Quick Answer: You can sideload apps onto your Peloton using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and developer mode. This guide covers the complete manual process—though if you want an easier solution with added features like metrics overlay and ERG mode, FitSwitch provides one-tap installation without needing a computer.
Table of Contents
- What is Sideloading?
- Requirements for Manual Sideloading
- Step-by-Step Sideloading Guide
- Finding and Installing APKs
- Limitations of Manual Sideloading
- The Easier Alternative: FitSwitch
- FAQ
What is Sideloading?
Sideloading means installing apps outside of an official app store. Your Peloton runs Android, but it doesn't have Google Play Store. Sideloading lets you install Android apps (APK files) directly.
Why Sideload on Peloton?
- Install Netflix, Disney+, etc. — Entertainment while riding
- Install Zwift, TrainerRoad — Training apps
- Install Spotify — Your own music
- Install Firefox — Web browsing
- Use the screen for more than Peloton content
The Trade-Off
Manual sideloading requires: - Technical knowledge - A computer with ADB - Time for setup - Maintenance when things break
And you lose integration with Peloton's sensors—sideloaded apps can't access your power, cadence, or resistance data.
Requirements for Manual Sideloading
Hardware
- Peloton Bike or Bike+ — Running Android
- Computer — Windows, Mac, or Linux
- USB-C cable — Data-capable (not just charging)
Software
- Android SDK Platform Tools — Contains ADB
- APK files — The apps you want to install
Knowledge
- Basic command line/terminal usage
- Understanding of file paths
- Patience for troubleshooting
Step-by-Step Sideloading Guide
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode on Peloton
- On your Peloton, tap the three dots (⋮) in the bottom-right corner
- Select Device Settings
- Scroll down and tap About Tablet
- Find Build Number
- Tap Build Number 7 times quickly
- You'll see: "You are now a developer!"
- Go back to Device Settings—Developer Options now appears
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging
- Open Developer Options in Device Settings
- Scroll to find USB Debugging
- Toggle USB Debugging ON
- Confirm any prompts that appear
Step 3: Install ADB on Your Computer
Windows:
- Download Android SDK Platform Tools (ZIP file)
- Extract to a folder, e.g.,
C:\adb\platform-tools - Open Command Prompt
- Navigate to the folder:
cd C:\adb\platform-tools - Test ADB:
adb version
You should see version information if installed correctly.
Mac:
Option A (Homebrew):
1. Open Terminal
2. Run: brew install android-platform-tools
3. Test: adb version
Option B (Manual):
1. Download Platform Tools ZIP
2. Extract to a folder
3. In Terminal, navigate to that folder
4. Run: ./adb version
Linux:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install android-tools-adb
adb version
Step 4: Connect Peloton to Computer
- Connect USB-C cable from computer to Peloton
- On computer, run:
adb devices - Look at Peloton screen — An authorization popup appears
- Check "Always allow from this computer"
- Tap Allow
- Run
adb devicesagain
You should see your Peloton listed (e.g., 1234567890ABCDEF device).
If you see "unauthorized," try the authorization step again.
Step 5: Download APK Files
Find APK files from trusted sources:
Important:
- Download the correct architecture (usually arm64-v8a or universal)
- Some apps have multiple APKs (split APKs)—look for single APK versions
- Avoid untrusted sources (malware risk)
Step 6: Install the APK
- Open terminal/command prompt
- Navigate to where you saved the APK
- Run:
adb install filename.apk - Wait for "Success" message
Example:
adb install netflix.apk
Step 7: Install a Launcher
Sideloaded apps don't appear on Peloton's home screen. You need a launcher.
- Download a launcher APK (e.g., Sideload Launcher)
- Install it:
adb install sideload-launcher.apk - Access it through Peloton's settings or Developer Options → Running Services
Step 8: Access Your Apps
- Open your launcher app
- See all installed apps
- Tap to open Netflix, Zwift, etc.
