# Troubleshooting Hardware Connection Issues

> If your trainer isn't connecting to Zwift, nearby devices, outdated firmware, wireless interference, or network issues may be affecting the connection...

Source: https://support.zwift.com/en_us/troubleshooting-hardware-connection-issues-HkyqWXej6

Last updated: 2026-10-15T21:30:32.661Z

# Troubleshooting Hardware Connection Issues

If your hardware won't connect to Zwift or disconnects unexpectedly, follow the troubleshooting steps below to check your network connection, wireless signal, and cables.

## Check Your Hardware

Make sure:

*   Your hardware is powered on and awake.
    
*   Your hardware is near the device running Zwift.
    
*   You’re using the latest version of Zwift.
    
*   You’re using a supported device to run Zwift.
    
*   Your hardware has the latest firmware installed.
    
    *   If you've recently updated your hardware's firmware, restart your hardware before reconnecting to Zwift.
        

## Restart Your Harware

Restarting your hardware may help resolve connection issues.

1.  Disconnect your hardware from its power source, if applicable.
    
2.  Wait at least 30 seconds.
    
3.  Reconnect the power and allow your hardware to start up.
    
4.  Try connecting your hardware to Zwift again.
    

## Check Your Paired Devices

Make sure your hardware is paired under the correct category on the PAIRED DEVICES screen in Zwift.

Depending on your hardware, check the following:

*   **Power Source:** Your trainer, smart bike, or power meter is selected.
    
*   **Speed Sensor:** Your speed sensor is selected.
    
*   **Resistance:** Your controllable trainer or smart bike is selected.
    
*   **Cadence:** Your cadence sensor or compatible trainer is selected.
    
*   **Controls:** Your compatible steering or control device is selected.
    
*   **Heart Rate:** Your heart rate monitor is selected.
    

## Check for Conflicts

Other apps or devices may interfere with your hardware's connection to Zwift.

Make sure:

*   Any other apps that may connect to your trainer, including the manufacturer's app, are closed.
    
    *   Some hardware support multiple simultaneous connections, but connections from other apps or devices may still interfere with Zwift.
        
*   Other devices that may be connected to or controlling your hardware, such as bike computers, are disconnected.
    
*   Unused Bluetooth (BLE) devices are disconnected if your device has reached its Bluetooth connection limit.
    

## Check Your Internet Connection

1.  If you're connecting your hardware through Zwift Companion, make sure your phone and the device running Zwift are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
    
2.  If your hardware uses a supported network connection, make sure it's connected to the appropriate network.
    

## Check Your Wireless Connection

Bluetooth (BLE) and ANT+ interference can prevent your hardware from connecting or cause unexpected disconnections.

1.  Keep your hardware close to the device running Zwift.
    
2.  Move away from potential sources of wireless interference.
    
3.  If you're using ANT+, make sure your dongle is compatible and properly connected.
    
4.  If you're using a USB connection, make sure you're using a compatible data cable rather than a charge-only cable.
    

## Check Your Cables

If you're using ANT+, make sure you're using a high-quality branded ANT+ dongle.

If you're using USB:

*   Use a USB 2.0 or higher data cable. Charge-only USB cables won't work.
    
*   In most cases, a standard USB 2.0 data cable is sufficient.
    

For the best connection:

*   Use good-quality cables.
    
*   Keep cable runs as short as practical.
    
*   Avoid unnecessary adapters or extensions.
    

## Check the Manufacturers App

If you're still unable to connect your hardware to Zwift, try connecting it to your hardware manufacturer's app.

1.  Try connecting your hardware to the manufacturer's app.
    
2.  If your hardwarer doesn't connect to the manufacturer's app, contact the manufacturer for additional support.
    
3.  If your hardware connects and works as expected in the manufacturer's app, close the app before trying to reconnect to Zwift.
    

## Related Articles

*   [Checking Your Game Version](https://support.zwift.com/checking-your-game-version-H1wddkVR8)
    
*   [Supported Devices to Run Zwift](https://support.zwift.com/supported-devices-to-run-zwift-H1Cj9QbeB)
*   [Zwift Ready and Zwift Cog Compatible Trainers](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/zwift-ready-and-zwift-cog-compatible-trainers-r1x1sNas0)
*   [Troubleshooting BLE and ANT+ Signal Interference](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/troubleshooting-ble-and-ant-signal-interference-ryUhOTnzH)
*   [Issues with Your Internet Connection](https://support.zwift.com/issues-with-internet-connection-HyKyrf3pH)
    
*   [Connecting Your Devices for Cycling](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/connecting-your-devices-for-cycling-HJIFDrw5S)
    
*   [Zwift Crashing, Freezing, or Not Launching](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/zwift-crashing-freezing-or-not-launching-BJnK5T3GB)
    

Ride On.

\-The Team at Zwift