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How to Remove Screw Back Earrings (Easy, No Pain)

Screw Back Guide

Quick answer: hold the front of the earring, twist the back to the left (counterclockwise) until it slides off. It takes about 5 seconds.
1 Hold the front
Pinch the front of the earring with your thumb and index finger so the post stays still.
2 Twist the back to the left
Turn the screw back counterclockwise. Remember: righty tighty, lefty loosey.
3 Keep twisting until it slides off
Once the threads let go, the back comes off the post on its own. Don't pull it.
4 Slide the earring out
Gently pull the post out of your piercing from the front.

Back feels stuck? Try this

  • Make sure you're turning to the left. Most "stuck" backs are being tightened by accident.
  • Dry your fingers and the earring. Wet or lotion-covered fingers slip.
  • Grip the back with a small piece of rubber (a rubber band or a jar-opener pad) for extra hold.
  • Still won't move? A tiny drop of soapy water on the post can loosen it. Rinse and dry after.

💛 A note from Eli

I'll be honest with you: screw backs take a little patience the first few times. If it's your first pair, keep your nails short or ask someone to help you. But once they're in, they're the most secure and comfortable earrings you'll ever wear. That's why I wear mine every day.

Made to stay in

Screw backs aren't meant to come on and off every day. Put them in and leave them in. Many of our customers wear theirs for months without taking them out. Less handling means less chance of losing a back.

Lost a back? It happens!

We sell replacement 10K solid gold screw backs on their own.

SHOP REPLACEMENT BACKS

Studs you never have to take off

Solid gold · secure screw backs · shower & sleep in them

10k solid gold bar stud earring with screw back10k solid gold mini circle stud earring10k solid gold endless hoop earring
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FAQs

Do screw back earrings hurt?

No. Once they're in, you won't feel the back at all. The flat screw back sits flush behind your lobe, which makes them comfortable to sleep in.

Can I sleep and shower in screw back earrings?

Yes, if they're solid gold. Solid gold won't tarnish, fade or turn your ears green, so you can leave them in 24/7.

How often should I take them out?

Only when you want to clean them or switch up your look. They're made to be worn 24/7, and many of our customers keep theirs in for months.

Why choose screw backs over push backs?

Push backs can slide off and get lost. Screw backs lock onto the post, so your earrings stay put all day and night.

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How to remove screw back earrings: 4 easy steps infographic by Liv Aura

Next: How to put screw back earrings in →