If your Peloton Tread isn’t responding or acting strange, knowing how to restart Peloton treadmill can be the fastest fix. A simple restart clears temporary glitches and is often the first step in troubleshooting.
This guide walks you through every method, from a soft reset to a full power cycle. We’ll cover what to do if the screen is frozen and when a restart might not be enough.
How to Restart Peloton Treadmill
The standard restart, or soft reset, is safe and easy. It doesn’t erase your personal data or settings. Think of it like restarting your computer when it’s running slow.
Follow these steps:
- Ensure the Tread is in a stopped state. The belt should not be moving.
- Locate the power button on the front of the tread base, near the center.
- Press and hold the power button for about 2 seconds. You’ll feel a slight click.
- Release the button. The screen will go black and the Tread will power down completely.
- Wait a full 30 seconds. This pause is crucial for the system to clear its memory.
- Press the power button again briefly to turn the Tread back on.
- The Peloton logo will appear on the screen as it boots up. This takes a minute or two.
Once booted, check if the issue you were experiencing is resolved. If the problem persists, you may need to try a more thorough power cycle.
Performing a Full Power Cycle
A power cycle is more thorough than a soft reset. It involves disconnecting the Tread from its electrical source. This can fix issues that a standard restart doesn’t, like persistent connectivity problems or unresponsive buttons.
- First, perform the standard restart steps above to safely turn off the Tread.
- After the screen is completely black, locate the power cord at the back of the tread base.
- Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Don’t just turn off a power strip; physically unplug it.
- For Tread+ models, also unplug the safety key from its port.
- Wait at least 60 seconds. This allows all residual electrical charge to dissipate.
- While unplugged, you can press and hold the power button on the tread base for 10 seconds to discharge any remaining power.
- Plug the power cord firmly back into the wall outlet. Reinsert the safety key if you removed it.
- Press the power button to turn on your Tread.
Allow the system to boot completely. A full power cycle solves a wide range of electronic hiccups by giving the system a completely fresh start.
What to Do If the Screen is Frozen
A frozen screen that doesn’t respond to touch or button presses requires a forced restart. This is a common solution when the interface is stuck.
Here’s how to force a restart:
- Find the power cord at the back of the Tread and unplug it from the wall.
- If you have a Tread+, remove the safety key as well.
- Wait for two full minutes. This extended time is key for a frozen state.
- Plug the power cord back in, and reinsert the safety key.
- Turn on the Tread using the power button on the base.
If the screen remains frozen after this, there could be a deeper software issue. You might need to contact Peloton support for further assistance, especially if the display is showing artifacts or strange colors.
Restarting vs. Factory Resetting
It’s important not to confuse a restart with a factory reset. A restart is your everyday troubleshooting tool. A factory reset erases all you personal data, apps, and settings, returning the Tread to its original out-of-the-box state.
Only consider a factory reset if:
- Peloton Support specifically instructs you to.
- You are selling or giving away your Tread.
- A major software update has caused severe, unresolvable problems.
To factory reset, you go into the Settings menu on the touchscreen, which you obiously can’t do if the screen isn’t working. A restart is always the first step.
Common Problems a Restart Can Fix
Before you call for service, a restart can often solve these frequent issues:
- Unresponsive Touchscreen: When taps and swipes don’t register.
- Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Connectivity: If your headphones or heart rate monitor won’t pair, or classes won’t load.
- Slow Performance: Laggy navigation or choppy video during classes.
- Audio Problems: No sound, distorted audio, or volume controls not working.
- Inaccurate Metrics: Speed, incline, or distance readings that seem wrong.
- Failed Software Updates: Sometimes an update gets stuck during installation.
If you restart and the problem comes back repeatedly, take note of when it happens. This information is very helpful for Peloton support.
Preventative Tips and Best Practices
To minimize the need for restarts, follow these simple habits. They help keep your Tread running smoothly.
First, regulary install software updates. These often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Enable automatic updates in your settings if the option is available.
Second, maintain a stable Wi-Fi connection. A weak signal can cause streaming and syncing issues. Consider using a wired Ethernet connection for the most reliable performance, if your setup allows it.
Finally, keep the Tread’s vents clear of dust and debris. Overheating can cause the system to act unpredictably. Gently vacuum the vents around the base and screen periodically.
When to Contact Peloton Support
A restart won’t fix hardware problems. If you encounter any of the following, it’s time to reach out to support:
- Strange grinding, squeaking, or knocking noises from the belt or motor.
- A burning smell or visible smoke (unplug immediately and call).
- The belt slips or feels uneven underfoot.
- Physical damage to the frame, screen, or rails.
- Error codes that appear on screen and don’t go away after a restart.
- If the Tread will not power on at all, even after a full power cycle.
You can contact support directly through your Tread screen or the Peloton website. Have your Tread’s serial number ready; you can find it on a label on the back of the base or in the Settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I reboot my Peloton Tread?
Rebooting is the same as a soft reset. Press and hold the power button on the tread base for 2 seconds to turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then press the button again to turn it back on.
Where is the power button on a Peloton Treadmill?
The physical power button is located on the front face of the tread base, near the center, just below the screen. It’s a circular button, sometimes slightly recessed.
Why is my Peloton Tread not turning on?
First, check that the power cord is securely plugged into both the Tread and the wall outlet. Ensure the wall outlet is working by plugging in another device. If it’s still not turning on, perform a full power cycle by unplugging it for 60 seconds. If there’s still no power, the power supply or internal components may need service.
How often should I restart my Peloton Tread?
There’s no set schedule. Only restart when you experience a performance issue. Some users find a monthly restart helps prevent minor glitches, but it’s not strictly necessary if everything is working fine.
Will restarting delete my workout history?
No. A standard restart or power cycle does not delete any personal data. Your workout history, profile, and settings are stored securely in the cloud and on Peloton’s servers, not just locally on the machine.
What do I do if my Peloton Tread screen is black?
A black screen could mean it’s in sleep mode—try tapping the screen or pressing a button on the handlebar. If that fails, do a full power cycle. If the screen stays black but you hear the motor running when you start a workout, the display hardware might be faulty.
Knowing how to properly restart you Peloton Treadmill is an essential skill for any owner. It’s a quick, safe, and effective first step for solving most common technical issues. By following the steps outlined above, you can often get back to your run without needing to wait for a service call.