Apple Watch magnetic band loosens; seeking warranty clarity

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Level 1

26 points

Apple Watch magnetic band loosens; seeking warranty clarity

I bought a new Apple Watch 11 in September when they were first released. I chose one of the magnetic bands. But since buying the watch the band loosens all by itself and I find my tracking and medical data isn't being recorded.

I just went into my local Apple Store In Connecticut to see what can be done. The Apple Store employee I saw said the bands are not warranted and that they wouldn't be able to replace the band with something else (that stayed on).

But I just checked Apple's policy online and it seems the warranty is supposed to be the same limited warranty that the hardware comes with.

Can someone please explain which option is true and what I can do about it? Thank you.

Apple Watch Series 11, watchOS 26

Posted on Feb 14, 2026 1:06 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

artdlr007 Author

Level 1

26 points

Feb 17, 2026 6:27 AM in response to steve626

Hello all. Thank you for your responses.

I have solved the problem with Apple. I went back to the store and spoke with the manager, who arranged for a replacement. It is a gray area - the watchband is considered a consumable but since I purchased the band when I purchased the watch, and since that was only about 4 months ago, they agreed to exchange the band for me.

So all's well that ends well.

One side note: I found some very very nice bands at a site for the brand Nomad. The selection isn't vast but the bands are quality and I bought the sport band. Worth checking out if you're looking for a replacement.

Thank you all again for your help with this. The moral of this story is don't give up!

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Answer 2

steve626

Level 6

14,277 points

Feb 14, 2026 5:00 PM in response to artdlr007

artdlr007 wrote:

But I just checked Apple's policy online and it seems the warranty is supposed to be the same limited warranty that the hardware comes with.

Can someone please explain which option is true and what I can do about it? Thank you.

I think the warranty (you need to read the precise wording carefully) does not apply to "consumables," e.g. things that naturally wear out over time. It is possible that the watch band falls into the category of "consumable" because they do wear out eventually and need to be replaced. Same for the battery.

If your band were actually defective when new, you might have a better case. But it sounds like the band you got does not work for your physiology. If the magnet just does not work at all, that might be a defect.

I guess I would follow LD150's advise and simply get an inexpensive band online or from large retailers like Best Buy. If you get it from a physical store you have the advantage of being able to try it out before buying it.

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Answer 3

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,667 points

Feb 16, 2026 4:27 PM in response to artdlr007

I have crepey skin on my wrist and was having trouble finding an Watch band for my Series 10 that wasn't irritating. I found this one on Amazon. I don't even feel it on my wrist and every link is magnetic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3H9T2Q1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

M1 Mac mini, macOS 26.3;  Watch, Series 10 GPS-only, watchOS 26.3; iPhone 16, iOS 26.3; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 26.3 HomePods, audioOS 26.3

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Answer 4

LD150

Level 10

102,644 points

Feb 14, 2026 3:59 PM in response to artdlr007

You may be fighting an unwinnable battle. If it was me I would try one of the <$10 magnetic bands on Amazon.

This one does not slip £8.99

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Answer 5

artdlr007 Author

Level 1

26 points

Feb 15, 2026 2:45 AM in response to LD150

Thank you for your comments and suggestion. I agree - this is not a big issue as a replacement watchband is not very expensive. I will go this route, but first I'm going to call Apple Support to ask them directly - and complain directly if they say this issue is not under warranty. The problem has been occurring since purchase but I thought I had a year to deal with this through Apple, which may not be the case.

Apple's products come at a premium, and I expect them to warrant their hardware in particular. To me this problem is due to an inherent product defect, not abuse or misuse. I have been a loyal Apple customer for 25 years, and this is the third watch I have bought from Apple. Either way, I think it's worth a try. The money is not the issue. So I'm going to push, on principle.

But as I said, thank you for your help with this. It is kind and I appreciate the time and effort to help me with this.

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