Intro to Wireless
Cyclists use a variety of devices to measure their speed, heart rate, power, cadence, and more. When wireless versions of these devices first hit the market they used proprietary standards developed by each manufacturer, but today these devices typically use ANT+, Bluetooth, or both.
ANT+ has been largely popularized by Garmin, while Bluetooth is a more open protocol which has gained ground in recent years.
No ANT+ on Zwift for iOS
Zwift for iOS only communicates via Bluetooth. The desktop (PC and Mac) version of Zwift lets you connect directly to ANT+ devices using an ANT+ dongle, but if you want to connect ANT+ sensors to Zwift for iOS you will need to purchase a device which acts as a bridge between the ANT+ devices and Bluetooth.
This is where 4iii’s ~$80 Viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor shines. Not only is it a heart rate monitor which can store fit file data, it can also work as an ANT+ to Bluetooth bridge.
Using the Viiiiva with Zwift for iOS:
- Install the iOS app for Viiiiva on your iDevice.
- Enable Bluetooth on your iDevice, open the Viiiiva app and pair your Viiiiva to your iDevice.
- Wake up your ANT+ devices and pair them via the Viiiiva app. Be sure to click “Done” to save your pairing.
- Turn off the Viiiiva app and start up Zwift, which will now be able to see your ANT+ sensors after it connects to your Viiiiva through Bluetooth.
Additional Notes
- After pairing your ANT+ devices to Viiiiva you must turn off the Viiiiva app before Zwift can connect to your Viiiiva. This is a limitation of Bluetooth, not Zwift or the Viiiiva: Bluetooth devices may only interact with one app at a time.
- Many smart trainers and power meters include cadence in their power meter ANT+ channel. If that is the case, do not pair up an additional cadence channel from the same ANT+ device or you will confuse the Viiiiva and cadence numbers will be wildly inaccurate.
I am wondering will the garmin edge 520 act as a bridge it has Bluetooth and all of my sensors show up on it, but I get nothing on zwift when I scan for any sensors.
Make sure you are not running the viiiia app while trying to connect to zwift. This fixed the issue for me!
Garmin 520 does not transmit Bluetooth, only receive.
Using a classic trainer with garmin cadence and speed sensor gs10 and the viiiiva as my bridge for my iPhone. Viiiiva picks up both sensor but zwift puts my speed sensor in the power source
This is my issue as well
Same here,
same for me 🙁
It’s worth noting that the 4iiii app is registering the speed in its workout page, so it appears to be working as expected there. It’s hard to pin this down as a viiiiva or a swift iOS issue. Hoping that both companies can look to resolve this as I don’t really want to have to buy more new sensors! Still waiting for that first ride on Zwift!
This is happening to me as well. I’ve not seen a resolution posted anywhere, has anyone else. Shame if feels so close…..
I’ve got the same issue, I bought the viiiiva for the specific purpose of using my garmin sensors with Zwift iOS – has there been a fix for this yet? Dying to use Zwift on iPad!
Has anyone submitted this to ZwiftHQ as a support ticket? If not, you should! https://support.zwift.com
Thanks Eric, I didn’t realise there was that facility. I have submitted the ticket. Hopefully i’ll be ipad zwifting soon 🙂
I have contacted zwift about the problem and this was their reply. Hopefully it gets fixed soon
Thanks John. I’ll have QA test this one out as well. We found an issue with the older GSC10 model also.
I think we’re going to have to call 4iiii as well. I’ll put the ticket on-hold until I can get more information from our QA department.
I have contacted zwift about the problem and this was their reply. Hopefully it gets fixed soon
Thanks John. I’ll have QA test this one out as well. We found an issue with the older GSC10 model also.
I think we’re going to have to call 4iiii as well. I’ll put the ticket on-hold until I can get more information from our QA department.
I submitted a ticket to report a failure of Zwift iOS to pick up my Garmin speed sensor using the Viiii HRM bridge. I followed all instructions, including disconnecting Viiii once I configured by devices to it, to no avail. The customer service response was quick, and seemingly thorough. I tried every fix they recommended to the letter. No success. Shame. Seems like the app could have brought a little sunshine to my basement.
Same issue here.
This is my issue! The Viiiiiva app senses my speed but Zwift doesn’t! And I can’t get my avatar to move!
Has anyone tried it with a Mio Velo acting as a bridge yet? I can’t get my hands on a Viiiiva anywhere in Europe, so plan on setting for the Velo.
Yeah I use the Mio Velo, works fine ?
Just to be clear does the velo transmit ant+ power meter data to Bluetooth or just speed cadence?
Great but: I am experiencing a problem using the Viiiiva and Garmin speed sensor – the zwift app recognizes the speed sensor as power sensor. The Viiiiva app sees the speed sensor correctly. So what gives?
How does this work using rollers? I have a Garmin 810 that has Bluetooth. What I need to know is what sensors do I need to buy so that I can use SWIFT on my IPhone?
HELP!! All new to me…..
