Tacx Training Desktop App Connection Troubleshooting

The following situations are the most common reasons for a Tacx® smart trainer to have connection issues with the Tacx Training™ Desktop app. Select a situation to see troubleshooting steps:

• The Tacx Smart Trainer is Connected to Another Device or App

• I Do Not Feel Resistance During a Ride

• My Trainer Is Not Listed in the Tacx Desktop App

• I Only See "Connecting..." When Pairing Using ANT+

The Tacx Smart Trainer is Connected to Another Device or App

The most common reason a Tacx Smart trainer will not pair with a training application using Bluetooth® is that the trainer is already paired with another device or training application.

To ensure there is no interference from another app or device, follow these steps to disconnect your trainer:

1. Completely shut down any other device you are not using that has the ability to pair with your Tacx smart trainer. This includes smartphones, tablets, and computers.

2. On the computer you are using, close the Tacx Training Desktop app as well as any other training apps you have installed.

   • There is a difference between exiting an app and closing an app. Make sure to completely close the app so it is no longer running on your computer. Do not uninstall the app.

3. If connecting via Bluetooth, confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. If you see "Bluetooth radio not on", your computer's Bluetooth is disabled.

4. For the Tacx® NEO 3M Smart trainer, long hold the pairing button for 5 seconds to disconnect from all devices and re-try. 

5. Reopen the Tacx Training Desktop app on the device you are using and try connecting with your Tacx smart trainer again.

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I Do Not Feel Resistance During a Ride

If you do not feel resistance during a ride, check the following:

• Confirm that your trainer is powered on.

• Ensure that demo mode is disabled in the Tacx Desktop app:

  1. Open the Tacx Desktop app.

  2. Select Devices.

  3. Select Disconnect under Demo.

• Confirm the trainer is not paired with another app on the computer or smartphone.

• Ensure that the trainer is not paired as a sensor in the "Other Devices" section. If the trainer is paired in this section, disconnect the trainer, wait 10 seconds, and then pair the trainer under the "Select a trainer" section.

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My Trainer Is Not Listed in the Tacx Desktop App

• Confirm that the trainer is powered on.

• If the device has a connection status light, confirm the device is connected. A solid light means it is connected, blinking means it is not connected.

• Confirm that the trainer is not paired with another app on the computer or smartphone.

• Confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. If you see "Bluetooth radio not on", your computer's Bluetooth is disabled.

• Adjust Windows 10 app permissions settings:

  1. Select the magnifying glass icon and search for Privacy Settings.

  2. Select Radios.

  3. Confirm "Let apps control radios" is toggled to On.

  4. Select Other devices.

  5. Confirm "Communicate with unpaired devices" is toggled On.

  6. Select Videos (if present).

  7. Confirm "Allow apps to access your videos library" is toggled On.

• If pairing through ANT+, confirm that your ANT+ antenna is plugged in. If it is plugged in:

  • Try moving the ANT+ antenna to a different USB port.

  • Close other programs that could be using the ANT+, such as the Garmin Express™ program or Zwift.

• Move your trainer closer to your computer.

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I Only See "Connecting..." When Pairing Using ANT+

If you only see "Connecting.." when pairing using ANT+ this means that the Tacx Training Desktop app is still searching for a connection with your trainer. Try the following to resolve this issue:

• Move the ANT+ antenna away from the computer and closer to the trainer to reduce potential signal interference.

• Plug the ANT+ antenna into a different USB port.

• Search for the trainer:

  1. Select Stop.

  2. Close the Tacx Desktop app.

  3. Open the Tacx Desktop app.

  4. Select Devices.

  5. Select Connect to your trainer in the "Select a trainer" section.

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