I currently use a MacMini (2024) OS 26.5.2 as my Zwift computer and a Wahoo Kickr V6 (latest firmware) as my smart trainer.
For the past couple of months I have been experiencing major BlueTooth drop outs during any Zwift ride. Today for example, I experience 4 BlueTooth dropouts, See the screen dump attached where I used TrainerDX (formerly Zwiftalizer) to analyse my file. It clearly shows the drop outs.
I also have a Wahoo Roam V2 computer attached to my handlebars when I ride Zwift which displays power and cadence. When Zwift fails to read my power, my head unit still works fine during the drop-out.
I’ve reinstalled Zwift, deleted the BlueTooth plist files and used a wired mouse and soon a wired keyboard.
Is it the MacMini’s BlueTooth OR Zwift software issue? I hope someone can help since I can’t do any races while this problem persists.
I am using an older Kickr Bike V1 and not having any problems with Bluetooth connection to the trainer on Mac Mini (standard M4 Pro spec), I am on Mac OS 27 Golden Gate developer beta.
How is the Wahoo Roam connecting to the trainer, via ANT+?
I’ve always had my Roam V2 connected to the trainer since it shows me the left/right power balance on my bike. I have Assioma power pedals connected.
This issue has just occurred over the last 2 months with EVERY ride.
The only new device I have added in the house is an Bluetooth Apple TrackPad, but that is not connected to the MacMini when I Zwift.
I’m going to try another MacBook I have as my Zwift machine next to see if this works. If it works I’ll know its the MacMini or the Zwift software installed on the MacMini that is causing the problem.
What is the firmware version on the trainer? Wahoo released a firmware update 5.6.13 that caused a lot of problems, then released an update 5.6.20 that supposedly fixed it, though opinions vary about that. If you’re on 5.6.13 I would install 5.6.20. If you’re on something earlier I would think twice about updating.
Bluetooth on modern Macs is generally very solid, so you could still suspect Bluetooth interference in your environment, but I’m generally confident about the hardware. Since you are pairing the trainer via WiFi and not Bluetooth (according to your screenshots) you could try pairing the trainer via Bluetooth, or via the Companion app. If the problem is confined to WiFi you could also try rebooting all of your network equipment. I know that sounds like a copout but it often helps.
BTW what happens when you get a dropout? Is it only affecting the Sterzo and HRM, or something else? You said “failed to read your power” but your power isn’t coming via Bluetooth. I wonder if TrainerDX is mixing up the WiFi and Bluetooth and calling it a Bluetooth dropout when it’s actually a WiFi issue.
Hmm, odd, that’s quite a normal scenario and I also do the same (with a Garmin Edge 1030+) to track left/right power balance. Only difference is I pair that by ANT+ while my trainer is bluetooth.
It’s worth trying the other Mac to see what it does. You might also try connecting that Mac directly via ethernet cable to the router (and disable the wifi on the Mac) just to limit devices using the WIFI.
When I get a drop out NO power is registered on Zwift, as a result my Avatar just stops. My HRM and Sterzo still works fine, only the power drops off. This indicates to me the the Zwift software is not connecting to my Wahoo Kickr V6 trainer. The Wahoo Roam V2 head unit STILL records the power from the trainer.
BTW the firmware version on Wahoo Kickr V6 trainer is 5.6.20.
Here is the crazy thing. I tried a new computer today as my Zwift computer - a Macbook Air M4. and I still had 5 BlueTooth dropouts. So now I think it could be the Wahoo Roam V2 head unit.
I’m struggling for answers here since this never used to happen a few months ago.
If you connect the trainer via bluetooth (you need to choose that in the connection screen in Zwift), make sure the Roam is paired differently, ie, pair the Roam only to your power pedals (via ANT+ for instance). Do not connect it to the trainer in any way.
The 5.6.20 is causing random trainer shut down and reboots for many people. We initially thought it was Bluetooth drop outs but it happens on every connection protocol and with other apps too. There is a loss of power and cadence to game and then a total loss of resistance before it all comes back on.
We all have tickets open with wahoo but aren’t getting replies from them at present
I don’t get a loss of resistance when the ‘drop out’ happens, just Zwift doesn’t record the resistance from my Wahoo Kickr V6 trainer.
I now realise that when Zwift starts, and the pairing screen appears, I have been pairing Zwift with my trainer using Wi-Fi not BlouTooth. Thanks to Chris and Paul for pointing this out.
So next time I’m on Zwift I will try pairing Zwift with my Wahoo Kickr V6 trainer using BlueTooth to see if this removes my dropouts.
I connect to Zwift using my MacBook Air M4 to my Wahoo Kickr V6 (running firmware 5.6.20) using BlueTooth NOT Wi-Fi. See screen dump.
I still had 4 BlueTooth disconnects.
The lost connections were not as long as connecting to Zwift using my MacBook Air M4 to my Wahoo Kickr V6 (running firmware 5.6.20) using Wi-Fi, but long enough to be dropped from a race or organised ride.
So it makes me thing it is a Wahoo Kickr V6 (running firmware 5.6.20) issue.
If this is the case, it makes running Zwift useless when it comes to a race, organized ride or workout.
My next step is to contact Wahoo… This issue really sucks!
Yes this makes me think it is more likely a trainer problem.
However I also note that your frame rates dropped from 60 to 20, which is really awful given you are using an M4 system. That is unlikely to be related to the trainer. In 1080p that system should be able to do significantly more than 60 FPS if the display is capable of it. Usually seeing a flat 60 FPS is a sign of a 60Hz display limiting it.
