Zwift Play Controllers not working with very old bluetooth module

Bugs and Support
1

I just wanted to share my experience. I just bought the Zwift Play controllers. When I tried to pair them with my computer via bluetooth I was not able to do so, but they connected no problem through the Companion app on the phone.

I did not find any reference on the topic in the forum or the documentation, but I suspected the issue could be related to the very old built-in bluetooth module in my laptop. I’m using a laptop from around 2010 with windows 10 and the integrated bluetooth is of version 2.1+EDR.

So I spent about 5€ in a new usb bluetooth stick from amazon and that indeed solved the issue.
First I had to disable the integrated module in the Windows Device Manager because it’s not possible to have two bluetooth radios in windows.
Then, insert the new usb stick. I had to upgrade the stick drivers with those from the manufacturer webpage.
After that everything started to work, zwift was able to find the play controllers.

So happy days :smiley:

2

:+1:t2::+1:t2: which dongle did you end up with?

3

Get the latest Bluetooth V5.4 from Aliexpress. They are inexpensive and works great. I had issues with my PC connection to the Zwift Ride as the native BLE was not able to connect properly.

In came the mentioned BLE V5.4 dongle and presto, everything connected to Zwift and has been rocksolid since.

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4

I got it from amazon because of the next day delivery. Mine is Mercusys MA530 bluetooth v5.3.
I guess any reasonably modern one will work well.

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5

Hi @Ximo_Tur! Thanks for bringing this query to our attention! Jose here from Zwift.

I’m sorry to hear that you are having issues with your old Bluetooth module, adding to what the guys already told you, you could also try the steps in this article and see if your connection improves.

6

I use this with windows laptop and solved my connection issues i had :slightly_smiling_face:

Hakimonoe Upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 USB Adapter for PC Laptop, Wireless Transmitter Dongle for Windows 11 10 8.1 7 Desktop Computer Bluetooth Headset Headphones Speaker Keyboard Mice Printer, Plug n Play: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

7

@Jose_R89 the OP bought a new bluetooth dongle and that fixed his issue… he mentions it in the first post in this thread… I’m confused why you would jump in with additional troubleshooting steps when the OP has already solved his own issue?

8

:+1: Thanks I’m always interested in those specific recommendations. I ended up picking the TP-Link UB400 (Bluetooth 4) which works great for me on Windows, based on the chipset discussion in the Zwiftalizer Bluetooth dongle recommendations.

1 Like
9

Maybe he is lagging … :sweat_smile:

10

He needs a new bluetooth dongle :joy:

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11

Looks like the automated answering bots from Zwift need a firmware update also.