PM5 Bluetooth Setup Guide:
Connect Your Concept2® to Any App.
A complete, step-by-step guide to connecting your Concept2® PM5™ performance monitor via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Covers setup for RowErg®, SkiErg®, and BikeErg®, heart rate monitor pairing, 50+ compatible apps, Strava sync, and troubleshooting.
ErgUltra Tech Team
BLE & Concept2® Integration Specialists
What Is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)?
The Concept2® PM5 uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), also known as Bluetooth Smart. This is fundamentally different from classic Bluetooth — the kind you use for headphones or speakers. BLE was designed specifically for devices that need to transmit small amounts of data with minimal power consumption, making it ideal for fitness equipment.
The most important thing to understand: you do not pair the PM5 in your phone's Bluetooth settings. BLE devices connect through apps, not through the operating system's pairing menu. If you see "PM5" in your phone's Bluetooth device list, ignore it — connecting there will not work and may cause issues.
BLE vs. Classic Bluetooth — Key Differences
| Feature | Bluetooth Low Energy (PM5) | Classic Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|
| Pairing | No manual pairing — apps connect directly | Requires manual pairing in settings |
| Power Usage | Very low — months on 2x D batteries | Higher — drains battery faster |
| Data Type | Small packets (pace, watts, stroke rate) | Continuous stream (audio, files) |
| Range | 5–10 meters typical | 10–30 meters typical |
| Connections | One app + one HR monitor simultaneously | Multiple devices |
Concept2® Proprietary Protocol
Unlike most fitness equipment that uses the standard FTMS (Fitness Machine Service) protocol, the PM5 uses Concept2®'s own BLE protocol with four custom GATT services: Information, Discovery, Control, and Rowing. This means only apps that have specifically implemented Concept2®'s protocol can connect to the PM5.
Before You Start: Checklist.
Before connecting your PM5 to any app, make sure everything is ready. This checklist covers the requirements for a successful Bluetooth connection on your Concept2® RowErg®, SkiErg®, or BikeErg®.
PM5 Requirements
- PM5 performance monitor (not PM3 or PM4 — they lack BLE)
- Firmware updated to latest version
- Fresh D-cell batteries (2x) or USB power connected
- PM5 powered on and showing the main menu
- No other app currently connected via BLE
Phone / Tablet Requirements
- iPhone 6s or later (iOS 14+) or Android 8.0+
- Bluetooth enabled in phone settings
- Location Services enabled (Android requirement for BLE)
- Compatible app installed (ErgData®, ErgUltra, Zwift, etc.)
- Phone within 5 meters of the PM5
Step-by-Step: Connect PM5 to Your App.
Follow these five steps to connect your Concept2® PM5 to any compatible app via Bluetooth Low Energy. This process works for ErgData®, ErgUltra, Zwift, Peloton, and all other PM5-compatible apps.
Power on your PM5
Press any button on the PM5 or pull the handle/chain on your Concept2® ergometer. The PM5 display will light up and show the main menu. The Bluetooth module activates automatically — there is no separate Bluetooth toggle to enable.
💡 Pro tip: Press the Menu button before pulling the chain. This activates the PM5 without starting a workout accidentally.
Open your app and start scanning
Open the app you want to use (ErgData®, ErgUltra, Zwift, etc.) on your phone or tablet. Navigate to the connection or device scanning screen. The app will automatically scan for nearby PM5 monitors via BLE.
💡 Important: Do NOT go to your phone's Bluetooth settings. The PM5 connects through the app, not through the system pairing menu.
Select your PM5 from the list
Your PM5 will appear in the app's device list, usually identified by its serial number or a name like 'PM5 430XXXXXX'. If you have multiple Concept2® machines nearby (e.g., in a gym), match the serial number on the back of your PM5 to select the correct one.
💡 In a gym with many PM5s? Look at the serial number sticker on the back of the PM5 monitor to identify yours.
Confirm the connection
Once connected, the app will show a confirmation — usually a green indicator, a checkmark, or a 'Connected' status. The PM5 display may also show a Bluetooth icon or connection indicator. You are now ready to start your workout.
💡 The connection happens in 1–3 seconds. If it takes longer than 10 seconds, cancel and try again.
Start rowing — data flows automatically
Begin your workout. The app receives real-time data from the PM5 including pace (/500m), watts, stroke rate (SPM), distance, calories, and heart rate (if a HR monitor is connected to the PM5). All data is transmitted via BLE with minimal latency.
💡 Keep your phone within 5 meters of the PM5 for the most stable connection throughout your workout.
Connect a Heart Rate Monitor to PM5.
The PM5 supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart heart rate monitors. When connected, your heart rate data is displayed on the PM5 screen and transmitted to any connected app. This enables zone-based training and accurate calorie tracking.
How to Pair a Heart Rate Monitor
Put on your chest strap heart rate monitor. Wet the electrode pads for better contact.
On the PM5, navigate to: Connect → Heart Rate → Enable Heart Rate.
The PM5 will scan for nearby HR monitors. Select yours from the list.
Once paired, a heart icon appears on the PM5 display with your current BPM.
The HR data is automatically forwarded to any app connected via BLE.
