Use Phone Steering with any other trainer app

BikeControl turns the Phone Steering into steer-left and steer-right inputs, which you map to the keys or taps your trainer app uses for steering.

Last updated:

What to know about Phone Steering with any other trainer app

What the Phone Steering does
BikeControl turns the Phone Steering's steering angle into steer left and steer right, which you map to your app's steering keys.
Connection
Any of the three methods, depending on what your app accepts. Network: BikeControl reaches the app over your Wi-Fi, so it can run on a different device. Bluetooth: the app pairs with BikeControl like a Bluetooth controller, so BikeControl runs on a second device next to it. Accessibility: BikeControl sends keyboard and touch input on the device it runs on, so it has to run on the same device as the app.
Platforms
Trainer apps on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, macOS, and Windows. Apple TV works over Network, with BikeControl on an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows PC.
Default actions
There is no preset: you record the keys or taps your app uses, once, in BikeControl's keymap editor.
Free and Pro
BikeControl is free to try for 5 days (7 on Windows); after that the free version allows 15 controller actions a day until you buy Base, a one-time purchase of about 4.99 $. Pro (about 2.50 $/month) adds three actions per button, use on all your platforms, and BikeControl's own virtual shifting without the 20-minute daily limit.

How to use Phone Steering with any other trainer app

  1. Install BikeControl. Install BikeControl on iOS, Android, Windows or macOS — on the device that runs your trainer app, or on a phone or tablet next to it.
  2. Mount and calibrate the phone. Mount the phone that runs BikeControl on your handlebar and run Calibrate Steering once, so BikeControl knows where straight ahead is.
  3. Build your mapping. Assign each button the keyboard key or screen tap your trainer app already understands, in BikeControl's keymap editor.
  4. Connect BikeControl. Turn on Network, Bluetooth, or Accessibility in BikeControl. Network and Bluetooth reach your app from a second device; Accessibility types keys and taps on the device BikeControl runs on.
  5. Steer. Map steer left and steer right to your app's steering keys, then steer with the Phone Steering.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Phone Steering work with any other trainer app?

Yes. BikeControl turns the Phone Steering's steering angle into steer left and steer right, which you map to your app's steering keys.

How does BikeControl connect to my trainer app?

Any of the three methods, depending on what your app accepts. Network: BikeControl reaches the app over your Wi-Fi, so it can run on a different device. Bluetooth: the app pairs with BikeControl like a Bluetooth controller, so BikeControl runs on a second device next to it. Accessibility: BikeControl sends keyboard and touch input on the device it runs on, so it has to run on the same device as the app.

Which platforms does this work on?

Trainer apps on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, macOS, and Windows. Apple TV works over Network, with BikeControl on an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows PC. BikeControl itself runs on iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows and macOS.

Do I need BikeControl Pro?

Not to use the Phone Steering with any other trainer app. BikeControl is free to try for 5 days (7 on Windows); after that the free version allows 15 controller actions a day until you buy Base, a one-time purchase of about 4.99 $. Pro (about 2.50 $/month) adds three actions per button, use on all your platforms, and BikeControl's own virtual shifting without the 20-minute daily limit.

More setups for the Phone Steering

Other controllers with any other trainer app

See all supported controllers and apps, or download BikeControl — free to try on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.