SB20 - Can't Connect to Zwift

Stages SB20 Connection Issues

The latest Zwift release has broken connections with the SB20 for PC, Mac and now iOS users. It is unclear if Apple TV and Android users are affected. I suspect they will be.

December 2025: Connection Problems

Zwift Release 1.104.0 seriously impacts PC, Mac and iOS users who use Bluetooth to connect with the Stages SB20.

Bug SummaryThe Stages Bike is not listed as a Power Source or Resistance controller.

Here's how to recreate the problem.
  • Turn on the SB20 Bike
  • Start pedalling to wake up the power meter cranks
  • Open the Zwift app on a PC, Mac or iOS (possibly other devices too)
  • Login as usual



You will see the Paired Devices screen.



  1. On PC/Mac: Ensure that Pair Through Phone button is displayed indicating Bluetooth pairing is active. This is confirmed when the Bluetooth icon is shown in the upper right corner of the screen. iOS devices don't have this button so just proceed. Click the Power Source box to continue. 

  2. Power Source Selection: Both Stages power meters are shown. The Stages Bike is not listed. Click on the Left Crank to continue.

  3. Cadence Selection: Both Stages power meters and Stages Bike are listed.  Click on the Stages Bike or Left Crank to continue.

  4. Resistance Selection:  Stages Bike is not listed.  
This bug prevents SB20 PC, Mac and iOS users from using Zwift.


____________________________

Two temporary workarounds have been found.

Workaround 1: Use the Zwift Companion App on a phone to make connections to the SB20.

This workaround works only on PC and Mac devices. iOS users are out of luck for now.



  1. Click the Pair Through Phone button. Button will change to Pair with Bluetooth indicating that the Zwift Phone Companion app will be used. This is confirmed when the Phone icon is shown in the upper right corner of the screen. Click the Power Source box to continue. 

  2. Power Source Selection: Both Stages power meters and Stages Bike should be listed. Click on the Stages Bike to continue.

  3. Cadence Selection: Both Stages power meters and Stages Bike should be listed. Click on the Stages Bike to continue.

  4. Resistance Selection: Stages Bike should now be listed.  Click on the Stages Bike to a complete successful connection to the Stages Bike.

Workaround 2: Use ANT+ Dongle to make connections to the SB20

This workaround works only on PC and Mac devices. iOS users are out of luck for now.



  1. Ensure that Pair Through Phone button is displayed indicating Bluetooth pairing is active. Ensure ANT+ dongle is inserted and is functioning. Both are confirmed when the  ANT+ and Bluetooth icons are shown in the upper right corner of the screen. Click the Power Source box to continue. 

  2. Power Source Selection: Click the All button, Sages power meters and ANT+ Stages Bike should be shown. Click on the Stages Bike to continue.

  3. Cadence Selection: Both Stages power meters and and ANT+ Stages Bike should be shown. Click on the Stages Bike to continue.

  4. Resistance Selection:  ANT+ Bike should be now listed.  Click on the Stages Bike to a complete successful connection to the Stages Bike.
Summary

Connections via Bluetooth to the Stages SB20 Bike no longer function correctly starting with Zwift Release 1.104.0.  This causes problems for several thousand SB20 Bike users.  Zwift needs to address this widespread bug immediately.

Also: Ongoing problems with iOS device have persisted for several years. For more details see: SB20 - Zwift Connection Error.

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