I have the same issue as Chris as well ….. i am running Garmin speed and cadence sensors and connecting Via a Viiiiva device ….. i noticed yesterday it did recognized everything but the trainer so no speed is being calculated …. so basically i sit on the edge of the road with no ability to move …. so frustrating as i was told by Zwift to buy the 4iiii strap to get running. I dont have a smart trainer or sounds like this would be an non issue … i have already invested enough to get going so i hope this “bug” gets fixed soon …Two days ago Zwift didnt get any signal from my 4iiii so at least some headway has been made …. i have done everything i can and have spent hours going over every detail …..
Any update on the issue with the speed sensor and 4iiii? Thanks
It’s a shame that my 30 pin Wahoo ANT+ Dongle and genuine apple 30 pin to lightning adapter that works fine with iOS TrainerRoad app won’t with the iOS on Zwift? Sounds like cheapest option for me is to purchase a cheap BTE Cadence Sensor like the Funding, Crivit or Topeak on eBay for a tenner and fit it beside my existing Garmin GSC10 . I already have a Crane BLE HRM that I bought for £5 that I use with Runkeeper that also seems to pair fine with Zwift I will post my findings when it arrives. I guess I should have purchased a TT Bluetooth now as I really want to start using Zwift this winter
I tried the IOS version and it wouldn’t connect to my cadence speed sensor or ANT… Out of frustration, I just kept on using my PC, and it works fine-
I don’t know how everyone else feels, but I don’t have time for the nonsense…. If the PC is working, I’ll stick with it-
I have tried absolutely everything. Am I missing something?
Zwift iOS won’t find neither of the following garmin sensors, speed, cadence or heart rate monitor.
I have enabled Bluetooth and loaded the mobile link.
I have unpaired all the above with all other devices and still doesn’t find anything when it searches.
Am I being dumb or is this a problem for all.
Thanks
Garmin sensors don’t use Bluetooth, so unless you have a bridge like the Viiiiva they won’t work.
Thanks I’ve started to understand this a bit more. Would swapping from a non smart turbo trainer to a smart trainer work as bridge. Thanks
This is the latest reply from zwift on the garmin problem. Hopefully it won’t be to long for the update
“Just a quick update – we have contacted 4iiii and are working on a fix with them. We believe it will be tested and ready for the next iOS update.”
When will the new iOS update come out with a fix for the Garmin Speed sensor being seen as a power meter with Viiiiva HR monitor? I just got this HR monitor from 4iiii on Zwift’s recommendation to solve the problem of only having Ant+ speed/cadence sensor with the Garmin but now still can’t use Zwift because of this problem. Really hoping for an update ASAP.
It’s January 3 and I have the same issue. I bought the 4iiii in order to bridge my Garmin accessories yet when I start Zwift I simply sit on the side of the road.
This sucks. Spent hours reconnecting and connecting deleting the app and reinstalling. Turning off all possible Bluetooth devices in the area so that only the garmin speed and cadence sensors can register but the zwift app keeps putting the speed sensor as a power meter! Feeling frustrated.
I agree with Rick, i bought the 4iiii just for Zwift and i have to say its really frustrating just sitting and waiting for the fix ….. in this day and age i would have thought that would have been resolved within a day or so ….. i get on my trainer every night hoping to connect only to find it wont connect and i just sit at the side of the road …. i will go on watch mode just to get a sense of what its like ….come on Zwift ….. lets get this ironed out ….. this has been an issue for a few weeks and still no fix.
It looks like there is a large group of us waiting for the fix ……… i think it should be a priority ???
I’m sure it IS a priority, which is why ZwiftHQ said the fix should be available in the next iOS update. I would guess that will be out in the next week or two.
thanks … good to know 🙂
So is there any bridge that works properly with garmin edge 810 sensors?
Hi All,
Just let you know, Bryton’s sensors got the same problem just like Garmin….
Help~~~~~~~~~
Any updates on this. im still having issues with my cadence not working.
Same issues as everyone else… any resolution / ios zwift update yet? When is the update scheled?
I am having the same garmin issues. Strangely enough, it miraculously worked for the first time, about 5 days ago. But nothing since then…
Eschlange… any update on this issue? Im dying… lol
Hoping for an update soon. I’ve been waiting for zwift to become available on IOS just to enjoy the experience of riding at home with it. And when if finally did, I found I had to buy this bridge to make it work. Followed all instructions and still no luck. would love to ride with my friends on Zwift with the convenience of being at home. Please Zwift! Help us!
What is going on with this?! Is there a solution in sight!? We all paid for this band by Zwift recommendation and are currently paying monthly for zwift without the ability to access the program properly?! WE NEED SOME FEEDBACK ZWIFT!
You should submit a ticket at http://support.zwift.com. They (ZwiftHQ) probably aren’t following this page very closely!
I picked up a wireless bluetooth bridge that works quite well. I review it on my blog.
https://journeymancyclist.com/2017/12/15/so-you-wanna-zwift-using-ios/
Okay, I’m still having the same problems as all of you, but I can’t figure out why it worked one time, and never again. I seriously thought I hit some magical sequence of buttons…is it possible they are working on it and I just happened to try when they were having a break through? Strangest thing ever…and so incredibly frustrating!
