Elite-trainer will only BLT-pair for all the fun stuff

General Discussion
1

Hi everyone,

I’m experiencing some puzzling issues with my Elite Direto XR hometrainer and its Bluetooth connectivity, and I hope someone here might have insights. Here’s what’s happening:

  1. The main and “fun” functionality works in specific apps:
    When using apps like Zwift Companion and Elites own My E-Training, I can successfully connect the trainer for certain functions, like starting a workout or racing. For example, Zwift Companion, when acting as a bridge, connecting the trainer (along with other devices) to my PC over WiFi, works flawlessly for Zwift-racing.

  2. Problems arise with configuration and firmware updates:

    • In My E-Training, when tapped the “Configure” button, the app just keeps searching without ever finding the trainer, even though I can connect the trainer via other features in the app.
    • Similarly, in Zwift Companion, while the trainer connects for racing, it doesn’t appear when trying to update firmware via Bluetooth, under “Zwift Hardware” in the menu

  3. Trainer does connect to some apps reliably:

    • Using Elite’s Upgrado app, I can connect to the trainer and check/install firmware updates without issues.

  4. Trainer appears in Bluetooth menus but won’t connect:

    • When I look in my Android phone’s Bluetooth menu, the trainer shows up but doesn’t allow me to pair it manually. I understand this might be normal for fitness devices, but it adds to the confusion.

  5. Perfect connection to other apps and devices:

    • The trainer connects perfectly on my PC via Zwift, on my Garmin Edge, and it also connects to other third-party apps on my phone for training.
    • I’ve ensured no other devices or apps are connected to the trainer when I try to troubleshoot.
    • Firmware is up to date via Upgrado.
    • I’ve deleted/reinstalled/updated all relevant apps, as far as I’m concerned.

My Questions:

  1. Has anyone else experienced similar issues with apps being able to connect for some functions (e.g., training/racing) but not for configuration or firmware updates?
  2. Could this be an issue with how the Elite Direto XR handles different Bluetooth profiles?
  3. Is there a workaround or setting I might be missing that would make the trainer visible in these specific scenarios?

Thanks in advance for your help!

(Yes, I’ve used ChatGPT to organize this post - otherwise it would just be a long unreadable stream of consciousness - and only partly in proper english)

2

This is normal because it’s not Zwift hardware, it’s Elite hardware. Only the Upgrado app can update the firmware of an Elite trainer.

You should not pair it to the phone’s built-in Bluetooth menu so this is not important. If it worked it would break other apps like Zwift that expect to manage the connection.

3

Ah, I see. So i’m not even supposed to see any non-Zwift trainers in that menu? Even if connected?

4

Correct, only Zwift branded hardware will show up there, like the Zwift Hub, Click, Play, Ride

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