Quick Answer: Your Peloton has a USB port on the tablet that's primarily used for service and diagnostics. The Peloton Bike has a USB Micro port, while the Bike+ has a USB-C port. With FitSwitch, this port becomes a gateway to expanded functionality—app installation, sensor bridging, and smart trainer capabilities. Here's everything you need to know about the Peloton's USB connectivity and USB OTG support.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Peloton's USB Port
- USB OTG Explained
- What Peloton Officially Supports
- What You Can Actually Connect
- Using the USB Port with FitSwitch
- FAQ
Understanding Peloton's USB Port
Port Types by Model
Important: The Peloton Bike and Bike+ have different USB port types:
| Model | Port Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Peloton Bike (Original) | USB Micro | Back/side of the tablet |
| Peloton Bike+ | USB-C | Back/side of the tablet |
- USB Micro — The smaller, older connector commonly found on older Android phones and accessories
- USB-C — The modern, reversible connector used on most current phones and laptops
Make sure you have the correct cable for your Peloton model.
Original Purpose
Peloton designed the USB port for: - Service technicians — Diagnostics and repairs - Software updates — When WiFi updates fail - Factory operations — Manufacturing and setup
They didn't intend for consumer use of this port.
USB Port Capabilities
Both ports support: - USB 2.0 data transfer — Sufficient for most accessories - Power delivery — Can provide limited power to devices - USB OTG (On-The-Go) — Host mode for accessories (see below)
USB OTG Explained
What is USB OTG?
USB OTG (On-The-Go) is a specification that allows Android devices and tablets—including your Peloton—to act as a USB host. Normally, devices like phones and tablets are USB "peripherals" that connect to a computer (the "host"). With USB OTG, your Peloton tablet becomes the host and can connect to other peripherals.
Why USB OTG Matters for Peloton
Because Peloton tablets run Android and support USB OTG, they can: - Connect to USB accessories — Keyboards, mice, USB drives - Communicate with external devices — Like FitSwitch - Provide power to connected devices — Running accessories without separate power - Transfer data bidirectionally — Send and receive information
How FitSwitch Uses USB OTG
FitSwitch leverages USB OTG to: 1. Receive power from the Peloton tablet 2. Communicate with the Android system for app installation 3. Access system features for sensor bridging 4. Control resistance on Bike+ (via the system interface)
Without USB OTG support, none of this would be possible through a simple USB connection.
USB OTG Requirements
For USB OTG to work, you need: - A device that supports OTG — Both Peloton Bike and Bike+ tablets do - A proper cable/adapter — OTG-compatible (most data cables work) - Compatible accessories — Devices designed to work as USB peripherals
The Peloton tablets have USB OTG enabled, which is why accessories like FitSwitch work
What Peloton Officially Supports
The Short Answer: Not Much
Peloton doesn't officially support connecting devices to the USB-C port. Their stance: - Port exists for service purposes - Consumer connections not recommended - No support for third-party accessories
What Peloton Says
From Peloton's perspective: - Use the Peloton app as designed - Connect heart rate monitors via Bluetooth - Don't modify the system
This is typical for closed ecosystems—they want you using their software exclusively.
What You Can Actually Connect
Despite Peloton's official position, the USB port accepts various connections:
ADB Connection (Computer)
Connect a computer via USB (Micro or USB-C depending on your model) for: - Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — Developer access - Sideloading apps — Manual app installation - File transfer — Moving files to/from the device
This requires enabling Developer Mode and USB Debugging on the Peloton.
USB Accessories (Limited)
Some accessories work via USB (using OTG): - Keyboards — Easier typing for logins - Mice — Navigation (though touchscreen is easier) - USB drives — File storage (limited compatibility)
You may need an OTG adapter (USB Micro OTG or USB-C OTG depending on your Peloton model).
FitSwitch Device
FitSwitch connects via USB to provide: - App store and installation - Sensor bridging (power, cadence) - ERG mode control (Bike+) - ANT+ broadcast capability
This is the most functional use of the port.
Using the USB Port with FitSwitch
What FitSwitch Connects
FitSwitch plugs into your Peloton's USB port (Micro on Bike, USB-C on Bike+) and provides:
App Installation: - Built-in app store - One-tap installation - No computer required
Sensor Bridging: - Reads Peloton's power meter data - Reads cadence data - Broadcasts via ANT+ and Bluetooth
Control Interface (Bike+): - Communicates with resistance motor - Enables ERG mode - Controls auto-resistance
How FitSwitch Uses USB
FitSwitch uses the USB connection (via USB OTG) for: 1. Power — Draws power from the Peloton tablet 2. Data — Communicates with the Peloton's Android system 3. Control — Sends commands for resistance (Bike+)
FitSwitch includes the appropriate cable for your Peloton model (USB Micro for Bike, USB-C for Bike+).
