Quick Answer: Enabling Developer Mode on Peloton is straightforward—tap the Build Number in settings 7 times. This unlocks the ability to sideload apps via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). However, this is just step one of a multi-step technical process that requires a computer and command line knowledge. FitSwitch simplifies everything after Developer Mode—one-time setup, then one-tap app installation directly on your Peloton.
Table of Contents
- What is Developer Mode on Peloton?
- How to Enable Developer Mode
- What You Can Do With Developer Mode
- The Full Sideloading Process
- Limitations of the Developer Mode Approach
- Simplify Everything with FitSwitch
- FAQ
What is Developer Mode on Peloton?
Developer Mode is a hidden settings menu built into Android devices—including your Peloton. Originally intended for app developers to test and debug software, it provides access to advanced system features normally hidden from regular users.
On Peloton, enabling Developer Mode unlocks: - USB Debugging — Allows your computer to communicate with the Peloton - ADB Access — Required for sideloading apps - System information — Details about running processes - Advanced network options — WiFi diagnostics and more
Your Peloton runs a locked-down version of Android. Peloton intentionally limits what you can do because they want you using their ecosystem. Developer Mode is the first step in opening up your bike to third-party apps.
How to Enable Developer Mode
Enabling Developer Mode itself is the easy part:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Access Settings
- Tap the three dots (⋮) in the bottom-right corner of your Peloton screen
-
Select Device Settings
-
Find About Tablet
- Scroll down to the bottom of Device Settings
-
Tap About Tablet
-
Tap Build Number 7 Times
- Look for Build Number (usually near the bottom)
- Tap it 7 times in quick succession
-
You may be asked to confirm your PIN if you have one set
-
Confirmation
- After the 7th tap, you'll see a message: "You are now a developer!"
-
This confirms Developer Mode is now enabled
-
Access Developer Options
- Go back to Device Settings
- Scroll down—you'll now see a new menu item: Developer Options
Visual Guide
Home Screen
↓
⋮ (Three Dots) → Device Settings
↓
Scroll Down → About Tablet
↓
Tap "Build Number" × 7 times
↓
"You are now a developer!" message appears
↓
Back to Device Settings → Developer Options (now visible)
Congratulations—Developer Mode is enabled. But now what?
What You Can Do With Developer Mode
Developer Mode by itself doesn't do much. It's just the first step. Here's what you've actually unlocked:
USB Debugging
This is the key feature. USB Debugging allows your computer to connect to the Peloton via USB-C and send commands through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Without USB Debugging enabled, your computer can't communicate with the bike.
To enable USB Debugging: 1. Open Developer Options 2. Scroll to find USB Debugging 3. Toggle it ON 4. Accept any security prompts
ADB Connectivity
Once USB Debugging is on, you can: - Connect via ADB from a computer - Install apps (APK files) - Access the file system - Run shell commands
Other Developer Options
Most other options in Developer Mode aren't useful for typical users: - Running services display - Debug GPU overdraw - Pointer location - Animation scales - Background process limits
These are for actual Android developers building apps, not for regular Peloton users.
The Full Sideloading Process
Enabling Developer Mode is step 1 of many. Here's what the complete process looks like:
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode ✓
(You just did this)
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging ✓
(Toggle in Developer Options)
Step 3: Install ADB on Your Computer
Windows:
1. Download Android SDK Platform Tools
2. Extract ZIP to a folder (e.g., C:\adb\)
3. Open Command Prompt
4. Navigate to the folder: cd C:\adb\platform-tools
5. Test with: adb version
Mac:
1. Open Terminal
2. Install Homebrew if needed: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
3. Run: brew install android-platform-tools
4. Test with: adb version
Linux:
1. Open Terminal
2. Run: sudo apt install android-tools-adb (Ubuntu/Debian)
3. Test with: adb version
Step 4: Connect Peloton to Computer
- Get a USB-C cable (data-capable, not just charging)
- Plug one end into your computer
- Plug the other into your Peloton's USB-C port
- On your computer, run:
adb devices - Look at your Peloton screen—an authorization popup appears
- Check "Always allow from this computer"
- Tap Allow
- Run
adb devicesagain—your Peloton should be listed
Step 5: Find and Download APKs
- Go to a site like APKMirror
- Search for the app you want (Netflix, Zwift, etc.)
