I’ve just been having this issue on iOS 18.5 and MacOS 15.4.1 and was able to resolve it by first reinstalling Zwift on Mac, and then also reinstalling ZC on iPhone, while giving it all the local network permissions it asked for along the way.
This feels like loss of compatibility after MacOS and/or iOS update, and if that’s the case it can recur with future OS updates.
Until a week or two ago it was all working fine with no issues (I’ve had Zwift for about 6 months). Then a few days ago Zwift just would not connect to ZC no matter what I tried, including reinstalling ZC. Local Networks permissions did not even appear on the iPhone for ZC, nor on MBP for Zwift. Only when I reinstalled Zwift on MBP, and then also resinstalled ZC yet again on iPhone, did it work again. At this point I can see Local Networks permissions for Zwift on MBP, but still do not have any Local Network toggle for ZC on iPhone.
Have you already downloaded and run the Zwift installer again on the Mac? That often resolves it at least temporarily. A prompt to allow Local Network access should appear when you run it for the first time post-installation.
I have 2 Mac Mini computers. I have the Companion app on my iPhone and an iPad.
All are on the same WiFi network.
I have reinstalled Zwift on both Mac Mini computers, despite both showing Zwift in the Local Network section of Privacy & Security.
I have reinstalled the Companion app on both my iPhone and iPad.
No combination of computer / mobile device will show the Companion app connected to Zwift.
I properly exit Zwift on each Mac Mini when I’m done - either riding or testing this.
I am not running MacOS26 or iOS26 - I’m not ready to make that leap yet.
This is good feedback. There have been others confused by it. I really like the change to allow leaving the map but I think it should default to showing the map.
What clued me in was that without Zwift running on the MacMini, one of the buttons was “Clubs”.
Once I started Zwift on the MacMini, on the iPhone, the Companion app refreshed and the Clubs button went away, I saw the Map button.
It was a “Doh” moment, for sure.
Well, I have the same problem but older software versions.
Zwift runs on a MacBook Pro early 2015 with Monterey 12.7.6, the Companion App runs on my iPad with IPadOS 17.7.10, Internet connection for the Macbook an the iPad comes via hotspot from my Iphone12 with IOS26. So Zwift and the Companion App are using the same internet connection, but the map doesn’t start, when riding.
On my Macbook I can’t find “Local network” under “Security and Privacy”.
So what is the problem?
EDIT: After testing my setup in my apartment it seems that the using of the hotspot is the problem. running Zwift and the Companion App with my wifi-network there is a button “Map” in the Companion App. Running both under the hotspot connection, the button doesn’t appear. But why is this so?
I’ve got companion app (CA) issues, somewhat out of the blue, running zwift on an Apple TV and CA on a Google Pixel 6. I’ve had zero problems connecting until Tuesday this week, when CA didn’t move to the map screen and I couldn’t pair. In order to take part in my race I paired via bluetooth, which worked fine (though meant I couldn’t use my play controllers).
I’ve restarted the Apple box, restarted my phone, force closed CA, cleared cache in CA, and restarted my router. This seemed to have worked yesterday and I was able to pair. But a couple of mins into the ride, connection was lost and CA stopped showing the map. Again, connected directly via bluetooth so I could finish my ride, but tried again with CA force close afterwards, and again it connected, but then lost connection in less than a minute.
Given it’s connected without issue for the months that I’ve been pairing via CA, I’m at a loss to understand why it’s suddenly not working. I’ll have to pair directly until this is resolved, but it’s annoying not being able to use the play controllers and having to use the tedious little Apple remote instead to navigate in game.
hi John, the comp app is there, however, I just use an iPad for the companion app & my MacBook for zwift…I’ve done all the actions listed on this thread & nothing, the app does not connect, it used to every now & again…..please help
Good deal Mike, glad you’re up & running. All I’m running is a MacBook Air (for zwift), an iPad for the companion, my WiFi & wahoo trainer, not sure why not connecting
I know this is a complicated issue but I will add on my current setup with an ipad and an iphone running iOS18 the solution was a bit tricky. Additionally I got an apple watch to report my HR. I had to do three things:
disable Settings→Privacy & Security→Location Services→System Services->Networking & Wireless on my iphone
enable Settings→Privacy & Security→Local Network→Zwift on the ipad (more on this later)
open the apps in this order: ZC on iphone → Zwift or ZC on watch → Zwift on ipad
I will also add a NOTE that the iphone does not show me the Zwift Companion app in the Local Network privacy permissions menu. This is tricky because it is clearly using the local network when its started in airplane mode.
Similar for me… CA just seems to drop out sporadically while in the middle of a a zwift session. apple TV hard wired connection. iphone running CA and connected to access point 5 feet away. worked solidly for years…now flaky every other day for last week. shutting down zwift and starting a new ride and things work again (until they don;t)
