Quick Answer: If your Peloton metrics show zero or aren't displaying during a class, a full power cycle fixes most cases — shut down the tablet, unplug the bike from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. If that doesn't work, the sensor cable inside the front fork near the flywheel may have come loose. This is a known issue that has affected Peloton bikes intermittently, with a notable bug in late 2024 causing widespread metric failures.
Table of Contents
- The Problem
- Fix 1: Full Power Cycle
- Fix 2: Check the Sensor Cable
- Fix 3: Software Update
- Fix 4: Account-Specific Fix
- Fix 5: Recalibration
- The Target Metrics Delay Bug
- A Backup Plan for Your Metrics
- FAQ
The Problem
You clip in, start a class, and notice your cadence, resistance, and output all read zero. You're clearly pedaling, the instructor is counting down, but your Peloton screen shows nothing. No cadence. No resistance. No output. No leaderboard position.
This isn't just frustrating — it defeats the purpose of a connected fitness bike. And you're not alone. This is one of the most common Peloton complaints, with the issue appearing in waves as software updates introduce and fix bugs.
The most notable outbreak was in late 2024, when a software update caused metrics to randomly fail for some users while working perfectly for others — even on the same bike with different accounts.
Fix 1: Full Power Cycle
This resolves the issue in the majority of cases.
Step 1: Tap the screen to exit your class (or let it timeout).
Step 2: Hold the power button and select Shut Down (not just Sleep).
Step 3: Once the screen is off, unplug the bike from the wall outlet.
Step 4: Wait 30 full seconds. This clears the sensor cache and resets the connection between the tablet and the bike's sensors.
Step 5: Plug back in and power on.
Step 6: Start a new class or "Just Ride" and check if metrics appear.
The power cycle forces the tablet to re-establish its connection to the cadence and resistance sensors from scratch. A simple reboot (without unplugging) doesn't always do this.
Fix 2: Check the Sensor Cable
If the power cycle doesn't work, a loose cable is the likely culprit.
The cadence, resistance, and power data travel from sensors near the flywheel through a small cable that runs up through the bike's front fork to the tablet. Riding vibration can loosen this connection over time.
Step 1: Power off and unplug the bike.
Step 2: Look at the connection point where the cable from the bike frame meets the back of the tablet. Unplug it and plug it back in firmly.
Step 3: If accessible, check the cable connection near the base of the front fork where it exits the frame.
Step 4: Look for any visible damage — pinched cables, frayed wires, or bent connectors.
Step 5: Plug in and test.
If you're not comfortable opening up the bike, Peloton support can walk you through it or send a technician.
Fix 3: Software Update
A pending software update might contain the fix for your metric issue.
Step 1: Check for updates: tap the three dots > Device Settings > About Tablet > System Updates.
Step 2: If an update is available, install it. The bike will restart.
Step 3: After the update completes, test your metrics again.
Peloton pushes updates frequently, and many address sensor communication bugs. If you've been delaying updates, this alone could solve the problem.
Fix 4: Account-Specific Fix
During the late 2024 bug, some users reported that metrics worked fine for one account on the bike but not another. This suggests the issue can be software/profile-specific.
Step 1: Log out of your Peloton account on the bike.
Step 2: Log back in.
Step 3: Start a class and check metrics.
If that doesn't work:
Step 4: Try logging into a different account (a family member's, or create a test account).
Step 5: If metrics work on the other account, the issue is profile-specific. Contact Peloton support — they may need to reset something on the server side.
Fix 5: Recalibration
If metrics display but the numbers are wildly inaccurate (resistance showing 80 when the knob is at 30, or output that doesn't match your effort), recalibration may help.
See our complete Peloton calibration guide for step-by-step instructions for both Bike and Bike+.
The Target Metrics Delay Bug
A separate but related issue: target metrics (the instructor's recommended cadence and resistance ranges) not appearing until about 1 minute into a class on Bike and Bike+. This affects on-demand classes more than live classes.
This is a known Peloton software bug. It's annoying but doesn't affect your actual sensor data — your cadence, resistance, and output still track correctly, you just can't see the instructor targets during the warm-up.
Peloton has acknowledged this issue and typically addresses it in subsequent software updates.
A Backup Plan for Your Metrics
Here's something the Peloton app can't offer: redundant metrics tracking.
FitSwitch reads your bike's sensor data independently from the Peloton app and displays it through its own metrics overlay. This means:
- If the Peloton app glitches, FitSwitch's overlay keeps showing your cadence, power, and heart rate
- Your data gets broadcast to Apple Watch or Garmin — so even if the screen shows zeros, your watch records everything
- Third-party apps like Zwift and TrainerRoad receive the sensor data through FitSwitch regardless of Peloton app status
It's like having a backup instrument panel. When you can't trust the Peloton app's metrics, FitSwitch provides an independent data source from the same sensors.
Get FitSwitch — Never lose your workout data to a software bug again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Peloton metrics randomly show zero?
The most common cause is a communication glitch between the bike's sensors and the tablet. A full power cycle (shutdown + unplug + wait + replug) resets this connection. Less commonly, a loose sensor cable or software bug is responsible.
Does this affect my workout recording?
If metrics show zero during a class, that class will be recorded with zero data on your Peloton profile. Unfortunately, there's no way to retroactively add the correct data. This is why having a backup tracking method (like broadcasting to a heart rate monitor or smartwatch) is valuable.
Why do metrics work for one account but not another?
This is a software-side issue where the metric display is linked to account settings or class rendering. It's been reported during specific Peloton software versions. Logging out and back in, or contacting Peloton support for a profile reset, usually resolves it.
Can a software update cause metrics to stop working?
Yes. Peloton software updates occasionally introduce bugs that affect sensor communication. This happened notably in late 2024. The fix usually comes in a subsequent update, but in the meantime, power cycling tends to restore functionality.
My resistance reads correctly but cadence is zero — why?
Cadence uses a separate sensor from resistance. If one works and the other doesn't, the specific sensor or its cable connection may be the issue. Check the sensor cable (Fix 2) and try a power cycle (Fix 1). If the problem persists, that specific sensor may need replacement.
Will a factory reset fix metrics issues?
A factory reset can fix software-related metric issues, but it's overkill for most cases. Try the fixes in this guide first — power cycle and cable check resolve 90%+ of metric problems.
How do I know if it's a sensor hardware failure?
If metrics never work after multiple power cycles, cable reseating, software updates, and recalibration attempts, the sensor itself may have failed. Contact Peloton support — they can run remote diagnostics and send replacement sensor parts if needed. Sensor replacement is typically a technician job.
Do third-party apps have the same metric problem?
If you're using apps through FitSwitch, they receive sensor data through a separate pathway. FitSwitch reads the bike's sensors directly and broadcasts via Bluetooth/ANT+. So even if the Peloton app shows zeros, FitSwitch-connected apps may still receive correct data.
My output seems lower after an update — is that a metrics bug?
Not necessarily. Peloton occasionally adjusts the power curve algorithm in updates, which can cause small output changes across all users. If the drop is dramatic (20%+), try recalibrating. If it's minor (5-10%), it may be an intentional adjustment.
Disclaimer: Sensor troubleshooting may involve checking internal cable connections. If you're not comfortable with this, contact Peloton support for guided assistance. FitSwitch is not affiliated with Peloton Interactive, Inc.
Last updated: June 2024