- Download the appropriate APK version
- Note: Some apps have multiple architectures—choose
arm64-v8aif available
Important: Some apps require Google Mobile Services (GMS) to function. Peloton doesn't have GMS, so apps like the official YouTube app won't work. For YouTube, use SmartTube instead.
Step 6: Install the App
- In terminal/command prompt, navigate to where you saved the APK
- Run:
adb install filename.apk - Wait for "Success" message
- Repeat for each app you want
Step 7: Access Your Apps
Here's a problem: Peloton's home screen doesn't show sideloaded apps.
Solution: Install a launcher 1. Download a launcher APK (like Sideload Launcher) 2. Install it via ADB 3. Access the launcher through Developer Options → Apps 4. Use the launcher to open your sideloaded apps
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 Developer Mode Approach
After going through all that, you still face significant limitations:
Technical Hurdles
- Computer required every time — Want to add a new app? Update an existing one? Back to ADB.
- Cable dependency — Physical USB-C connection needed each time
- Command line required — Many users aren't comfortable with terminal commands
- Troubleshooting — ADB errors are frustrating without technical experience
Functionality Gaps
- No metrics in other apps — When you open Netflix or Zwift, you lose your cadence, power, and heart rate display
- No sensor access — Third-party apps can't read your Peloton's power meter or cadence sensor
- No resistance control — Even smart trainer apps like Zwift can't control your resistance (Bike+ motor sits unused)
- No ERG mode — Structured workouts can't auto-adjust difficulty
- No smartwatch sync — Your Apple Watch or Garmin can't see your workout data
- GMS limitations — Apps requiring Google services (like YouTube) won't work
Maintenance Issues
- Peloton updates break things — Software updates can remove sideloaded apps or disable Developer Mode
- App updates require manual work — No automatic updates; you must re-download and re-install via ADB
- Launcher workarounds — Clunky app switching experience
The Real Experience
After spending 2+ hours setting everything up, you get: - A basic ability to run apps on the screen - No integration with Peloton's excellent sensors - A fragmented, frustrating user experience - The looming threat of the next Peloton update wiping your work
Developer Mode is the starting point of a journey that never quite reaches a satisfying destination.
Simplify Everything with FitSwitch
FitSwitch uses Developer Mode as part of a one-time setup—but then transforms the experience completely. No more ADB commands, no computer needed after setup, and features that Developer Mode alone can't provide.
What FitSwitch Offers
One-Time Setup, Then Forget About It FitSwitch requires enabling Developer Mode and USB Debugging during initial installation—but this is a one-time process. Follow the FitSwitch Bike installation instructions (or Bike+ instructions), and you'll never need to touch ADB or connect a computer again.
Built-In App Store Browse a curated library of apps right on your Peloton screen. Tap to install. That's it. The app store includes alternatives for apps that require Google services—like SmartTube for YouTube.
Real Integration Unlike sideloaded apps that are isolated from your bike: - Metrics overlay — See cadence, power, heart rate in any app - Sensor broadcast — Apps like Zwift receive your actual power/cadence data - Resistance control — ERG mode works on Bike+ with supported apps - ANT+ and Bluetooth — Broadcast to Garmin, Wahoo, and other devices
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
Constant Power Mode (ERG) in Peloton App On the Bike+, FitSwitch enables constant power mode 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.
Update Resilient FitSwitch persists through Peloton software updates. Your apps and settings remain intact.
Simple Guided Setup 1. Enable Developer Mode and USB Debugging (you learned how above) 2. Connect FitSwitch to your Peloton 3. Accept the USB debugging prompt 4. Press the FitSwitch button—the app installs automatically 5. Browse and install apps with a single tap 6. Start riding
Full step-by-step instructions: Bike installation | Bike+ installation
Comparison: Developer Mode + ADB vs. FitSwitch
| Aspect | Developer Mode + ADB | FitSwitch |
|---|---|---|
| Developer Mode required | Yes | Yes (one-time setup) |
| Time to first app | 45-90 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Computer needed | Yes, every time | No—FitSwitch installs the app |
| Technical skill | Moderate to advanced | Follow guided instructions |
| Installing new apps | ADB commands each time | Tap an icon on screen |
| Metrics in third-party apps | No | Yes |
| Sensor data to apps | No | Yes |
| ERG mode (Bike+) | No | Yes |
| ERG in Peloton app (Bike+) | No | Yes |
| Smartwatch sync | No | Yes (Apple Watch, Garmin) |
| Survives updates | No | Yes |
| App updates | Manual via ADB | One-tap updates |
| GMS-free alternatives | Must find yourself | SmartTube included |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can enabling Developer Mode damage my Peloton?
