Does E-tube have to connect to the internet to work?

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bikemechanic53

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I'm riding in Moab Utah. The E-tube app will not function unless it can connect to the Shimano website on the internet. This can't be right. Is this correct?

If so, then this app is a JOKE. Maybe Shimano doesn't understand that their systems are being put on eMTB bikes. That stands for MOUNTAIN BIKE. As in, these are ridden off-road and many times far away from any cell tower. What good is this system if it only works in towns?

I'm hoping I'm wrong, but.....
 
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bikemechanic53 said:
I'm riding in Moab Utah. The E-tube app will not function unless it can connect to the Shimano website on the internet. This can't be right. Is this correct?

If so, then this app is a JOKE. Maybe Shimano doesn't understand that their systems are being put on eMTB bikes. That stands for MOUNTAIN BIKE. As in, these are ridden off-road and many times far away from any cell tower. What good is this system if it only works in towns?

I'm hoping I'm wrong, but.....
Click to expand...
And you need the app for what in the middle of nowhere?
 
bikemechanic53 said:
The map, the stats, the elevation gain, riding time, distance, battery power, etc....
Click to expand...

I no longer have a Shimano powered bike, but when I did, I would use Strava for recording all the ride data. For navigation, I like Trailforks. I'm pretty sure Trailforks will also record rides, but I've never explored that feature.
 
My e-Tube app works perfectly well via Bluetooth (as intended). But I only ever used it for tuning the bike, so it didn't need an internet connection. As far as I was aware, that is all the E-Tube app was for. As others have said, if I wanted mapping, I wouldn't have looked at the E-Tube app.
 
E-tube doesn’t always need an internet connection to work, but some advanced features may require online access. In the same way, understanding basic requirements like how to register tm sim can make using digital services much easier.
 
You're absolutely right. That frustration is very common, especially for riders in remote areas like Moab.

To clarify, the E-Tube Project app itself does not need constant internet to make adjustments to your bike. You can connect via Bluetooth and change settings offline.

However, an initial internet connection is often required for app setup, firmware updates, or user registration to verify software versions and compatibility with Shimano's servers. Once that's done, basic tuning can be done offline.

It's a major pain point for off-grid riders. A possible workaround for related connectivity issues with devices in remote areas (though not for the app itself) can sometimes involve looking into your tm registration sim status and settings, as that can affect device recognition in some regions.

For your ride, try putting your phone in Airplane Mode after the app is fully set up and see if you can still connect and adjust parameters. Good luck out there
 
To register your TM SIM card in the Philippines, you must visit the official Globe/TM SIM Registration Portal, where you will enter your 10-digit mobile number and verify it using a One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS. Once verified, you will be required to fill out an online form with your full name, birthdate, gender, and address, and then upload a clear photo of a valid government-issued ID (such as a Driver’s License, Passport, or National ID) along with a live selfie for identity verification. After reviewing your details and clicking submit, a Reference Number will be displayed as proof of your successful registration; it is recommended to save or screenshot this number for future reference.
 
Very informative and straight to the point! I was also wondering about this, and your explanation really helped clear things up. For anyone setting things up, it’s just as simple as you would register dito sim, no complicated steps involved.
 
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