Zwift: Managing In-Game and Account Settings for Optimal Training

How do I change settings on Zwift?

Optimizing your Zwift experience is crucial for effective virtual training, and this involves understanding and adjusting various settings accessible both in-game and through your Zwift profile.

Understanding Your Zwift Settings

Properly configuring your Zwift settings is paramount for an accurate, immersive, and effective virtual cycling or running experience. These adjustments directly impact data fidelity (e.g., power output, speed), the realism of your virtual ride, and your overall engagement with the platform. From ensuring correct power readings to personalizing your display, mastering these settings allows you to tailor Zwift to your specific training goals and preferences, making every session more productive.

Accessing Zwift Settings: In-Game vs. Account

Zwift settings are distributed across two primary interfaces: the in-game menu (accessible during a ride) and your personal profile/account settings (accessible via the Zwift Companion App or the My Zwift website). Each interface controls different aspects of your experience.

In-Game Settings (During a Ride)

To access these, start a ride or run in Zwift. Press the "Menu" button (or "Esc" on PC/Mac, the dedicated menu button on Apple TV, or the back button on mobile devices). This brings up a menu where you can navigate to different settings categories.

Profile/Account Settings (Outside of a Ride)

These settings manage your personal information, linked accounts, and general preferences. They are accessed through:

• Zwift Companion App: Log in and navigate to your profile.
• My Zwift Website: Log in at my.zwift.com to manage your profile, activities, and connections.

Essential In-Game Settings for Optimal Training

These settings are critical for ensuring accurate data and a realistic training environment.

• Pairing Screen (Devices): This is the first and most crucial step for every session.

  • Power Source: Select your smart trainer or power meter here. Ensure it's correctly connected for accurate wattage readings. For wheel-on trainers, a speed sensor combined with a classic trainer profile will estimate power.
  • Controllable Trainer: If you have a smart trainer, ensure it's paired here to allow Zwift to control resistance for ERG mode workouts and simulated gradients.
  • Cadence, Speed, Heart Rate: Pair your respective sensors for comprehensive training data.
  • Calibration: After pairing your trainer, look for a "Wrench" icon next to the controllable trainer. This allows you to perform a spin-down calibration, which is vital for accurate power readings, especially with direct-drive smart trainers. Perform this regularly.

• Trainer Difficulty: Found under the "Settings" gear icon within the in-game menu.

  • This setting adjusts how much the in-game gradient affects the resistance from your smart trainer. At 100%, a 10% gradient in Zwift will feel like a 10% gradient in real life. At 50%, a 10% gradient in Zwift will feel like a 5% gradient.
  • Recommendation: Many users set it between 50-75% to still feel the climbs but avoid excessively low cadence on steep ascents, making the experience more enjoyable and manageable for continuous riding. It does not affect your speed or power output, only the feel of the gradient.

• Display & Graphics: Accessible via the "Settings" gear icon.

  • Resolution: Adjust to match your screen for visual clarity.
  • Graphics Quality: Choose "Basic," "Medium," "High," or "Ultra" based on your device's capabilities. Higher settings offer richer visuals but demand more processing power.
  • Full Screen Mode: Toggle for an immersive experience.

• Audio Settings: Also under the "Settings" gear icon.

  • Adjust volumes for Music, Sound Effects (e.g., passing riders, power-ups), and Ambient Sounds (e.g., wind, birds). Tailor these to your preference for immersion or to allow for external music/podcasts.

• Workout Settings: When in a workout (not free ride), accessed via the "Settings" gear icon.

  • ERG Mode: Toggle on/off. When on, your smart trainer automatically adjusts resistance to hit target power regardless of your cadence. When off, you control power by shifting gears.
  • FTP Bias: Allows for a global adjustment of your workout target power if you feel the workout is slightly too easy or too hard relative to your current FTP.

• Units of Measure: Toggle between Metric (km, kg, km/h) and Imperial (miles, lbs, mph).

Crucial Profile and Account Settings (Via Companion App/My Zwift)

These settings are fundamental to how Zwift calculates your performance and interacts with other fitness platforms.

• Personal Information: Crucial for accurate in-game physics.

  • Weight: Your current body weight is a critical factor in Zwift's speed calculations, especially on climbs. Keep this updated regularly.
  • Height: Used for avatar appearance.
  • FTP (Functional Threshold Power): While Zwift can estimate this, manually setting or updating your FTP after a dedicated test (like the Ramp Test or 20-minute FTP test) is vital. Your FTP dictates your training zones and workout intensities.

• Bike & Wheel Selection:

  • Within your profile, you can select different in-game bikes and wheelsets. These have varying aerodynamic and weight properties that can slightly affect your in-game speed, especially in races.

• Connected Apps:

  • Link your Zwift account to popular platforms like Strava, TrainingPeaks, Garmin Connect, and others. This automatically uploads your Zwift activities, streamlining your training data management.

• Privacy Settings:

  • Control who can see your activities, follow you, or view your location on the map. Adjust these to your comfort level.

Best Practices for Managing Your Zwift Experience

• Regularly Update Personal Metrics: Your weight and FTP can change. Keep them current in your profile for accurate performance metrics and effective training.
• Calibrate Your Trainer: Perform a spin-down calibration on your smart trainer regularly (e.g., once a week or before a key event) to ensure consistent and accurate power readings.
• Understand Trainer Difficulty: Experiment with this setting to find your preferred balance between realism and rideability.
• Device Management: Ensure your ANT+ or Bluetooth drivers are up to date on your computer. Keep your Zwift Companion App updated for best connectivity.
• Troubleshooting: If something feels off, always check your pairing screen first, then your trainer calibration, and finally your profile's weight and FTP settings.

By taking the time to understand and adjust these settings, you empower yourself to create a highly personalized and effective virtual training environment, maximizing the benefits of your time on Zwift.