No. Developer Mode is a standard Android feature that simply reveals hidden settings. It doesn't modify your system or risk damage. The settings can be disabled at any time.
Will Peloton know I enabled Developer Mode?
Peloton doesn't monitor or report Developer Mode status. However, their support team won't help troubleshoot issues that arise from using Developer Mode or sideloaded apps.
Does Developer Mode void my warranty?
No. Enabling Developer Mode doesn't void your Peloton warranty. It's a reversible software setting, not a hardware modification. You can always factory reset to return to stock configuration.
Can I disable Developer Mode after enabling it?
Yes. Go to Developer Options and toggle the main Developer Options switch off. This disables all developer features. You can re-enable by tapping Build Number 7 times again.
What if the Build Number tap doesn't work?
- Make sure you're tapping quickly (7 times within ~3 seconds)
- Check that you're tapping the actual "Build Number" line, not nearby text
- Some Peloton software versions may have moved the setting—look around the About Tablet section
Why can't I install YouTube after enabling Developer Mode?
Peloton doesn't have Google Mobile Services (GMS), which the official YouTube app requires. Use SmartTube instead—it's an open-source YouTube client that works without Google services.
Is ADB safe?
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a legitimate developer tool from Google. It's safe when used properly. The main risks are: - Installing malicious APKs from untrusted sources - Accidentally running destructive commands - Leaving USB Debugging enabled when not in use
Always download APKs from trusted sources like APKMirror.
What's the difference between Bike and Bike+ for this?
Developer Mode works identically on both models. The difference comes after: - Both: Can sideload apps, but lose metrics and sensor access - Bike+ only: Has motorized resistance that could be controlled (but not via basic sideloading)
FitSwitch unlocks ERG mode on Bike+ because it provides the bridge between apps and the resistance motor.
Can I track my workouts on my Apple Watch or Garmin?
Not with Developer Mode alone—sideloaded apps can't access Peloton's sensors to broadcast data. FitSwitch enables this by broadcasting cadence, power, and heart rate via ANT+ and Bluetooth.
What is the OpenPelo project?
OpenPelo is a community-driven GitHub project that provides tools for installing apps on Peloton. It can help simplify some aspects of sideloading but still requires technical knowledge and a computer.
Can Peloton disable Developer Mode remotely?
Theoretically, a software update could disable or hide Developer Mode. Peloton hasn't done this systematically, but updates do sometimes cause issues for sideloaded apps.
Should I use Developer Mode + ADB or get FitSwitch?
Both approaches require enabling Developer Mode. The difference is what comes after.
Use Developer Mode + ADB if: - You enjoy technical tinkering - You only need basic app access - You don't need metrics integration - You're comfortable with command line - You have time for maintenance after updates
Get FitSwitch if: - You want one-tap app installation after initial setup - You want metrics overlay in all apps - You want ERG mode (Bike+) - You want constant power mode in Peloton app (Bike+) - You want smartwatch tracking (Apple Watch, Garmin) - You value your time - You want Garmin/Wahoo connectivity
The Bottom Line
Developer Mode is Peloton's hidden doorway to Android's open nature. Enabling it takes 30 seconds. But the journey from Developer Mode to "actually using third-party apps comfortably" takes hours of technical setup—and the result still leaves major features on the table.
FitSwitch exists because Developer Mode alone isn't enough. FitSwitch uses Developer Mode during initial setup, then provides: - One-tap app installation — No ADB commands, no computer needed after setup - Sensor integration — Something Developer Mode alone can't provide - ERG mode — Custom hardware bridging for Bike+ - Smartwatch connectivity — Apple Watch and Garmin support - Constant power mode — Even in the native Peloton app (Bike+) - Long-term stability — Apps persist through Peloton updates
Your time is valuable. Your Peloton is capable. The question is how you want to unlock it.
Get FitSwitch — Skip the technical headaches, unlock your Peloton's full potential.
Last updated: January 2025