Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about trainers, browsers, and getting set up.

What do I need to play?

You need:

A smart trainer that broadcasts power over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
A device and browser that support Web Bluetooth
An internet connection

No account or installation is required.

Which trainers work?

TrainerArcade works with Bluetooth Low Energy smart trainers. Trainers supporting the Bluetooth FTMS standard are the safest option.

Most modern BLE smart trainers should work, but we have not tested every trainer model.

TrainerArcade does not support:

ANT+ connections
ANT+ USB dongles
Trainers that only support ANT+
Classic trainers that do not broadcast power over Bluetooth

If your trainer connects to Zwift or another cycling app using Bluetooth, there is a good chance it will work with TrainerArcade, but it is not guaranteed.

Does TrainerArcade support ANT+?

No.

Web browsers do not provide ANT+ access. TrainerArcade connects directly to your trainer using Bluetooth Low Energy.

Adding ANT+ would require extra software, hardware, or a native application. That goes against the basic idea of TrainerArcade:

No installation. No account. Just connect and play.

Which browsers work?

Windows and Mac

Use:

Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge

Safari and Firefox do not support the Web Bluetooth features TrainerArcade needs.

Android

Use Google Chrome.

TrainerArcade works on Android, but keep the browser visible and prevent the phone or tablet from locking during the game. Mobile browsers can suspend Bluetooth and networking when the screen turns off.

iPhone and iPad

Safari and Chrome on iPhone and iPad do not support Web Bluetooth.

You need a browser that adds Web Bluetooth support, such as:

Bluefy – Web BLE Browser
WebBLE

Open TrainerArcade inside one of those browsers.

We have not tested every combination of iPhone, browser, iOS version, and trainer, so results may vary.

Does TrainerArcade connect to Strava?

No. TrainerArcade does not currently connect to Strava or upload activities.

You may still be able to record the ride separately while playing. For example:

Connect TrainerArcade to the trainer over Bluetooth
Record the same ride using a Garmin watch, bike computer, or another app

A Garmin device may also record over ANT+ while TrainerArcade uses Bluetooth.

Whether simultaneous connections work depends on your trainer and recording device.

Why did my game stop when my phone locked?

Phones can suspend the browser, Bluetooth connection, or network connection when the screen turns off.

Keep TrainerArcade open and keep the device unlocked while playing.

This applies especially to longer games.

How do I control Grid Riders while cycling?

The easiest setup is co-op:

One person rides
Another person controls the rider

For solo play, you can also use a third-party app that turns your phone into a keyboard or remote controller for your computer.

TrainerArcade does not currently include its own phone controller, and we do not officially recommend a specific third-party controller app yet.

Do I need an account?

No.

There are no accounts, passwords, profiles, or sign-ups.

Choose a name, join a session, connect your trainer, and play.

Is TrainerArcade free?

Yes.

TrainerArcade is free and will stay free.

There are no subscriptions, paid games, or paywalls.

People who want to support the project can buy the server a coffee, but payment is completely optional.

Is TrainerArcade finished?

No. TrainerArcade is currently in beta.

Games, controls, compatibility, and balance may change. Bugs are possible.

Feedback and reports about working or non-working trainers, browsers, and devices are welcome.