Garmin Forerunner 165 Bands: 20mm Sizing Guide
The Garmin Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music both take 20mm quick-release bands. That's confirmed in Garmin's own owner's manual, and it's great news: 20mm is one of the most versatile strap sizes going, the bands click on and off in seconds without any tools, and you can swap between a sweat-friendly silicone strap for training and something more refined for the rest of the day. Every band in our Garmin Forerunner 165 collection is made specifically for this watch and ships from our Melbourne warehouse.
What size band does the Garmin Forerunner 165 use?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 uses a 20mm wide, standard quick-release band. The Forerunner 165 Music uses the exact same fitting — the Music edition adds onboard music storage, but the case dimensions and band attachment are identical. Any band from our Forerunner 165 range fits both versions perfectly.
Quick-release means each end of the band has a small spring bar with a sliding pin. Pull the pin, and the band pops free — no spring bar tool, no screwdriver, no trips to a jeweller. It's a genuinely 10-second job once you've done it a couple of times.
Garmin Forerunner 165 band compatibility at a glance
| Watch model | Band width | Attachment type | Tools needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 165 | 20mm | Quick-release spring bar | None |
| Garmin Forerunner 165 Music | 20mm | Quick-release spring bar | None |
Both variants come in a single case size, so there's no small/large sizing confusion to worry about — if your watch says Forerunner 165 on it, every band on this page fits.
Which band styles are available for the Forerunner 165?
We stock two dedicated band styles for the Forerunner 165, each designed as a premium alternative to the genuine Garmin strap — plus the accessories to keep your watch protected and powered.
| Product | Best for | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 165 Replacement Straps (20mm) | Everyday wear, running, gym sessions | Soft silicone with buckle closure | See product page |
| Sports Loop Forerunner 165 Band (20mm) | All-day comfort, breathability, easy adjustment | Woven nylon with hook-and-loop closure | See product page |
Silicone replacement straps — the training workhorse
Our classic silicone straps are the go-to for runners. Silicone shrugs off sweat, wipes clean in seconds, and the traditional buckle keeps the watch locked in place through intervals, long runs and gym work. With a range of colours available, it's also the easiest way to give your Forerunner 165 a fresh look — or keep a spare on hand so a worn band never sidelines your training.
Sports loop — breathable comfort for all-day wear
The Sports Loop band is a soft, double-layer woven nylon strap with a hook-and-loop fastener. Because it adjusts to any point rather than fixed buckle holes, you get a precise fit — handy for sleep tracking and heart-rate accuracy, where a snug-but-not-tight fit matters. It's noticeably lighter and more breathable on the wrist than silicone, which makes it a favourite for 24/7 wear.
How do you change the band on a Garmin Forerunner 165?
Swapping bands on the Forerunner 165 takes less than a minute:
- Flip the watch over and locate the small sliding pin on the inside of the band, near where it meets the case.
- Slide the quick-release pin inward — the spring bar retracts and that side of the band drops free. Repeat for the other band half.
- Fit the new band by inserting one end of the spring bar into the lug hole, sliding the pin in, aligning the other end, then releasing.
- Give it a gentle tug to confirm both spring bars are fully seated before wearing.
No tools are required at any step. If a band ever feels stiff on first fitting, that's normal — the spring bars are tensioned to hold firm once seated.
Complete your Forerunner 165 setup
A new band is the most visible upgrade, but a couple of small accessories go a long way with this watch:
- Tempered Glass Screen Protector Kit — the Forerunner 165's bright AMOLED display is the star of the watch, and a multi-pack of tempered glass protectors keeps it free of scratches from gym equipment, door frames and trail mishaps.
- Refuel Charger Stand — a weighted desk stand that holds your watch upright while it charges. Tidy on a bedside table or desk, and no more hunting for a loose cable.
- Charger & Data Cable Replacement — a spare cable for the office, gym bag or travel kit means your watch is never flat on race morning.
Why buy your Forerunner 165 bands from Mobile Mob?
We're an Australian-owned business, run from Melbourne, and we personally pack and send every order — with same-day dispatch from our Melbourne base. Every band is covered by our 30-day change of mind guarantee, so if a colour doesn't look right on your wrist, swapping it is simple. And because our Forerunner 165 range is built specifically for this watch as a premium alternative to the genuine straps, you get the right fit at a fraction of the price.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my watch is a Forerunner 165 or 165 Music?
Check Settings > System > About on the watch itself, or open the Garmin Connect app — your exact model name appears under your device. The Music edition stores songs on the watch for phone-free listening; the standard 165 doesn't. For bands it makes no difference: both take the same 20mm quick-release straps, so everything in our Forerunner 165 collection fits either one.
I have a Forerunner 55 or 245 — will these bands suit my watch?
Our bands are designed and tested per model, so we recommend shopping the collection made for your exact watch. If you own a Forerunner 55, head to our Forerunner 55 bands collection; Forerunner 245 owners should visit the Forerunner 245 collection. Not sure which model you have? The name is printed on the watch and shown in the Garmin Connect app under device settings.
What about the Forerunner 255?
The Forerunner 255 series is a different watch with its own fitting requirements. We have dedicated collections for both variants: the Forerunner 255 bands collection and the Forerunner 255S bands collection. Check the back of your watch case for the exact model marking before ordering — the 255 and 255S take different band sizes from each other, and from the 165.
Do quick-release bands need any tools to fit?
No. The Forerunner 165 uses standard quick-release spring bars with a built-in sliding pin — slide the pin, the band releases, and the new one clicks in by hand. The whole swap takes under a minute.
Will a new band affect heart-rate accuracy?
Fit matters more than the band itself. For the optical heart-rate sensor to read well, the watch should sit snug (but comfortable) just above your wrist bone. The Sports Loop's infinitely adjustable closure makes dialling in that fit especially easy, while the silicone strap's multiple buckle holes cover most wrist sizes.
How do I care for my Forerunner 165 band?
For silicone, rinse under fresh water after sweaty sessions and dry with a soft cloth. For the woven Sports Loop, an occasional hand wash with mild soap and an air dry keeps it fresh. Rotating between two bands also extends the life of both — many of our customers keep a training band and a daily-wear band on standby.
How fast is shipping within Australia?
Orders are dispatched same-day from Melbourne. We're Australian-owned and every order is packed and sent by our own team, with local customer support if you ever need a hand.
Ready to refresh your watch? Browse the full Garmin Forerunner 165 bands and accessories collection and find the style that suits your training and your day.