How to Control Zwift with Any External Controller

If you've ever searched "zwift control" or "how to control Zwift with a physical button," you've landed in the right place. This guide covers every supported external controller — Zwift Click, Zwift Play, Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS eTap, gamepads, Bluetooth buttons, and keyboard — and explains exactly how to connect each one to Zwift using BikeControl. Still deciding which controller to buy? Start with our complete controller comparison.

Why Use BikeControl with Zwift?

Zwift's own hardware — Zwift Click, Zwift Play, and Zwift Ride — works out of the box in Zwift without any third-party app. So when does BikeControl add value?

BikeControl is worth using when you want to go beyond the default behavior:

Remap buttons to the actions you actually use (steering, U-turns, workout intensity, etc.)
Take screenshots directly from your handlebars
Control media playback — skip tracks, adjust volume without touching your phone
Control smart accessories — fans, lights, and other Bluetooth peripherals
Use double click and long press for more actions per button (BikeControl Pro)
Connect non-Zwift hardware like gamepads, Di2, SRAM AXS, or generic Bluetooth buttons

If you're happy with the default button mapping and don't need any of the above, the Zwift app alone is sufficient for Zwift hardware. BikeControl is for riders who want full control.

Getting Started

Download BikeControl on your platform:

BikeControl includes a free trial on Android and Windows. After the trial period, a one-time purchase is required to continue using the app. For the best experience — including cross-platform licensing, cloud keymap sync, and advanced gestures — BikeControl Pro is recommended.

Once installed, open BikeControl and select Zwift as your trainer app. BikeControl automatically detects any compatible controller that is powered on and in range — no manual pairing step required. Simply turn on your device and it will appear in the app.

Supported Controllers for Zwift

Zwift Click

The Zwift Click works natively in Zwift for virtual shifting, but BikeControl lets you remap its buttons to anything you like — steering, U-turns, media controls, screenshots, and more.

Setup:

Open BikeControl and select Zwift as your trainer app
Power on your Zwift Click — BikeControl detects it automatically
Assign your preferred actions to each button
Start Zwift and ride

See the full guide: Use Zwift Click with Zwift

Zwift Click V2

The Zwift Click V2 adds a third button but otherwise follows the same setup flow. Note that Bluetooth compatibility with third-party apps is more limited on the V2 than the original — our Zwift Click V2 ultimate guide explains the daily unlock and how to use it outside of Zwift.

See the full guide: Use Zwift Click V2 with Zwift

Zwift Play

Zwift Play controllers work in Zwift without BikeControl. With BikeControl, every individual button becomes fully remappable — steering, shifting, braking, U-turns, media, accessories, and custom actions.

Tip: With BikeControl Pro, each button supports single click, double click, and long press — giving you up to 6 actions per button pair.

See the full guide: Use Zwift Play with Zwift

Zwift Ride

The Zwift Ride is a smart bike with integrated controls that work natively in Zwift. With BikeControl, you can remap those controls and add extra functionality like screenshot capture, media playback control, and accessory control.

See the full guide: Use Zwift Ride with Zwift

Shimano Di2

Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems connect to BikeControl via Bluetooth. The gear levers map naturally to virtual shift up and shift down in Zwift. Long press support (added in BikeControl 5.0) allows steering actions without a dedicated controller.

See the full guide: Use Shimano Di2 with Zwift

SRAM AXS eTap

SRAM AXS eTap wireless groupsets connect to BikeControl via Bluetooth. Your shift levers can control Zwift's virtual gears, steering, and any other mappable action — a great option for riders who already run AXS and don't want a separate controller on their bars.

See the full guide: Use SRAM AXS eTap with Zwift

Gamepads

Standard Bluetooth gamepads (PlayStation, Xbox, generic) connect to BikeControl and expose all their buttons for mapping. This is a great option if you want more buttons than a two-button Click provides — a gamepad can give you 8–12 mappable actions.

Recommended use: Map the left joystick to steering, face buttons to shifts, and shoulder buttons to workout intensity.

See the full guide: Use Gamepads with Zwift

Bluetooth Buttons

Small single- or multi-button Bluetooth remote controls (commonly sold as camera shutter remotes or presentation clickers) work with BikeControl. These are an inexpensive alternative to dedicated cycling hardware — options are available on Amazon for under $10.

See the full guide: Use Bluetooth Buttons with Zwift

Keyboard Input

If you run Zwift on a PC or Mac, BikeControl can simulate keystrokes from any controller input. This is the most flexible option — any function Zwift exposes via keyboard can be triggered from your handlebars.

This mode also works when Zwift is open on a separate device connected via the same WiFi network, using BikeControl's network connection mode.

See the full guide: Use Keyboard Input with Zwift

Connection Methods Explained

BikeControl connects to Zwift in two ways:

Method	Best For
Bluetooth	Same device (controller → phone → Zwift on same phone)
WiFi / Network	Cross-device (controller → phone/tablet → Zwift on PC or Apple TV)

For most setups, the WiFi connection method is recommended. BikeControl runs on your phone, your controller pairs to BikeControl, and BikeControl communicates with Zwift running on your PC, Mac, or Apple TV over your home network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BikeControl work with Zwift on Apple TV? Yes. Use the network connection method. BikeControl runs on your iPhone or iPad and sends inputs to Zwift running on the Apple TV.

Can I use two controllers at once? Yes. BikeControl supports multiple paired devices simultaneously. You could have a Zwift Click for shifting and a separate Bluetooth button for steering, all mapped independently.

Does this work with Zwift's virtual shifting (ERG mode)? Yes. BikeControl can trigger virtual gear shifts in Zwift whether you're in simulation mode or ERG mode.

Is BikeControl free? BikeControl includes a free trial on Android and Windows. iOS and macOS require a purchase upfront. After the trial, a one-time purchase unlocks the full app. BikeControl Pro is also available and adds cross-platform licensing, cloud keymap sync, and advanced button gestures (double click and long press per button).

Do I need to manually pair my controller? No. BikeControl automatically detects compatible controllers that are powered on and in range. There is no manual pairing step needed.