ANT+ is a communication protocol that allows wireless devices to transmit information from one another. Simply put, it's the "language" that ANT+ devices use to communicate with each other. Many of your favorite cycling and fitness devices use this protocol and TrainerRoad supports these devices with an ANT+ key or dongle.
Check to see if your cycling device supports ANT+ with the official device directory.
Using ANT+ with iOS
To connect your ANT+ devices with the TrainerRoad iOS app you will need a Wahoo-made ANT+ key and an Apple-made 30-Pin to Lightning adapter (depending on your iOS device).
iOS Devices with Lightning
(iPhone 5, 5c, 6 & 6 Plus, 7 & 7 Plus, 8 & 8 Plus, X and iPad Mini, Air & Air 2)
Requires Wahoo ANT+ key and a Lightning to Apple 30-Pin adapter
iOS Devices with 30-Pin
(iPhone 4 & 4s and iPad 2nd Generation)
Requires Wahoo ANT+ key or Wahoo ANT+ Bike Case
Wahoo ANT+ Key
This small adapter is used to connect your ANT+ devices to your compatible iOS device through the 30-pin connector. The older white models of the Wahoo ANT+ Keys are not supported. The Wahoo ANT+ Key is no longer manufactured by Wahoo and supply is subject to change.
Note: Garmin ANT+ keys are supported. To our knowledge, this is the most affordable option for the Wahoo ANT+ Key. If you can't get TrainerRoad or Garmin ANT Agent/Express to detect the USB stick, you likely have a bad ANT stick and should return/exchange it from your place of purchase.
Wahoo ANT+ Bike Case
Allows you to mount your 30-pin iPhone 4S/4 on your bike's handlebars or stem. This will not work with iPhone 5 or newer. The Wahoo ANT+ Bike Case is no longer manufactured by Wahoo and supply is subject to change.
Apple Short Lightning Adapter
Short format Lightning to 30-pin adapter supports analog audio output, USB audio, as well as syncing and charging. This adapter is no longer manufactured by Apple and supply is subject to change.
Note: Lightning Adapters not made by Apple are not supported. Non-Apple adapters don't support data transfer.
Note: Lightning Adapters made by a third-party manufacturer are not supported. Non-Apple adapters don't support data transfer.
Using ANT+ with Android
Does My Android Device Work with ANT+?
To find out more about your specific device's ANT+ compatibility, and more about the ANT+ communication protocol, check out ANT+'s page, ANT+ In Phones and Tablets.
Note: This is not a complete list of Android devices that support ANT+. If your device is NOT listed, it doesn't mean it does not support ANT+. If you have further questions as to whether your device will work with ANT+, please contact our Support Team.
Some Android devices are ANT+ compatible on their own, but you may need to install something called "ANT plugins" before you're ready to ride.
Given the various ways phone manufacturers implement ANT+, some devices may have stronger ANT+ signals than others. If you’re having difficulty using a native ANT+ device, you may need an adapter to train normally.
ANT Plugins Required for Devices with Built-In ANT+:
Athletes can install these plugins by tapping the ANT+ icon and by selecting Learn More.
Other devices may require an ANT+ dongle. Fortunately, some of these devices work with existing ANT+ USB dongles from your computer and an additional USB-C or phone-specific USB adapter.
ANT Plugins Required for Devices without Built-In ANT+ (Requires ANT+USB Stick):
Athletes can install these plugins by tapping the ANT+ icon and by selecting Learn More.
If your Android device does not have built-in ANT+:
You will need an adapter (USBC-to-USB OR Micro USB-to-USB) that will allow you to plug your ANT+ USB dongle into your Android phone or tablet.
TrainerRoad Recommends:
Make sure you check to see if your Android device uses a USB-C or Micro USB port before purchasing one of the above adapters.
In addition to the USB adapter, you will need the actual ANT+ USB stick that will turn your Android device into an ANT+-receivable unit.
TrainerRoad Recommends:
Mini Garmin ANT+ Stick
A great ANT+ USB stick option — and it's small enough to stay plugged in when you aren't training.
Cycplus ANT+ USB
A good, more affordable version for an ANT+ dongle
Live in Australia?
Aussie users will need to pick up an ANT+ stick from an Australian vendor or a local bike shop instead of the Amazon links above.
Using ANT+ with Desktop
To connect your ANT+ devices with the TrainerRoad Desktop app you will need an ANT+ dongle.
USB1 and USB2
There are two kinds of ANT+ USB dongles to choose from: USB 1.0 and USB 2.0.
USB 1.0 can connect up to 4 devices at a time, while USB 2.0 can handle up to 8. Most newer dongles will be 2.0 since 1.0 is no longer in production.
USB 1.0 dongles will only work with the Legacy (Adobe AIR) application. If you are using a Wahoo KICKR with the Legacy app, you will still need a USB 2.0 dongle. If you are unsure which you have, check the info on the back of the stick.
Please note, you will need a USB 2.0 dongle in order to use any ANT+ device on the new Windows, Android, or Mac applications.
Check out this article for more information on the difference between USB1 and USB2 sticks.
Problems Connecting Your Devices?
Visit our troubleshooting article for help getting your devices connected so you can start training!