Quick Answer: Yes, you can watch YouTube on your Peloton Bike or Bike+, but not by installing the official YouTube app. Peloton doesn't have Google Mobile Services (GMS), so apps that require Google Play won't work. Instead, you can access YouTube through a web browser or use SmartTube—an open-source YouTube client that FitSwitch provides.
Table of Contents
- Can You Really Watch YouTube on Peloton?
- Why the Official YouTube App Won't Work
- Method 1: Manual Setup (Developer Mode)
- Method 2: The Easy Way with FitSwitch
- What to Watch: YouTube Content for Cycling
- Step-by-Step Comparison
- FAQ
Can You Really Watch YouTube on Peloton?
That 22" (Bike) or 24" (Bike+) touchscreen is just begging to be used for more than Peloton classes. YouTube opens up massive possibilities:
- Free workout content — Cycling classes, HIIT, yoga, and more
- Music playlists — Your favorite workout mixes
- POV cycling videos — Ride through the Alps from your living room
- Entertainment — Make cardio fly by watching what you love
- Learning — Podcasts, tutorials, lectures while you pedal
The good news is you can absolutely watch YouTube on your Peloton. The catch? It requires a workaround because Peloton's Android system doesn't include Google services.
Why the Official YouTube App Won't Work
Here's something important to understand: Peloton doesn't have Google Mobile Services (GMS) or Google Play Store installed. This means apps that depend on Google's infrastructure—including the official YouTube app—won't function properly even if you manage to install them.
When you try to run the official YouTube app on Peloton, you'll likely encounter: - Sign-in failures - Playback errors - Crashes and freezes - "Google Play Services required" messages
This is a fundamental limitation of Peloton's Android implementation, not something you can work around by just sideloading the APK.
The Solutions
There are two ways to watch YouTube on Peloton:
- Web Browser — Access youtube.com through a sideloaded browser like Chrome or Firefox
- SmartTube — An open-source YouTube client that doesn't require Google services
Method 1: Manual Setup Using Developer Mode
This approach uses Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to sideload a web browser or SmartTube. It's free but requires technical setup.
What You'll Need
- Windows or Mac computer
- USB-C cable
- Android Debug Bridge (ADB) installed
- Browser APK (Chrome, Firefox) or SmartTube APK
- 45 minutes of setup time
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode
- On your Peloton, tap the three dots in the corner
- Navigate to Device Settings → About Tablet
- Find Build Number and tap it 7 times rapidly
- A message confirms "You are now a developer!"
- Return to Device Settings—Developer Options now appears
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging
- Open the new Developer Options menu
- Scroll to find USB Debugging
- Toggle it ON
- Accept any confirmation prompts
Step 3: Set Up ADB on Your Computer
Windows:
1. Download Android SDK Platform Tools
2. Extract to a folder (e.g., C:\adb)
3. Open Command Prompt and navigate to that folder
4. Type adb version to confirm installation
Mac:
1. Open Terminal
2. Install via Homebrew: brew install android-platform-tools
3. Or download and extract Platform Tools manually
4. Run adb version to verify
Step 4: Connect and Authorize
- Plug your USB-C cable from computer to Peloton
- Run
adb devicesin terminal - Look at your Peloton—an authorization dialog appears
- Check "Always allow from this computer"
- Tap Allow
- Run
adb devicesagain—your Peloton should be listed
Step 5: Install a Browser or SmartTube
Option A: Web Browser
1. Download a browser APK (Firefox works well) from APKMirror
2. Run: adb install firefox.apk
3. Open the browser and navigate to youtube.com
Option B: SmartTube
1. Download SmartTube from GitHub
2. Run: adb install smarttube.apk
3. Open SmartTube for a native YouTube experience without Google dependencies
Alternative: OpenPelo Project
The community-driven OpenPelo project on GitHub provides tools to help install apps on your Peloton. It can simplify some of the sideloading process, though it still requires technical knowledge and a computer.
Limitations of the Manual Method
- Computer required for every app install or update
- Clunky access — Launching apps requires multiple steps
- Update vulnerability — Peloton updates may remove your apps
- No metrics while watching — Lose your cadence/power display
- Time-consuming — 30-45 minutes to set up
- Technical errors — ADB issues require troubleshooting skills
- No integration — YouTube is isolated from bike sensors
Method 2: The Easy Way with FitSwitch
FitSwitch is a USB device that transforms your Peloton into an open entertainment and training platform. It includes SmartTube and browsers that work without Google services.
What FitSwitch Does
One-Tap Installation Open the built-in app store on your Peloton and install SmartTube or a web browser with a single tap. No computer, no cables, no commands. First-time setup requires following the FitSwitch installation instructions.
SmartTube Included FitSwitch provides SmartTube—a full-featured YouTube client that works without Google Play Services. You get: - Full YouTube browsing and search - Video playback in all resolutions - Sign-in with your YouTube account (via QR code) - Ad-blocking built-in - No Google dependencies
Metrics Overlay This is the key feature: FitSwitch displays your workout data on top of YouTube. Watch any video while still seeing: - Cadence (RPM) - Power (watts) - Heart rate (if connected) - Resistance level - Time and distance
You don't have to choose between entertainment and workout data—you get both.
Smartwatch Connectivity FitSwitch broadcasts your Peloton data to smartwatches including: - Apple Watch — Track your ride with your favorite fitness apps - Garmin Fenix and other Garmin watches — Full workout sync and tracking - Wahoo and other ANT+ devices — Connect to your existing fitness ecosystem
Your workouts appear on your watch just like any other cycling activity.
