Android Bluetooth Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Location Services are on

Bluetooth connections on Android require Location Services to be enabled. Please check your system settings.

2. Ensure all app permissions are granted

Bluetooth connections on Android require the location permissions to be granted to the Wahoo app. Please ensure all permissions are granted in the system settings (Android Settings > Apps > Wahoo Fitness > All permissions enabled).

3. Ensure battery optimizations are disabled for the app

Android phones running Android 6.0 or later will kill background apps automatically in certain circumstances.  This may affect workout recording and/or device and sensor connectivity.  Please ensure the Wahoo app is excluded from Android's "battery optimization" list. Note that some Android devices refer to this as "unmonitored apps" under battery settings.

4. Pair with the app, not the Android Bluetooth Manager

Wahoo devices should be paired with the Wahoo app, not the Android Bluetooth manager in the system settings.  Make sure the device is not paired with the Android Bluetooth settings, then retry pairing through the Wahoo app.

5. Ensure an exclusive connection

Some Wahoo devices are only able to maintain one Bluetooth connection at a time.  Ensure other apps (including apps on other phones) are disconnected from your Wahoo device. Disable Bluetooth on any previously paired phone and force close any background apps which have previously paired to guarantee they are not maintaining a connection and blocking the one you intend. 

6. Forget and re-discover

Please try ‘forgetting’ the saved device in the Wahoo app and re-discovering.

7. Check for interference

Wi-Fi can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth connections. Try disabling Wi-Fi and connecting to the Wahoo device again. Move away from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other signals/devices which can cause interference like Chromecasts, GoPros, and power lines. For further potential sources of interference, see Signal Dropouts on the KICKR or Snap.

8. Check for background Bluetooth sync features from other apps

It has been observed that apps that have background Bluetooth sync features such as FitBit and Pebble can interfere with a stable Bluetooth connection. Please disable all background Bluetooth features on apps like these.

9. Toggle Bluetooth

Turn off Bluetooth in the Android system settings for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. If Bluetooth does not switch off and on properly, reboot your mobile device.

10. Reboot

Try rebooting your Android device and, if possible, the Wahoo device. For Wahoo smart trainers, ensure you disconnect the power for at least 30 seconds.

11. Reset Android Bluetooth app

In the Android system settings, go to the Apps section and tap the 3 dots in the top right corner to select "Show system" and find the "Bluetooth" or "Bluetooth Share" app. Tap "Storage" and "Clear Data" on these apps to reset them, then reboot.

12. Try to connect with other Bluetooth apps

You can test your Bluetooth connection using the nRF Connect and SweetBlue Toolbox apps, available on the Google Play Store.  If you cannot connect using these apps, the problem is likely with your phone, rather than the Wahoo app.  We recommend raising a support ticket with your phone manufacturer.

13. Contact Wahoo Support

Whether or not nRF Connect or SweetBlue Toolbox can connect, Wahoo Support is here to help. Please submit a support request.

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