Zwift’s game update 1.124 adds Watt Lock, which uses a smart trainer’s ERG mode to hold a power target the rider sets during free rides, group rides and fondos, without building a workout.
- Watt Lock switches on from the Action Bar in the game or in Zwift Companion once the rider is pedalling at 50 W or more, according to Zwift’s announcement.
- The target changes in 1 W steps from the Action Bar, the keyboard +/- keys or the shift buttons on compatible Zwift controllers.
- It works in free rides, RoboPacer rides, meetups, group rides, and fondos, but not in races, workouts, group workouts, or time trials.
- Watt Lock turns off when cadence drops below 25 rpm, when the rider enters an event start pen, and when the rider stops pedalling at a Coffee Stop or in a banded group ride.
- When it turns off, the trainer returns to a default virtual gear, and Zwift says a future update will restore the gear the rider locked at.
- Version 1.124 began a phased rollout on macOS, Windows and Android on 20 October 2026, with iOS and tvOS following on 21 October, according to the release notes.
What it means for athletes
Riders can hold steady endurance or tempo power through a group ride, a fondo, or a free ride on any route, and nudge the number up or down mid-ride with controller buttons, such as the Zwift Click units on Profile Design’s Zwift Ride aerobar. Before this, holding a fixed power in ERG mode meant loading a structured workout.
You need a trainer that supports ERG mode, such as the Wahoo KICKR Core 2 or the new Tacx NÄ“ra, and the best smart trainer guide compares the options. Riders who stop at a Coffee Stop or fall off the back of a banded ride have to turn it back on.
Quick answers
Can I use Zwift Watt Lock in a race?
No. Zwift says Watt Lock isn’t available in races, workouts, group workouts, time trials, or team time trials, and it turns off when you enter an event start pen.
What do I need to use Zwift Watt-Lock?
You need Zwift version 1.124 and a smart trainer that supports ERG mode. You must be riding at 50 W or more to switch it on from the Action Bar in Zwift or Zwift Companion.
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Last Updated on 20 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