This is the lastest reply I got back from zwift. Hopefully not to much longer
John,
We believe we have fixed the issue on our end but are still in testing with 4iiii. Once they give us the okay (on their end), we’ll include it with the next update.
The latest iOS release notes (app update released tonight!) say the 4iiii issues have been fixed. Please check it out and post here to let others know if it’s working!
Just checked mine and it works. Only thing I found was I thought I read once that you have to turn Bluetooth off after you pair. I found that didn’t work. You just have to hit the disconnect button on the ziiii app.
I bought the Viiii HR and at first had some issues but finally figured it out: Bluetooth can only connect to one app at a time.
So make sure no other app is connected to 4iiii HR when you start Zwift (or any other app you want to use) AND let the app connect.
Then it all works great + it also transmits my Ant+ cadence, as promised.
I just found the NPE Cable unit ANT+ to BTE bridge. It’s about the same price as the 4iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii unit. It is not a HRM, but it is small (two quarters) and is supposed to last a long long time. Looks like a good solution for someone who just wants to put a dodad in their bike seat bag and forget about it. It has a nifty bike theft motion alarm and a gym mode for when you’re using one-time equipment.
The CABLE (Convert ANT to BLE) unit from NPE is in the process of rolling out a FW update which works around an issue in Zwift when there are multiple BLE services supplying cadence information. If there is a power meter and speed/cadence sensor providing cadence information the CABLE unit will only send the cadence via the Cycling Power Service so Zwift does not get confused. This is rolling out this week.
I picked up that product and like it. It’s wireless, easy and works well for me.
I reviewed it on my Blog, which I am shamelessly trying to drive traffic to here.
https://journeymancyclist.com/2017/12/15/so-you-wanna-zwift-using-ios/
Hi, I’m having trouble with this. I have just tried it out and paired up ok but I cannot get the controllable box at the bottom right to find my trainer so I’m just using it as a power source and the result is obviously no resistance during the ride. I’m using a cycleops power beam pro and iPad Air/iPhone 6s plus.
Any help would be great!
I just joined Zwift today with the Garmin speed and cadence sensors and the Viiiia HRM. Everything works perfectly. Does that mean the problem has been solved, or am I a fortunate outlier?
The iOS update to v1.0.16180 on Jan 28th added ANT+ support, so it now works with a Wahoo ANT+ key, and the Apple 30 pin to Lightning adapter.
I already have a wahoo RFLKT+ that can be an ANT+ Bridge for sensors. Is that supported by Zwift also or not or do I have to splash some cash?
Thanks for the help.
Haven’t personally tested the RFLKT+ but it should work!
I have tried with the RFLKT+, but not managed to get it working. I would be interested in hearing if you have had any positive results.
I’ve had no issues using the Viiiiva to bridge my ant+ garmin vector pedals to my ipad mini. My question is by bridging the signal does zwift read it as zpower? I did a race on zwift recently and that my results came up ad zpower. is there a way to address this? I don’t want the stigma of a poor set up over estimating my power.
No, Zwift reads it as a power meter. There is a known bug in the Zwift race results screen (at least, there was as of several weeks ago) where zPower indication is one line off for some reason–that’s probably what you saw.
Just wanted to say a thank you to all the posts in this thread… I’ve been using the laptop in the garage for a while and I’m finally going to take the leap to the ipad coupled with the viiiva HRM that I’m just about to purchase. I was aware of previous issues (almost a year ago) and feel confident that I can buy the HRM without any concerns… Happy XMas and keep cycling everyone!
I am trying to move from an old PC to an IPad, using cyclops magnus and garmin 935. As you mention the connections have to be Bluetooth, Zwift sees the magnus but it does not show my HR from the 935, have searched forums but can’t seem to find any answers
You have to have a bluetooth heart rate monitor for it to be picked up on the iPad. Your Garmin has nothing to do with it… it’s not part of the setup really.
Ok thanks for the quick reply, I didn’t know that and it was getting a little frustrating. I am sure most Bluetooth HR monitors would work but are there any that don’t work with Zwift
North Pole Engineering (NPE) make a nifty little device for this bridge called the CABLE which connects all ANT+ devices to Bluetooth. Works really well.
I’ve been struggling to get my Viiiiva HR to connect to my iPad Pro when running Zwift and using a Wattbike Trainer… I had no trouble last winter when I last used Zwift. I thought the Bluetooth part of my HR monitor had packed up, so purchased a new one… same issues!
Any suggestions anyone?
Hiya. One thing I noticed after a Zwift upgrade was I needed to change the name of my 4iiii heart rate monitor back to the default for it to work again. Hope this helps…
Hi Ian, thanks for that, I’ll try that… what was the default as I’ve changed mine?
Hi Mario, just checked and it should be called ‘Viiiiva’, hope it works! Hope Ian