How to Connect AirPods to Peloton: Quick Guide

This guide walks you through pairing your Apple AirPods (any generation, including AirPods Pro and Max) with your Peloton Bike, Bike+, or Tread. By the end, you’ll have your AirPods connected and ready for your next workout, with audio routed directly to your ears instead of the machine’s speakers. Before you start, make sure your AirPods are charged and that your Peloton is powered on and at the home screen.

What You’ll Need

Your AirPods (in their charging case, with at least a small charge)
Your Peloton device (Bike, Bike+, Tread, or Tread+) powered on
Your Peloton login credentials (you need to be on the home screen)

Step-by-Step

Put your AirPods in pairing mode. Place both AirPods in their charging case and close the lid. Wait about 5 seconds, then open the lid. On the back of the case, press and hold the circular setup button until the status light on the front of the case flashes white. This means they’re discoverable.
On the Peloton, tap the time/date or your profile icon. Look at the top right corner of the touchscreen. Tap the small clock/time display (or your profile avatar if you’re logged in). This opens the Quick Settings panel.
Tap the Bluetooth icon. In the Quick Settings menu, you’ll see a Bluetooth icon (often labeled “Bluetooth”). Tap it to open the Bluetooth settings screen.
Select “Pair New Device” or equivalent. On the Bluetooth screen, you should see a list of previously connected devices and an option to add a new one. Tap the option that says “Pair New Device” or similar (the exact wording may vary slightly by Peloton software version).
Choose your AirPods from the list. The Peloton will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. After a few seconds, your AirPods should appear in the list under “Available Devices” or similar. Tap the name of your AirPods (e.g., “John’s AirPods”).
Confirm the pairing. The Peloton will attempt to connect. You may see a confirmation prompt on the screen; tap “Pair” or “OK” if prompted. Your AirPods will also make a chime sound when they connect.
Verify the connection. Once connected, your AirPods will appear under “Connected Devices” or “My Devices” on the Bluetooth screen. You should also see the Bluetooth icon change to indicate an active audio connection. Play a class or a music track to confirm audio is coming through your AirPods.

Common Mistakes

AirPods not in pairing mode: Simply having the case open isn’t enough if they’ve been connected to an iPhone recently. You must press and hold the setup button until the light flashes white.
AirPods already connected to another device: If your AirPods are still connected to your iPhone, they may not show up on the Peloton. Disconnect them from your iPhone first (go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, and select “Disconnect” or “Forget This Device”).
Tapping the wrong icon: The Bluetooth icon in Quick Settings is easy to confuse with the Wi-Fi icon. Make sure you tap the one that says “Bluetooth” underneath.
Looking for AirPods under “My Devices” first: If they’re not already paired, they won’t be there. You need to use the “Pair New Device” option.

Tips

Keep your AirPods close to the Peloton during pairing—within a few feet is best to ensure a strong signal.
If you have multiple Bluetooth devices (like a heart rate monitor), the Peloton can connect to several at once. Your AirPods will handle audio, while the other device handles data.
To automatically reconnect next time: Simply take your AirPods out of the case near the Peloton and put them in your ears. The Peloton should automatically connect to them if they were the last audio device used.
If you’re using AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you can switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode using the controls on the AirPods themselves—the Peloton doesn’t have a setting for this.

Troubleshooting

If your AirPods won’t connect, try these fixes in order:

Restart the Peloton: Hold the power button on the back of the touchscreen (for Bike/Bike+) or the top of the screen (for Tread) until the screen goes black, then turn it back on. This often clears minor Bluetooth glitches.
Forget the AirPods on the Peloton: Go to Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods under “Connected Devices” or “My Devices,” tap the “i” icon or gear next to them, and select “Forget” or “Remove.” Then repeat the pairing process from scratch.
Reset your AirPods: Put them in the case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. On the back of the case, press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white. This resets the AirPods and clears any stuck connections.
Check for Peloton software updates: Go to Settings > System > System Update to see if a new software version is available. Installing updates can fix Bluetooth bugs.
Move away from other Bluetooth devices: Too many active Bluetooth devices in the same room can cause interference. Turn off Bluetooth on nearby phones or tablets temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect AirPods to the Peloton App on my phone instead?

Yes. If you’re using the Peloton App on your iPhone or Android, you can connect your AirPods directly to your phone via the phone’s Bluetooth settings. The app will automatically use them for audio.

Will my AirPods work with the Peloton’s built-in speakers?

No. When AirPods are connected, all audio (including instructor cues and music) is routed to your AirPods, and the built-in speakers are muted. To switch back, disconnect the AirPods from the Bluetooth settings.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting during a ride?

This is usually caused by low battery, Bluetooth interference, or the AirPods being too far from the Peloton. Make sure your AirPods are charged, keep your phone away from the Peloton, and stay within a few feet of the screen.

Can I use only one AirPod at a time?

Yes, you can use a single AirPod. The Peloton will still recognize it as an audio device. Just put one AirPod in your ear and leave the other in the case.

Do AirPods work with the Peloton Tread?

Yes. The Tread and Tread+ have the same Bluetooth audio capabilities as the Bike. The pairing process is identical.

What if my AirPods don’t appear in the list at all?

First, make sure they’re in pairing mode (white flashing light). If they still don’t appear, try restarting the Peloton and resetting your AirPods as described in the Troubleshooting section above.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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