Step 1: Install Zwift
You’ll need to download the software from Zwift.com, install it, then run it and create a free account. Warning: installation can take an hour or more.
Step 2: Prep Your Vortex
Besides just getting your bike set up on the trainer, you’ll need to make sure the firmware is up to date and make sure you are properly calibrated.
Step 3: Install ANT+ USB dongle (or Use Bluetooth)
Plug the ANT+ dongle into your computer, ideally using a USB extension cord to ensure good reception. (Learn more about dongle options.) Try to place the dongle within a few feet of your trainer.
More and more Zwifters are using Bluetooth instead of ANT+ to connect their trainers. You can use Bluetooth through the Zwift Mobile App, or even use your computer’s built-in Bluetooth if you are a Mac user.
Step 4: Pair Up
Once you fire up Zwift and sign in you’ll be taken to a pairing screen. Click Search in the “Controllable Trainer” box (bottom right) and click the trainer it finds. This will automatically pair the trainer as your Power Source and Cadence meter as well.
If you want to use a different cadence sensor for improved accuracy you’ll need to click unpair, then search for your cadence sensor to pair up.
If connecting via Bluetooth you will need to click the Bluetooth icon at the top-left.
Step 5: Ride On!
Got problems? See the Tacx Vortex Smart and Zwift Unofficial Guide for help.
zwift loaded fine, but now using bluetooth zwift can’t find my tacx vortex smart. verrrry frustrating.
Same issue here. The sensors are recognized but no data is transmitted.
No issue with iPad, just with Windows 10.
I’m using Windows 10, and when I disconnect Ant+ (with which Zwift works flawlessly), in the Zwift pairing screen, it says it recognizes my sensors like with Ant+, but also says “No signal”, and when I click on Ride and start pedaling, no cadence/power/speed numbers appear, and the avatar just sits there. Similarly, Rouvy doesn’t connect to my trainer via BLE, only from my iPad. This means there’s something about Windows 10 + Bluetooth + Zwift, that doesn’t work; I just don’t know exactly what it is and how it can be fixed.
I guess I am looking for the simple answer here… I am a Mac user and prefer that over the small screen companion app. Should I use ANT+ connection to make the trainer fully controllable? I have the extension USB cord and ANT+ dongle. Just trying to confirm what the correct/best setup is.
ANT+ should work fine, yea. Bluetooth should also work (with no dongle to fuss with) since it’s built into your Mac.
Thank you Eric for the prompt reply! So either one “should” work the same? No benefit/functionality that one has that the other does not? My firmware is current. I am not sure about the brake firmware and the link to update it appears dead.
Yes, it should work the same via Bluetooth or ANT.