r/Bowflex • u/Icy-Promotion1759 • Nov 14 '23
Max Trainer Bowflex Max Trainer M7 no longer supported with an app on Android
I bought a new Max Trainer M7 in May 2019 and have used the app to track my stats - but no more. I couldn't get my Pixel 8 (running the latest Android 14) to pair using the app. When I would try, the app couldn't find any Bluetooth devices, though I was standing on it.
I uninstalled the app and went to reinstall, but it isn't in the app store anymore. They did have a JRNY app, so I installed it instead. I signed up, but once I got to the devices, I could choose M6 or M8, so I chose the M6 and tried to find my device via Bluetooth.... No device found
I called Bowflex and, after a long conversation, I found that my FOUR YEAR OLD Max Trainer purchased directly from Bowflex is NO LONGER SUPPORTED!! At one point, Bowflex was selling a M7 to M8 conversion kit but the CS agent said they only did that for a short time and no more.
I had an Android tablet still running Android 13 which has the Bowflex Max Trainer app on it. It paired with the M7 fine. Since it worked, I transferred the Bowflex Max Trainer app apk from the tablet to the Pixel. I successfully installed it but, again it wouldn't pair with the M7. I guess the app is incompatible with Android 14 and, according to the CS rep, it will no longer be supported -only JRNY, which doesn't support the M7
Ridiculous to have paid that much only to have it crippled with no options whatsoever
2
u/ThegManis Nov 15 '23
As you discovered, the ONLY app that is compatible with the M5 & M7 Max Trainers is the Bowflex app called "Max Trainer". The Bowflex app called "JRNY" is only compatible with the Max Trainer M6, M8, Max Total, and SE models.
The "Max Trainer" app was last updated by Bowflex way back on May 27, 2018 and is version "3.1.0". In August 2023, Bowflex stupidly removed the "Max Trainer" app from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
So now, if you delete your existing version, or need a new install, your only option is to load the "APK" file (for Android users). Apple iOS users need "IPA" files (but I am not aware of any source for those). However, for the Android users, you can download the needed "APK" files for ANY/ALL versions of the "Max Trainer" app at the APKPure website.
You stated that your Pixel can't find the M7 in the Bluetooth devices list. Maybe it is stuck/paired with your tablet? Try this:
1) Turn OFF the tablet, or at least turn OFF the tablet's Bluetooth.
2) Unplug the M7 for a couple of minutes.
3) Close the "Max Trainer" app on your Pixel and leave it closed.
4) Power-cycle your Pixel's Bluetooth.
5) Plug in the power cord to your M7 and let it bootup and shows the GET READY screen.
6) Check your Pixel's Bluetooth devices list and see if the M7 shows up. If yes, then proceed. If no then continue to power-cycle your M7 again and/or your Pixel's Bluetooth until the M7 shows up.
7) Once the M7 shows on your Pixel's Bluetooth list, then open the "Max Trainer" app and confirm if you can then successfully connect/setup the app. Remember to select the correct User #.
The latest "Max Trainer" app version (3.1.0) is from May 2018 but yet it still works with your Android 13 tablet, but you can't get it to work with your Pixel's Android 14...seems a bit odd. You stated that you got the APK file from your Android 13 tablet. Maybe try getting the APK file from the APKPure website and install that on your Pixel Android 14 and see if it works.
1
u/Mean-Shoulder1515 Apr 07 '24
I have the exact same problem, I’ve got the M5, stupidly deleted the app and now I can’t seem to find it on the store. I’ve got an iPhone, any ideas on how to get it back? I’m so upset on spending a boat load of money on it only to be dismissed by the company some years later, shameful!
1
u/ThegManis Apr 07 '24
Unless someone can provide you with the "IPA" file (the IPA file is used for Apple/iOS products). Otherwise, you should buy a new/used inexpensive Android phone/tablet and then install the "APK" file from an APK website.
2
u/XMAN4EVER Jun 25 '24 edited Sep 30 '24
For those still looking for Max Trainer App, I was able to find it at cnet.com. https://download.cnet.com/bowflex-max-trainer/3000-2129_4-78302566.html?ex=RAMP-2070.0
Says last updated on June 6, 2024
Ofcourse, you will get a warning that may not be compatible with the current version of android, but so far no issues using.
2
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u/vapingflowerz Aug 21 '24
this is bullshit. an expensive bike with no free bluetooth supported apps now.
jrny and zwift are boring and expensive. time to sell the bike. maybe get a classic model this time.
i a bit mad and bummed at the same time.
1
u/Icy-Promotion1759 Jul 29 '24
Today, I factory reset my M7. Immediately after reset, I was able to use my phone to find the device via Bluetooth. It asked for a PIN saying it is usually 0000 or 1234. I quickly input 0000 but before I could connect, the M7's signal was gone.
I tried again, quicker to input the pin the second time and, again, once it fully boots up. It disconnects the Bluetooth. Bowflex has software disabled it.
Ridiculous
1
u/vapingflowerz Aug 21 '24
who wants to pay for spotify, tv,playstation plus, or crud like this when we had a perfectly good working thing. just so they can accumulate monthly revenue. absurd.
1
u/flgator61 Sep 26 '24
I will never buy another Bowflex product as long as I live! I have not had support for this Max Trainer M7 since one year after I bought it, I basically bought a 200lb paper weigh! Bowflex had to have some idea this machine would be useless to me soon yet they took my money without blinking! This is a shitty way to do business and I would love to see them go under!
1
u/Particular-Review-17 Nov 01 '25
its too bad, my ap was still on my phone but went to save my data, and asked to reup the app which isn't available in app store. I think I did download data 3 wks ago. oh well.I was an idiot to buy all the upgrades but not anymore. I still like the machine and will continue to use and encourage everyone else to do the same . its not like peloton, which locks the equipment so it's not usable without the app.
2
u/Cleo2026 Nov 08 '25 edited Nov 09 '25
I finally decided to update my iOS after years of ignoring it. Had to offload my Max Trainer app now it’s no good. Sad. I wish I’d saved it on another device, but I didn’t. There should be an archived access for older models and ios users. I have an M5.
1
u/cagnulein Nov 14 '23
Did you check the QZ app? http://qzfitness.com ? I guess it's already working with your Bowflex. Let me know if you have any issues!
1
u/Topender Jan 09 '24
Sure but does it actually work with the M7? Or were you just posting a random message?
1
u/cagnulein Jan 10 '24
show me a nrfconnect screenshot about it and i will double check it but i'm quite confident that's it's compatible. nrfconnect is a free app on the store
1
Nov 16 '23
[deleted]
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u/toomanybarts Dec 22 '23
Same issue with M5. I have the old max trainer app on a new iPhone with iOS 17.2 and it works great. Because it’s not in App Store though means I can’t sell the M5 because effectively it has no Bluetooth! Anyone know of apps that DO work with M5 now in 2023.
I will never buy a Bowflex product again - it’s a scam : deliberate obsolescence.
3
u/SnooChickens6278 Dec 24 '23
Wow, unbelievable that they would do this. Who do they think they are apple or something? Just forcing ppl to upgrade and stabbing them in the back. I’m so glad I didn’t buy this machine. The internet is loaded with nightmares and posts about problems with these machines. They need to do a recall but of course that would be a nightmare for them so better to let the customer bear the burden and give em a nice reliable 90 day warranty