# Connecting a Speed Sensor

> Follow these steps to connect a speed sensor in Zwift. If you've enabled background pairing and Zwift remembers your speed sensor from your previous session...

Source: https://support.zwift.com/en_us/connecting-a-speed-sensor-ryZdj7beB

Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:25:28.486Z

# Connecting a Speed Sensor

You can connect a speed sensor to Zwift to ride with a compatible trainer or rollers.

If you've enabled background pairing and Zwift remembers your speed sensor from your previous session, Zwift can connect it in the background when you start Zwift.

## Connecting Your Speed Sensor Manually

If you need to connect your speed sensor manually:

1.  Spin the wheel your speed sensor measures to wake up the sensor.
    
2.  On the **PAIRED DEVICES** screen, select **SPEED SENSOR**.
    
3.  Select your speed sensor, then select **CLOSE**.
    
    Show image
    
    ![Paired devices screen showing speed sensor option](https://content-cdn.zwift.com/support/EN/Cycling/Resources/Images/Cycling - Paired Devices Speed Sensor 1.122.png "Select Speed Sensor")
    
4.  On the **SELECT YOUR TRAINER** screen, select your trainer or rollers, then select **OK**.
    
    Show image
    
    ![Select Your Trainer](https://content-cdn.zwift.com/support/EN/Cycling/Resources/Images/1.39 Cycling Paired Devices - Speed Sensor - Select Trainer.png "Select Your Trainer")
    
    If your trainer isn't listed, it isn't compatible with Zwift. For the most accurate readings, use a compatible direct drive trainer, wheel-on trainer, or power meter.
    
5.  Verify your tire size setting:
    
    1.  From the Home Screen, select your initials, then select **My settings**.
        
    2.  Select the **HARDWARE** tab.
        
    3.  Set **Tire Size** to match your rear tire.
        

## Things to Know

*   Some devices may need to be woken up before they can connect. Spinning the wheel your speed sensor measures may help make the sensor available to Zwift.
    
*   You can turn background pairing on or off from PAIRING OPTIONS on the PAIRED DEVICES screen.
    

## Related Articles

*   [Connecting Your Devices for Cycling](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/connecting-your-devices-for-cycling-HJIFDrw5S)
*   [Tire Size Conversion Chart](https://support.zwift.com/tire-size-conversion-chart-HyH6NiQckg)
    
*   [zPower](https://support.zwift.com/zpower-r1XjaXbxr)
    
*   [Compatible Cycling Hardware](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/compatible-cycling-hardware-BkPlq7gr)
    
*   [Connecting a Power Meter](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/power-meters-Bk7hoXWlS)
    

Ride On.

\-The Team at Zwift