Before you consider taking off your Apple Watch protective cover, it’s important that you turn off the Apple Watch completely. This helps you avoid accidental taps or button presses that could mess things up. To power off, press and hold the side button until you see the sliders appear, then simply swipe the Power Off slider to fully power down the watch.
Use Fingernail or Card to Lift a Corner of the Case
Your Apple Watch is powered off, and you’re ready to remove the Apple Watch cover. Take your fingernail or slide a plastic card (a credit card works great) under one edge to carefully lift the watch protector corner.
Don’t use sharp things like scissors or knives as they could scratch your watch pretty easily. If the corner you chose isn’t cooperating, no worries—just try another until you feel it loosen. Once you’re sure that the corner is free, slowly pry up the Apple Watch case, and work your way around gently to avoid damage.
Gently Peel Around All Four Sides of the Cover
Once you’ve lifted one corner, don’t rush it. Peel the Apple Watch protector slowly, working your way around all four sides. Use your fingers to gently lift each edge bit by bit, and try your best to keep the pressure as light and even as possible.
You’re not yanking off a sticker; the goal is to remove the protective case without bending or cracking it. If it’s snug, keeping the band on can give you a better grip.
Avoid Touching Internal Components or Buttons
Taking off your Apple Watch cover? Do it gently, and keep your fingers away from the sensors, buttons, and ports while you’re at it. It’s a mistake you don’t want to make. Pressing on the back sensors or fiddling with the Digital Crown during removal can mess with performance and throw off your readings.
To keep your Apple Watch hardware safety in check, stick to the edges and peel the cover off slowly. That way, you avoid touching watch sensors and ensure a careful Apple Watch removal without damaging anything that keeps your device running right.
Remove Any Plastic Film or Wrap
Once you unbox your Apple Watch, you should remove any plastic wrap that comes with it. To remove Apple Watch plastic wrap, peel it off slowly—don’t cut it, don’t yank it. Just lift one corner and ease it off.
Remember that using sharp tools can scratch the surface. So it’s best to always remove the film from the Apple Watch with just your fingers, taking your time. It’s quick, but worth doing right so nothing gets damaged before you even start using it.
When and Why to Replace a Protective Cover
After a while, your Apple Watch cover just stops pulling its weight. Maybe it’s scratched up so bad you can barely see your screen, or it’s starting to feel loose and awkward around the edges. That’s usually your cue to act.
A worn out Apple Watch cover can mess with how the watch looks and feels, and in some cases, even cause Apple Watch screen protector issues—like messing up your touch response or trapping dust and sweat underneath. When that happens, just replace the Apple Watch case entirely. It’s quick, and it makes a big difference.
Cleaning Your Apple Watch After Cover Removal
Once you’re done with the process of taking the cover off, it’s the perfect time to clean your Apple Watch screen. Keep it simple by grabbing a dry microfiber cloth and gently wiping the screen.
If you come across a stubborn smudge, try to dampen the cloth slightly with plain water (nothing else). Skip the soap, sprays, or anything abrasive. It’s likely that they’ll do more harm than good. This is one of those Apple Watch care tips that takes less than a minute but keeps your watch looking brand new.
Conclusion
Of course, taking off your Apple Watch cover might sound very easy, but it’s one of those things you should never rush. Safe Apple Watch cover removal works best when you gently use a plastic pick or just your fingers.
While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to give your watch and band a quick clean, because there’s no doubt that consistent Apple Watch maintenance keeps everything looking and working great.
