Fixing the Flaws of Fitbit Clasps

How to close the band securely and prevent loss

Bitbelt

Amazon.com

Many owners of the Fitbit Flex and Fitbit Alta struggle every time to put them on securely. These and several other fitness bands do not buckle closed but have a nub to force through slots in the band. This can be very tough to do one-handed, and you might not get it securely closed after the struggle.

Owners of the Flex and various other fitness bands that lack buckle closures also complain that not only are they tough to close, but they can lose them when they fall off unobserved.

Part of the problem with some designs is the lack of a "keeper," a loop to put the end of the band through that helps prevent losing the band if the clasp comes loose. There are ways to adapt your strap so it has a keeper, or you may be able to change to a different style of strap.

How to Securely Close Your Fitbit Flex Clasp

For fitness bands such as the Fitbit Flex and Alta that have the nub-and-slot closures, there is a trick to getting it securely closed without having someone do it for you:

Place a dime, penny, or another thin solid object under the clasp next to your skin so you have a hard surface to press against.

This makes it easier to get good closure. If that still doesn't work, you could ask someone to help you get your fitness band on securely.

Preventing Skin Problems

Inevitably you will need to take off your fitness band from time to time. Washing underneath the band regularly prevents odor, rashes, and even infections.

You should check your skin to ensure you aren't sensitive to the materials in the band. For example, an earlier Fitbit design, the Force, was recalled because the charging contacts irritated many wearers.

If you change bands to a new style, wear it for only an hour or two at first and check to see whether you react.

Fitbit consulted a board of dermatologists for care tips, which include:

  • Scrub tough stains with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Limit exposure to moisture
  • Avoid perfume, insect repellent, oil, or lotion use under the band

Keepers to Prevent Losing Your Fitness Band

Cardiologist Dr. Richard Fogoros suggests buying a pack of o-rings at your local hardware store. (The pack should cost only a dollar or two, cost-effective insurance for an expensive fitness band.) Simply slip it over the clasp to keep it secured. It should be comfortable and unobtrusive.

An o-ring or tiny rubberband can be a good solution, but it may not match your style. If that's the case, look for silicone sleeves such as the Bitbelt that act as an add-on keeper that you slide over the band.

You can mix or match colors. They have sizes for larger fitness bands and the Flex and other smaller bands. These may be sold alongside fitness bands at the big box stores.

You can also find many fitness bands in metallic and rhinestone accents, some of which can double as a stylish accessories. You can usually find them next to the fitness bands or online on sites such as Amazon.

Find a Better Strap

While the original Fitbit Flex and many other fitness bands had no option to change straps, newer models do. The Flex 2 and Fitbit Alta are examples of updated models that allow you to buy a variety of straps.

While your options from the manufacturer are limited, there are many choices from third-party vendors. These are typically inexpensive online and come in a wide range of colors, materials, and styles.

If you need a very secure strap, look for options with buckle closures, which are unlikely to come loose even with the most vigorous activities. You won't have the same struggle to ensure the nub-and-slot closure is secure.

A stylish option is the magnetic closure metal straps, similar to the Milanese loop band for the Apple Watch. You can find these in silver, gold, and rose gold tones and colors including blue, red, white, and black.

This style is the easiest to put on and take off, yet wearers report that they never have problems with them unintentionally coming loose.

Take Advantage of Your Warranty

Many bands offer some form of a guarantee, like Fitbit, whose limited product warranty promises a one-year commitment to zero defects or errors. If the device or included strap breaks, tears, or stops working within that time frame, they'll repair or refurbish the product.

2 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Fitbit. A letter from the CEO. 2014.

  2. Fitbit. Wear & care.

By Wendy Bumgardner
Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events.