Recommended Heart Rate Monitors for PM5
| Monitor | Protocol | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polar H10 | ANT+ & BLE | Chest Strap | Gold standard — most accurate |
| Garmin HRM-Pro Plus | ANT+ & BLE | Chest Strap | Running dynamics + rowing |
| Wahoo TICKR X | ANT+ & BLE | Chest Strap | Great value, reliable |
| COROS HR Monitor | ANT+ & BLE | Chest Strap | Budget-friendly option |
| Polar Verity Sense | ANT+ & BLE | Arm Band | No chest strap needed |
50+ Compatible Apps for Concept2® PM5.
The Concept2® PM5 works with over 50 apps across workout tracking, virtual classes, gaming, and analytics platforms. Here are the most popular options organized by category. For a complete list, visit Concept2®'s official app directory.
Workout Tracking
Virtual Classes
Virtual Worlds & Games
Platforms & Analytics
Sync PM5 Workouts to Strava & Garmin Connect.
Strava and Garmin Connect do not connect directly to the PM5 via Bluetooth. Instead, you sync your workouts through the Concept2® Online Logbook as a bridge. Here is how to set it up — it takes about 2 minutes and only needs to be done once.
One-Time Setup: PM5 → Logbook → Strava/Garmin
Create a Concept2® Logbook account
Go to log.concept2.com and create a free account. This is your central hub for all Concept2® workout data.
Install ErgData® and link your Logbook
Download ErgData® (free, iOS/Android). Sign in with your Concept2® Logbook credentials. ErgData® will automatically upload every PM5 workout to your Logbook.
Connect Strava or Garmin in Logbook settings
In your Concept2® Logbook account, go to Settings → Connected Apps. Authorize Strava, Garmin Connect, TrainingPeaks, or any other supported platform.
Row — and everything syncs automatically
After each workout: ErgData® uploads to Logbook → Logbook pushes to Strava/Garmin. No manual steps required. Your indoor rowing workouts appear in your Strava feed within minutes.
Data Flow
PM5 Bluetooth Troubleshooting Guide.
Bluetooth connections are generally reliable, but issues can occur. Here are the most common PM5 Bluetooth problems and their solutions, based on feedback from thousands of Concept2® athletes.
PM5 not appearing in app
- Make sure PM5 is powered on — press any button or pull the handle
- Check that no other app is currently connected (PM5 allows only one BLE connection at a time)
- On Android: enable Location Services (required for BLE scanning)
- Close other fitness apps that might be holding the BLE connection
- Move your phone within 3 meters of the PM5
Connection drops during workout
- Keep your phone within 5 meters of the PM5 — BLE range is limited
- Disable battery optimization for the app (Android: Settings → Apps → Battery → Unrestricted)
- Close background apps that may interfere with Bluetooth
- Check PM5 battery level — low batteries cause unstable connections
- Update PM5 firmware to the latest version via ErgData® or USB
Heart rate monitor not pairing
- Wet the chest strap electrodes before putting it on
- Pair the HR monitor to the PM5 first, then connect the app
- PM5 supports ANT+ and BLE HR monitors — check which protocol yours uses
- Only one device can connect to the HR monitor at a time — disconnect other apps
- Replace the HR monitor battery if the signal is weak or intermittent
Data not syncing to Concept2® Logbook
- Use ErgData® to send workouts to the Concept2® Online Logbook automatically
- Check your internet connection after the workout
- Verify your Concept2® Logbook account is linked in ErgData® settings
- For manual upload: save workout to USB flash drive, then upload at log.concept2.com
- Workouts under 1 minute may not be saved — ensure minimum duration
PM5 firmware is outdated
- Update via ErgData® app: connect to PM5 → check for firmware updates
- Alternative: download firmware from concept2.com, copy to USB drive, insert into PM5
- After update: remove PM5 batteries for 30 seconds, then reinstall
- Current firmware version: check PM5 → More Options → Utilities → Product ID
- Firmware updates fix BLE stability issues and add new features
Last Resort: Full PM5 Reset
If nothing else works, remove the PM5 batteries for 15 minutes, then reinstall them. The PM5 will prompt you to set the date and time — this confirms the memory has been fully reset. Your lifetime meters are preserved, but you will need to re-pair your heart rate monitor.
Advanced: The PM5 BLE Protocol Explained.
For developers and technically curious athletes, here is how the PM5 communicates over Bluetooth Low Energy. Understanding this helps explain why the PM5 works differently from other fitness equipment.
PM5 GATT Services
The PM5 exposes four custom BLE GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) services. Each service contains characteristics that apps read or subscribe to for real-time data.
| Service | Purpose | Key Data |
|---|---|---|
| Information | Device identification and capabilities | Serial number, firmware version, machine type |
| Discovery | Service discovery and connection setup | Available features, connection parameters |
| Control | Send commands to the PM5 | Set workout type, reset display, configure |
| Rowing | Real-time workout data stream | Pace, watts, SPM, distance, calories, HR, force curve |
Data Transmitted Every Stroke
During an active workout, the PM5's Rowing service sends the following data points via BLE notifications, updated with every stroke:
Why Connect Your PM5 to ErgUltra?
ErgUltra is the social fitness platform built exclusively for Concept2® athletes. While ErgData® handles basic workout logging, ErgUltra adds a social layer, advanced analytics, and unique event formats that transform your training experience. Learn more about ErgUltra's PM5 Bluetooth tracking and explore all 16 features.
Real-Time Social Feed
Share your workouts with the global Concept2® community as they happen.
Backyard Ultra Events
Compete in virtual Last Erg Ultra events — row until you can't.
Advanced Analytics
Real-time performance tracking, training insights, and progress monitoring.