Zwift Erg Mode: How to Turn It Off, When to Use It, and Troubleshooting

How Do I Turn Off Erg Mode in Zwift?

To turn off Erg Mode in Zwift, access the workout pane on your screen during a structured workout and toggle the "ERG" button, or use the Zwift Companion app's workout tab to switch it off. Alternatively, exiting the active workout will also disengage Erg Mode.

What is Erg Mode?

Erg Mode is a core feature of smart trainers when used with platforms like Zwift, designed to precisely control your power output. In Erg Mode, your smart trainer automatically adjusts the resistance to ensure you maintain a specific wattage target, regardless of your cadence or gear selection. This contrasts with "SIM Mode" (Simulation Mode), where the trainer's resistance changes dynamically based on in-game factors like gradient, drafting, and road surface, requiring you to shift gears and adjust cadence manually to hit power targets. Erg Mode is particularly beneficial for structured interval training, as it guarantees you hit your prescribed power zones consistently, making your workouts highly efficient and predictable.

Why Would You Want to Turn Off Erg Mode?

While incredibly effective for precise training, there are several common scenarios where you might want to disengage Erg Mode:

• Manual Power Adjustment: You might feel stronger or weaker than anticipated for a given interval and wish to manually push above or below the target wattage, which Erg Mode prevents.
• Sprint Training: Erg Mode can "bog down" the trainer during high-power, short-duration efforts like sprints, making it difficult to achieve peak power or simulate real-world sprint dynamics.
• Cadence Drills: For some cadence-specific drills, the fixed resistance of Erg Mode can feel unnatural, and you might prefer the freedom to vary resistance with your gears.
• Transitioning to Free Ride or Group Ride: If you've completed a structured workout and want to continue riding freely or join a group ride where resistance is dictated by the virtual terrain, you'll need to disable Erg Mode.
• Troubleshooting Resistance Issues: Sometimes, if you perceive the resistance to be "stuck" or unusually high/low, toggling Erg Mode off and on can help reset the trainer's resistance control.
• Personal Preference: Some athletes simply prefer the tactile experience of shifting gears and managing their own resistance, even during structured efforts.

Methods to Disable Erg Mode in Zwift

Disabling Erg Mode in Zwift is a straightforward process, primarily done through the in-game interface or the Zwift Companion app.

Method 1: During a Workout (Workout Screen)

This is the most direct way to toggle Erg Mode on or off while you are actively riding a structured workout.

• Locate the Workout Pane: During any structured workout, you'll see a workout pane displayed on the left side of your screen. This pane shows your current interval, target power, and remaining time.
• Find the Erg Mode Button: Within this workout pane, look for a button labeled "ERG" or an icon that resembles a chainring or gear. Its appearance can vary slightly depending on your game version and display settings.
• Toggle Off: Click or tap this "ERG" button. When Erg Mode is active, the button is typically highlighted or colored (e.g., orange or green). When you click it, it will usually turn grey or show "OFF," indicating that Erg Mode is disengaged. Your trainer will then revert to SIM Mode, and your power will be controlled by your gear selection and cadence.
• Toggle On: To re-engage Erg Mode, simply click the same button again.

Method 2: Using the Zwift Companion App

The Zwift Companion app provides a convenient way to manage your Zwift ride from a mobile device, including toggling Erg Mode.

• Open the Companion App: Ensure your Zwift game is running and connected to the Companion app on your smartphone or tablet.
• Navigate to the Workout Tab: Within the Companion app, while you are riding a structured workout, go to the "Workout" tab (often represented by a barbell or workout icon).
• Find the Erg Mode Toggle: On this tab, you will see a toggle switch or button clearly labeled "Erg Mode."
• Toggle Off: Tap the switch to turn Erg Mode off. The change will immediately reflect in the Zwift game.

Method 3: Exiting the Workout

While not directly "turning off" Erg Mode, ending your structured workout will inherently disengage it, as Erg Mode is only active during those specific workout sessions.

• Access the Menu: During your ride, press the "Esc" key on your keyboard (for PC/Mac) or tap the screen and select the "Menu" option (for Apple TV/mobile).
• End Ride or Skip Workout: From the menu, you can choose "End Ride" to stop your session entirely, or "Skip Workout" to exit the structured workout and continue riding in free ride mode (SIM Mode). In either case, Erg Mode will be disengaged.

Troubleshooting Common Erg Mode Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter situations where Erg Mode doesn't behave as expected.

• "Stuck" in Erg Mode: Ensure Zwift is the only application controlling your smart trainer. If you have multiple applications (e.g., another cycling app, trainer manufacturer's app) open and trying to control the trainer via ANT+ or Bluetooth, conflicts can occur. Close all other applications.
• Erg Mode Not Engaging: Verify your smart trainer is paired as a "Controllable" device in Zwift's pairing screen, not just a power meter or speed sensor.
• Unresponsive Resistance: Perform a spindown calibration on your trainer as recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure your trainer's firmware is up to date.
• Power Fluctuations in Erg Mode: While Erg Mode aims for consistent power, very low or inconsistent cadence can sometimes cause power to jump. Try to maintain a smooth, consistent pedaling stroke.

Understanding When to Use or Avoid Erg Mode

The decision to use or disengage Erg Mode often comes down to the training goal and the specific demands of the workout.

• Utilize Erg Mode for:
  • Interval Training: Perfect for hitting precise power targets for threshold, sweet spot, tempo, or VO2 max intervals.
  • FTP Testing: Ensures consistent effort during the critical phases of an FTP test.
  • Cadence Drills (Specific Types): While some cadence drills are better in SIM Mode, Erg Mode can be useful for maintaining a specific power while experimenting with different cadences, as long as the resistance doesn't feel unnatural.
• Consider Disengaging Erg Mode for:
  • Sprints: The trainer's flywheel inertia and ability to quickly accelerate are often better simulated in SIM Mode, allowing for maximal power output.
  • Group Rides/Races: Unless specifically doing a structured workout within these events, Erg Mode is not applicable as resistance is governed by the virtual terrain and other riders.
  • Free Riding: When simply exploring the Zwift worlds, SIM Mode provides a more dynamic and engaging experience.
  • Technical Drills: Any drills requiring rapid changes in power or resistance that Erg Mode might impede.

Conclusion

Understanding how to toggle Erg Mode on and off in Zwift is a fundamental skill for any athlete utilizing a smart trainer for indoor cycling. This control empowers you to optimize your training, whether you need the precise, consistent resistance of Erg Mode for structured intervals or the dynamic, responsive feel of SIM Mode for sprints, free riding, or troubleshooting. By mastering these simple controls, you can tailor your Zwift experience to perfectly match your training objectives and preferences.