Physical Setup
- Locate the USB-C port on your Peloton tablet
- Connect FitSwitch device
- Secure with included mounting (velcro strap)
- Follow installation instructions
Technical Details
USB Port Specifications
Both Peloton USB ports (Micro on Bike, USB-C on Bike+) provide: - USB 2.0 speed — Up to 480 Mbps - Power output — Standard USB power (5V) - OTG support — Can act as USB host for accessories
Cable Requirements
For ADB/computer connections: - Bike: Use a data-capable USB Micro cable - Bike+: Use a data-capable USB-C cable - Charging-only cables won't work for ADB - Quality cables reduce connection issues
For FitSwitch: - FitSwitch includes the correct cable for your model - Follow FitSwitch setup instructions
Power Considerations
The USB port provides limited power: - Sufficient for FitSwitch - May not power high-draw devices - External power needed for some accessories
USB vs Other Connections
USB Port (What We're Discussing)
- Data and power via USB Micro (Bike) or USB-C (Bike+)
- Located on tablet
- Used for FitSwitch, ADB, accessories
- Supports USB OTG for host mode
Bluetooth (Built-In)
- Wireless connectivity
- Heart rate monitor pairing
- Audio devices
- No physical connection needed
ANT+ (Via FitSwitch)
- FitSwitch adds ANT+ capability
- Broadcasts to Garmin, etc.
- Not native to Peloton
WiFi (Built-In)
- Internet connectivity
- Software updates
- Streaming content
Common USB Port Questions
Can I charge my phone via the Peloton USB port?
The port may provide some power, but: - Not designed for phone charging - May be slow - Could interfere with Peloton operation
Not recommended for phone charging.
Can I connect a USB hub?
Possibly, but: - Limited power for multiple devices - Compatibility varies - Not officially supported
FitSwitch is a better solution for expanding capabilities.
Can I connect external storage?
Theoretically possible but: - Peloton doesn't provide file manager - Limited practical use - Apps can't easily access external storage
What about external monitors?
The USB port doesn't support video output. The Peloton tablet is the display—you can't mirror to an external monitor via USB.
Can I connect USB headphones?
Bluetooth headphones are the standard solution. USB audio devices might work (via OTG adapter if needed) but aren't officially supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using the USB port void my warranty?
No. Plugging devices into the USB port doesn't void your Peloton warranty. It's a reversible, non-destructive action.
Is the USB port the same on Bike and Bike+?
No, they are different: - Peloton Bike (Original): USB Micro port - Peloton Bike+: USB-C port
Both ports have similar capabilities (USB 2.0, OTG support), but they require different cables. FitSwitch includes the correct cable for your model. The primary functional difference is that only the Bike+ has motorized resistance for ERG mode.
What is USB OTG and why does it matter?
USB OTG (On-The-Go) allows the Peloton tablet to act as a USB host, connecting to accessories like FitSwitch, keyboards, and USB drives. Both Peloton models support USB OTG, which is why FitSwitch can communicate with and control your Peloton through the USB port.
Can I damage my Peloton using the USB port?
Risk is minimal with proper devices: - Use quality cables - Don't force connections - Use intended accessories (like FitSwitch)
Avoid connecting unknown devices or using damaged cables.
Does FitSwitch block the USB port?
FitSwitch occupies the USB port. If you need to connect something else (like a computer for ADB), you'd temporarily disconnect FitSwitch.
What if my USB port isn't working?
If the port seems non-functional: - Try different cables (make sure it's a data cable, not charge-only) - Check for debris in the port - Verify USB Debugging is enabled (for ADB) - Make sure you're using the right cable type (Micro for Bike, USB-C for Bike+) - Contact Peloton support if hardware issue
Can I use a USB adapter?
Yes, for connecting USB-A devices (keyboards, drives): - Bike: Use a USB Micro OTG adapter - Bike+: Use a USB-C to USB-A adapter
Results vary depending on the device.
Is there a second USB port?
No. Peloton tablets have a single USB port. Plan your connections accordingly.
The USB Port Advantage
The USB port (with OTG support) transforms your Peloton from a closed system into an expandable platform. With FitSwitch:
- App installation without ADB or computer
- Sensor bridging for power/cadence broadcast
- ERG mode on Bike+
- Smart trainer capability for training apps
- Smartwatch connectivity for Apple Watch and Garmin
One port, massive capability expansion—whether you have the original Bike (USB Micro) or Bike+ (USB-C).
Get FitSwitch — Make the most of your Peloton's USB port.
Last updated: January 2026