Finding and Installing APKs
Recommended Apps and Sources
| App | APKMirror Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Search "Netflix" | Works without GMS |
| Disney+ | Search "Disney+" | Works without GMS |
| Prime Video | Search "Amazon Prime Video" | Works without GMS |
| Spotify | Search "Spotify" | Works without GMS |
| Firefox | Search "Firefox" | Best browser option |
| Zwift | Search "Zwift" | Needs sensor bridge for data |
| SmartTube | Search "SmartTube" | YouTube alternative (no GMS needed) |
Apps That DON'T Work (Require Google Play Services)
- YouTube (official app) — Use SmartTube instead
- Google Chrome — Use Firefox instead
- HBO Max — GMS required
- Hulu — GMS required
- Many Google apps
APK Version Selection
When downloading, you'll see options: - arm64-v8a — Usually correct for Peloton - armeabi-v7a — Older architecture - x86 — Not compatible - universal — Works but larger file size
Choose arm64-v8a or universal.
Limitations of Manual Sideloading
After all this work, you face significant limitations:
No Sensor Integration
Sideloaded apps can't access Peloton's sensors: - No power data — Apps can't see your watts - No cadence data — Apps can't see your RPM - No resistance control — ERG mode impossible - No metrics overlay — Riding "blind" in terms of workout data
Maintenance Burden
- Peloton updates — May remove sideloaded apps
- App updates — Must manually download and reinstall
- Troubleshooting — You're on your own
Technical Hassle
- Computer required — Every time you want to add an app
- Command line — Not everyone is comfortable
- Time investment — 30-45 minutes per app initially
The Irony
You've spent hours setting up apps on your $2,000+ premium fitness bike... and now those apps can't see any of your fitness data.
The Easier Alternative: FitSwitch
FitSwitch solves all of these problems:
One-Tap App Installation
- Browse app store on your Peloton screen
- Tap to install
- No computer, no ADB, no APK hunting
First-time setup requires following the FitSwitch installation instructions.
Full Sensor Integration
- Power data — Apps receive your watts
- Cadence data — Apps receive your RPM
- Metrics overlay — See Peloton data in any app
- ERG mode (Bike+) — Automatic resistance control
Smartwatch Connectivity
- Apple Watch tracking
- Garmin watch tracking
- ANT+ device connectivity
Update Resilience
FitSwitch survives Peloton software updates. Your apps stay installed.
Comparison
| Aspect | Manual Sideloading | FitSwitch |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 45+ minutes | ~5 minutes |
| Computer needed | Yes, every time | No |
| Technical skill | Moderate-High | Low |
| Sensor data | None | Full integration |
| Metrics overlay | No | Yes |
| ERG mode (Bike+) | No | Yes |
| Survives updates | Often not | Yes |
| App updates | Manual | Simple |
Alternative: OpenPelo Project
The community-driven OpenPelo project on GitHub provides tools to help with sideloading. It can simplify some steps but: - Still requires a computer - Still requires technical knowledge - Doesn't provide sensor integration - Doesn't enable ERG mode
It's a good resource for DIY enthusiasts but doesn't match FitSwitch's feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sideloading safe?
The process is safe. Risks come from: - Installing malicious APKs (use trusted sources) - Accidentally running harmful ADB commands
Stick to APKMirror and standard install commands.
Will sideloading void my Peloton warranty?
No. It's a software process that can be reversed. Factory reset returns the Peloton to stock.
Why do some apps not work?
Many apps require Google Mobile Services (GMS), which Peloton doesn't have. This includes YouTube, HBO Max, Hulu, and many Google apps.
Can I use sideloaded Zwift for training?
You can see Zwift on the screen, but without sensor integration: - No power data from Peloton - No cadence data from Peloton - No ERG mode - Limited training value
What if adb devices shows "unauthorized"?
- Check the Peloton screen for authorization prompt
- Try unplugging and reconnecting
- Toggle USB Debugging off and on
- Restart both computer and Peloton
Can I install the Google Play Store?
Technically possible but complicated and often unstable. Most people skip it and just sideload individual APKs.
How do I uninstall sideloaded apps?
adb uninstall com.package.name
Or use the launcher to access the app, then use Android's normal uninstall process.
Do I need to redo this after Peloton updates?
Sometimes. Updates can remove apps or reset Developer Mode. Check after updates.
The Bottom Line
Manual sideloading works—this guide proves it. But it requires: - Technical skill - Time investment - Ongoing maintenance - Accepting limited functionality
For a complete solution with sensor integration, ERG mode, and one-tap installation:
Get FitSwitch — Apps on your Peloton, the easy way.
Last updated: January 2025