having to jump through hoops. They clearly didn't think this solo loop through very well.

Today I received my Apple Watch Series 6 with the size 11 Solo Loop band that I ordered, using both tools available to measure my wrist. Definitely 2 sizes too big.

I called Apple Support, and as expected they treated my problem super professionally, and ordered me a size 9 replacement sent to my home. All near Apple Stores are COVID closed.

Despite all online comments regarding the Solo Loop Band exchange policy, Apple came through and did the right thing.

Thanks very much.

Well, I just tried to exchange my band (too big). First time I've ever been disappointed with Apple customer support. If I exchanged my band it would cancel my trade-in. I then said, "well could I re-apply the trade-in ?" which the specialist said sure, but then I realized what would happen. Instead of getting a discount on the apple watch, I bought on my apple card (instant trade-in value applied), it would only be store credit. Effectively converting the transaction to a full price item, increasing my monthly payment, and only left with a store credit for future purchases. They had no other options. So honestly I'm likely just going to return the whole unit, then at least Apple will have to bear the burden of having to refurbish the unit. The whole thing is silly when we all know these bands cost very little to make. 

I also used the measurement tool with the order of Apple Series 6 watch with the loop band size 10 which is at least one size (if not two sizes) too big. I will contact Apple Support to see what they do for my exchange request. I don’t want to send everything back just to replace the band.

I've tried exchanging my sport band for a sport loop. 3 different times at two different stores. Even though they had it in stock, they would not do it because I bought it online. So I tried online customer service and they wouldn't do it either unless I returned the entire watch. Last attempt was 10-02-20. So much for making it easy.

Mine was also way too big when it arrived. I tried one on in-store before purchasing online, so I was very surprised it didn't fit. But thinking about it afterwards I remembered that the store couldn't find the right size band to try for the 40mm watch so they gave me the same number size band for the 44mm watch to try on with the 40mm watch. I didn't think twice about it at the time but it totally makes sense that the bands for 44mm watch would be shorter to compensate for the larger watch.

I went to the Apple store today and they swapped out the band only with no hassle. Looks like they've worked out their kinks in the exchanges of only the band for online orders.

They also had this nifty new sizing tool that adheres to your wrist so you can really pull it tight.

I originally ordered a 7, and ended up going with a 4. A 5 probably would have been fine too, but the Apple Store was out of that size in my color and a smidge tighter is probably better anyways since Apple is now saying they expect these bands to stretch over time.

UPDATE!

OK so after delaying on how to replace my band, I finally went into a store. They almost accidentally un-did my trade in by having to refund the whole watch! I stopped them and chatted with a manager. He said this has been an ongoing issue. They did some magic, created a gift card and just traded the band for me. As always the staff is so nice and helpful and kept apologizing for the wait. So short of it is: Go in person, BE NICE, Don't Assume they know, and help them through the problem. But Apple Inc still needs to resolve this issue to help the store teams.

They tried that for me too, but said they couldn't do it because I bought it online with the payment plan. I finally gave up and just decided to keep the band it came with. It became WAAAYYY too much trouble to exchange it. I love Apple but they should really be better at this.

I went to the Apple Store today, and they exchanged my Solo Loop for a Sport Band, no questions asked.

Same issue here. Just received the watch. Using the guide, I was at a size 6, but it’s way too loose. I’m guessing a 5 would have been better.

Someone should set up a swap list for this, They are showing up on ebay at high prices. We could do swaps (2 or more way) swaps for just shipping if we could find a way to handle the logistics.

I used the printed tool and was size 8, but this is too loose. I need a size 7 or 6.