Companion app not connecting after update to MacOS 26 [Workaround]

Bugs and Support
1

Hi there! :waving_hand:

:man_shrugging:t3: The Problem

After upgrading my Mac to macOS 26, the Zwift Companion App on my iPhone suddenly stopped connecting to my ride — in other words, the map view was no longer showing in the app.

At first, I checked the usual suspects:

  • Verified my Wi-Fi network and mesh connection
  • Restarted all devices (Mac, router, mobile)

Unfortunately, none of that helped.

:puzzle_piece: The Cause

I then noticed that on the Mac the Zwift application was no longer listed under:

System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network

Without this entry, the Zwift application on the Mac can’t communicate with the Companion App on my iPhone even though both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
This seems to be caused by a macOS bug where the system’s privacy database (tccd) “forgets” or invalidates existing local network permissions after a system update.

When that happens:

  • The app disappears from the Local Network list
  • The user can’t manually re-enable the permission (because the app isn’t shown)
  • Communication between the Mac and the Companion App becomes intermittent or completely broken

:white_check_mark: The Workaround

  1. Run the Zwift installer again (no need to uninstall first).
  2. Launch Zwift after reinstalling.
  3. macOS will now show the Local Network Access dialog again.
  4. Approve it — and the Companion App connection should start working again.

:megaphone: Disclaimer

I came across this solution in an older forum thread. It was buried among many comments, so I thought it would be helpful to start a fresh thread focused solely on this issue — without all the mixed problem reports and non-working suggestions — now that macOS 26 is rolling out.

2

I’m dealing with this now. Everything worked fine prior to macOS 26. I’ve gone through all of the fixes multiple times. The companion app is running on an iPhone iOS 26.

I have Zwift listed under Local Network Access. I’ve toggled it off/on, did a reinstall along with an uninstall/install, rebooted and still nothing.

Uninstalled and reinstalled the companion app. Confirmed same wifi network, cellular disabled, rebooted router, rebooted iPhone.

Edit…. Fixed it.

For me… Uninstall Zwift → Reboot Macbook → Install Zwift

3

This worked perfectly for me! Thanks for sharing!