Constant Power Mode (ERG) in Peloton App On the Bike+, FitSwitch enables constant power mode (ERG) even while using the native Peloton app. Set a target wattage and the bike automatically adjusts resistance to maintain it—perfect for steady-state training during scenic rides or when you want precise power control.
Survives Updates When Peloton pushes software updates, manually sideloaded apps often disappear. FitSwitch persists through updates, so your apps stay put.
Installing YouTube Access with FitSwitch
- Plug FitSwitch into your Peloton's USB-C port
- Follow the installation instructions for first-time setup
- Open the FitSwitch app store
- Install SmartTube (recommended) or a web browser
- Open SmartTube and sign into your YouTube account
- Enable the metrics overlay
- Start watching
Total time: Under 5 minutes after initial setup.
What to Watch: YouTube Content for Cycling
YouTube has a wealth of content perfect for indoor cycling. Here's what Peloton users are watching:
Free Cycling Workouts
GCN (Global Cycling Network) - Indoor cycling workouts of all lengths - Interval sessions, endurance rides, HIIT - Free, professional-quality production
The Sufferfest (before it became SYSTM) - Many free workout videos still available - Intense, structured training sessions
FTP Tests and Intervals - Search "indoor cycling HIIT" or "30 minute spin class" - Thousands of free instructor-led classes
POV Cycling Videos
Scenic Routes - Search "4K cycling POV" or "bike ride [location]" - Ride through the Alps, coastal roads, city streets - Some channels simulate the gradient with verbal cues
Popular Channels: - Nomadic Cyclist - Cycling Through Belgium - BikeTube
Music for Cycling
Workout Playlists - Search "cycling playlist" or "spin class music" - Hour-long mixes at 80-100+ BPM - Every genre from electronic to rock to hip-hop
Music Videos - Create your own workout vibe - No monthly subscription required
Learning While You Ride
Podcasts - Audio-focused content works great for steady rides - Zone 2 training + education = time efficiency
Tutorials and Documentaries - Long-form content for endurance sessions - Make 90-minute rides fly by
SmartTube Benefits
SmartTube offers advantages over the web browser approach: - Ad-free playback — No interruptions during your workout - Background play — Audio continues if you switch apps - SponsorBlock — Skip sponsor segments automatically - TV-optimized interface — Easy to navigate on a large touchscreen - No Google account required — Though you can sign in for subscriptions
Step-by-Step Comparison
| Feature | Manual (ADB) Method | FitSwitch |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 45 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Computer Required | Yes | No |
| SmartTube Access | Manual download/install | One-tap install |
| Metrics While Watching | No | Yes, overlay included |
| Survives Peloton Updates | Sometimes breaks | Yes |
| Smartwatch Sync | No | Yes (Apple Watch, Garmin) |
| ERG Mode in Peloton App | No | Yes (Bike+) |
| Technical Skill Needed | Moderate | None |
| Cost | Free (time investment) | One-time purchase |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just install the regular YouTube app?
Peloton doesn't include Google Mobile Services (GMS), which the official YouTube app requires to function. Without GMS, the app can't sign in, play videos, or work properly. SmartTube is built specifically to work without Google services.
Will SmartTube work in full screen?
Yes. SmartTube displays in full screen on the Peloton's large touchscreen. At 22" (Bike) or 24" (Bike+), it's a fantastic viewing experience—much better than propping up a phone or tablet.
Can I sign into my YouTube account in SmartTube?
Yes. SmartTube supports YouTube account sign-in via QR code. Once signed in, you can access your subscriptions, playlists, and watch history.
Can I use YouTube with Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. Your Peloton can connect to Bluetooth headphones through its settings menu. You can use the bike's built-in speakers, Bluetooth earbuds, or the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does this affect my Peloton warranty?
No. Sideloading apps doesn't void your Peloton warranty. You're not modifying the hardware or making permanent changes to the system. Everything is reversible with a factory reset.
Can I still take Peloton classes?
Absolutely. Adding YouTube access doesn't affect your Peloton app. You can freely switch between Peloton classes and YouTube whenever you want. With FitSwitch, app switching is seamless.
What about ads in SmartTube?
SmartTube has built-in ad blocking, so you won't see ads during video playback. It also includes SponsorBlock to skip in-video sponsor segments. This makes for uninterrupted workout sessions.
Does the touchscreen work for navigation?
Yes. You can tap, swipe, and navigate SmartTube just like on any tablet. Search for videos, browse your subscriptions, adjust playback—all via touch.
Can I track my workout on my Apple Watch or Garmin?
Yes. FitSwitch broadcasts your Peloton's cadence, power, and heart rate data via ANT+ and Bluetooth. This means your Apple Watch, Garmin Fenix, or other fitness watch can track your ride just like any other cycling workout.
What is the OpenPelo project?
OpenPelo is a community-driven GitHub project that provides tools for installing apps on Peloton. It's an alternative to the manual ADB method but still requires technical knowledge.
Transform Your Peloton Into an Entertainment Hub
That big beautiful screen deserves more than one app. YouTube alone opens up:
- Free workout classes from dozens of instructors
- POV cycling videos through stunning locations
- Your favorite music and playlists
- Podcasts and educational content
- Entertainment to make cardio enjoyable
The manual ADB method works, but it's technical and leaves you without metrics. FitSwitch gives you:
- One-tap SmartTube installation
- Metrics overlay while watching
- Smartwatch connectivity (Apple Watch, Garmin)
- Constant power mode in Peloton app (Bike+)
- Easy app switching
- Persistence through updates
- Access to 50+ more apps
Your Peloton. Your content. Your choice.
Get FitSwitch — SmartTube, Netflix, Zwift, and more on your Peloton.
Last updated: January 2025