Signal Interference with Wahoo Smart Trainers

If you find your KICKR's speed or power data is unexpectedly fluctuating, dropping to zero or spiking, it is most likely a result of signal interference. 

Signal interference can be caused by any of the following sources, and often a combination of several. 

  • Physical distance: Signal strength degrades as distance increases. For best results, keep your controlling device less than 5 feet from your KICKR.
  • Previously paired apps or devices: The most common cause of interference is a previously paired app or device. Wahoo smart trainers are designed to be controlled by a single app on a single device at a time.  Wahoo smart trainers that support multiperipheral connections can connect to up to 3 devices at once, but can only be controlled by one.  Note, this means up to three separate devices (or apps on separate devices.  Only one app can be used per device at a time.)  Multiple paired apps can interfere by sending conflicting signals. If you are experiencing issues, it is best to unpair your KICKR from all other apps and devices (including previously paired computers, phones, watches, or the ELEMNT or ELEMNT BOLT, etc.), force stop apps, or shut down additional devices before pairing with another. We also recommend resetting the KICKR by unplugging for 30 seconds.

  • Wireless signals: Without any direct or intended connection to a smart trainer, any devices that transmit wireless signals or electromagnetic fields can cause interference, especially those outlined below:

    • Wireless routers
    • Wireless or Bluetooth headphones or speakers
    • Wireless video receivers or transmitters (Chromecast, AirPlay, Roku, etc.) 
    • Fans (especially large ones): avoid placing between your device and KICKR 
    • Cordless home phones
    • Satellite or cable boxes
    • Microwave ovens
    • Power sources (power lines, boxes, lines in walls) 
    • Wireless mice/keyboards
    • Certain TVs (especially WiFi Smart TVs) or monitors 
    • Anything else that can transmit wireless signals, including radios and baby monitors.
      Because all commercial wireless devices (Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi) use the same wireless frequency ranges (mostly 2.4Ghz and some 5Ghz), there is a lot of wireless traffic in most homes, and even more if you live in a densely populated area (apartment building).
  • Physical barriers: Walls, metal desks, and counters all degrade signal quality.

  • Multiple trainers: If using the Wahoo app, check to ensure the trainer you intended  is paired your selected workout profile in the app - having multiple trainers paired to the same workout profile can cause signal interference and/or missing data.

If any of these are affecting your signal, try disabling or shutting down the offending devices. Alternatively, try relocating the trainer further from the source of the interference or to a new environment completely.  In some cases, local signal interference may exceed what your preferred control device - trainer setup.  In these cases, this is not a defect of the trainer, but a limitation of that connection protocol.  If you're still having trouble, please contact support where we'll be happy to review troubleshooting and offer alternate solutions to mitigate the issue.

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