Zwift + Elite have released a required update for the Sterzo Smart steering device. Notice was posted in the Zwift forum on June 4th and now, once you’ve installed Zwift’s latest update (version 1.14.0) you’ll get the following warning if you try to pair a Sterzo to the game with the old firmware:
Why the Update?
According to Zwift’s forum posts, this update is being rolled out for two reasons:
- It improves and simplifies the initial pairing procedure. It especially helps the reconnection process should the Sterzo Smart ever disconnect.
- Security improvements were made to deter hacks to the Sterzo system. There were people hacking and selling fake Sterzos.
Installing the Upgrade
To upgrade your Sterzo’s firmware, you’ll need to install Elite’s “Upgrado” app (available on iOS and Android), create an account, connect to your Sterzo, and upgrade its firmware. Here are some screenshots of that process:
You must sign in or create an account 
If the Sterzo doesn’t show up, unpair it from Zwift 
Click on the Sterzo 
This screen shows your current (outdated) firmware version 
Downloading the update 
Installing the update 
All done! 
Sterzo page confirms the new version 21 firmware
Here’s a video from our favorite Aussie lama explaining the upgrade process and sharing Shane’s views on this news and other thoughts Zwift steering related:
Questions or Comments?
Share below!
Perhaps someone from Elite can explain why we need to register to get this update that is being forced on us. I hope the security of their accounts is better than that of their devices that lead them to issue this update. Not impressed by this
Haha, you wish. Last time I needed software for a 500€ smart trainer there wasn’t even an option to download via HTTPS or any checksums available. I’m happy with the trainer and the (dumb) Sterzo I have, but the software side of things is just really poor.
For an explanation have a look at DC Rainmaker…
Fake Sterzo, heaven forbid. What next, “fake” trainers? Would prefer to see a standards approach over hardware lock-in.
Someone show me a link to the fake sterzo I can buy. It does not exist. A few electronic hobiests reverse engineering the protocols is not a fake sterzo.
There’s this: https://titanlab.co/715-2/
Just a quick note. I had real problems getting the Sterzo to connect with my Motorola phone. Eventually my wife’s Samsung connected immediately. Performed the update, which was quick and easy. Then the sterzo would not reconnect to my laptop (Windows machine). Finally discarded the old Sterzo Bluetooth connection on the laptop, and set up a new one. Bingo it worked! Hope this helps someone else out there!
Eric, as usual, thank you for your informative and complete post regarding the Sterzo update. I followed the steps outlined and the update completed quickly and without a hitch. The pairing for my first post update ride was quicker than before. Thanks. 👍
I have run the updater. My Sterzo is now on Firmware 21 Hardware revision 6. I still get a error message. Swift thinks I still need to do the firmware update. The Sterzo shows up as connected. But, no steering.
So I can’t type. . . Zwift not Swift. Any ideas?
I have the same problem Firmware 21 Harware revsion 2 with no option to update further in the App and Zwift still says it needs updating.
I can’t type either Hardware not Harware.
Plus I have sent question to both Zwift and Elite
Response from Zwift is that it is a known problem and they are working on a fix which will be released as part of an update
Hi, I have just bought Sterzo Smart and even up-to-date it does not work with Zwift…
have’nt seen any fix till now…
You get an error about invalid billing information if you have Swedish characters in your name like I have. Change them to anything normal and you are good to go. Great guide!
Zwift stopped seeing my Sterzo after I did the firmware update.
Hi, I am having a problem getting my sterzo smart to communicate with laptop. I use wahoo kickr core as my bike trainer. I have the latest sterzo firmware. 21. Hardware revision 10. My zwift account reads it but I get a message that the connection is faulty and that I may need to update the firmware and it doesn’t work when cycling. I get it to work no problem when I use my trainer with zwift on my ipad air 2. I bought an ant+ dongle for my laptop and I use an extension cord with it too but still I get the message about a faulty connection. Any idea as to how I can proceed?
Sorry, my name is Paul. Typo.
I wonder if the issue is my laptop. I was a pretty good laptop 5 years ago but now it’s old. I can’t update the operating system to Windows 11, for example.
I finally got it to work. It looks like the contacts for the batteries in my sterzo malfunctioned. I had to buy a new one. Water (my sweat) got inside the battery compartment. I bought a new one and it’s working okay now. I’ll just be careful to keep the new one dry while riding. I cover it with a cloth both below and on top of ( between tyre and sterzo).