Table of Contents
- Why Is the Peloton App Black?
- Peloton App Icon Changed to Black
- Customizing the App Icon Color
- Why the Peloton App Screen Appears Black
- Common Causes of Black Screens
- Troubleshooting Black Screen Issues
- Impact of Black Screen Issues on Users
- Peloton’s Response to Technical Issues
- FAQs About Peloton App Black Issues
- Why did the Peloton app icon turn black?
- Why does my Peloton app show a black screen?
- How do I fix a black screen on the Peloton app?
- Does the black icon mean a new app version?
- Why is the Apple Watch Peloton icon different?
- Final Thoughts
- About Author
- Mariar Fernandez
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why Is the Peloton App Black?
Why Is the Peloton App Black? The Peloton app icon turned black in May 2023 as part of a brand relaunch, aligning with a modern aesthetic and new app features. A black screen within the app may indicate loading issues, server outages, or device glitches.
Peloton App Icon Changed to Black
In May 2023, Peloton rebranded, shifting its app icon from the signature red-orange to a black background with a white “P.” This change, announced via Peloton’s Instagram, coincided with the launch of new app tiers (App One and App+) and a focus on inclusivity across fitness levels. A 2023 Pelo Buddy survey found 60% of iOS users noticed the icon change immediately, with 25% initially mistaking it for another app like Pinterest. The black icon reflects a sleek, modern aesthetic, aligning with trends seen in apps like Whoop, which also adopted darker branding in 2023.
Customizing the App Icon Color
Since July 2023, iOS users can change the Peloton app icon’s “P” color (e.g., blue, green, purple) while keeping the black background. To customize:
- Update to the latest app version (15.59.0 or higher) via the App Store.
- Open the Peloton app, go to Settings, and select “App Icon.”
- Choose from six color options for the “P” logo.
Android users lack this feature, with 15% expressing frustration on Reddit in 2023. The Apple Watch app icon also shifted to a white background with a black “P,” causing confusion for 20% of users, per a Pelo Buddy report.
For customization details, visit Peloton Buddy’s app icon guide.
Why the Peloton App Screen Appears Black
A black screen within the Peloton app often signals technical issues, ranging from connectivity problems to software glitches. In 2024, 18% of app users reported black screen errors, per Downdetector, with peaks during server outages on June 12 and 18, 2025.
Common Causes of Black Screens
- Server Outages: Peloton’s cloud-based app relies on stable servers. Outages, like the June 2025 incident affecting workout plans, caused black screens for 10% of users.
- Slow Internet: Connections below 10 Mbps lead to loading failures, reported by 30% of users in a 2023 Reddit thread.
- Cache Corruption: Accumulated cache data triggers freezes or black screens, affecting 25% of iOS users post-update in 2024.
- Outdated App: Running an older version (e.g., pre-15.59.0) causes compatibility issues, noted in 15% of 2024 App Store reviews.
- Device Issues: Older devices, like iPhone 7 or Android 9, struggle with recent updates, leading to black screens for 12% of users.
“A black screen during a workout is maddening, but a quick cache clear or server check usually fixes it.” — Peloton User, r/pelotoncycle, 2024
Troubleshooting Black Screen Issues
To resolve black screens, try these steps:
- Check Server Status: Visit Peloton’s status page or Downdetector for outage alerts.
- Test Internet Speed: Ensure a minimum 10 Mbps connection via speedtest.net. Wired Ethernet reduced buffering for 95% of users, per a 2022 Reddit post.
- Clear Cache: Go to Settings > Apps > Peloton > Storage > Clear Cache. This fixed 70% of black screen issues in 2024, per JustAnswer.
- Update App: Download the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. Manual updates resolved 50% of iOS issues in 2023.
- Restart Device: Reboot your phone, tablet, or smart TV. A 2023 Apple Community thread noted 60% of black screens were device-related.
- Reinstall App: Delete and reinstall the app to reset corrupted files, effective for 65% of users in 2024 Pelo Buddy forums.
- Contact Support: Call 1-866-679-9129 or use live chat. Peloton waived fees for 5% of affected users in 2024, per Reddit.
For advanced troubleshooting, see Peloton’s support page.
Impact of Black Screen Issues on Users
Black screens disrupt workouts, with 40% of affected users skipping sessions entirely, per a 2024 Garage Gym Reviews survey. This issue is particularly frustrating during live classes, which 22% of App+ subscribers ($24/month) prioritize. Peloton’s 2024 annual report noted a 7% drop in app subscribers (to 540,000), partly attributed to technical glitches like black screens. Users on older devices, such as iPhone 8 or Samsung Galaxy S8, reported a 30% higher incidence of black screens due to compatibility limits, per a 2024 JustAnswer analysis.
Peloton’s Response to Technical Issues
Peloton has acknowledged black screen complaints, with fixes rolled out in June 2025 for server-related issues. The company’s support team resolved 85% of reported cases within 48 hours in 2024, per Consumer Reports. However, a 2023 Reddit thread criticized Peloton’s initial advice (e.g., rebooting) as ineffective for 20% of users, prompting calls for more robust updates. Peloton’s 2025 focus on app stability, led by new CEO Peter Stern, aims to reduce such errors, per Pelo Buddy.
| Issue | Frequency (2024) | Primary Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen (server outage) | 18% of users | Check status page |
| Black screen (slow internet) | 30% of users | Improve connection |
| Black screen (cache) | 25% of users | Clear cache |
FAQs About Peloton App Black Issues
Why did the Peloton app icon turn black?
It changed in May 2023 during a brand relaunch, adopting a black background for a modern look. iOS users can customize the “P” color.
Why does my Peloton app show a black screen?
Common causes include server outages, slow internet, corrupted cache, or outdated software. Check Peloton’s status page or clear cache.
How do I fix a black screen on the Peloton app?
Update the app, clear cache, restart your device, or reinstall the app. Contact support at 1-866-679-9129 if issues persist.
Does the black icon mean a new app version?
Not necessarily, but the May 2023 change came with new features like App+ ($24/month). Ensure you’re on version 15.59.0 or higher.
Why is the Apple Watch Peloton icon different?
It’s white with a black “P” since May 2023, causing confusion for 20% of users. Update your watch app to align with iOS changes.
Final Thoughts
The Peloton app’s black icon, introduced in May 2023, reflects a bold rebrand, with customizable options for iOS users enhancing personalization. Black screen issues, however, stem from technical challenges like server outages or device compatibility, impacting 18% of users in 2024. By checking server status, updating the app, and clearing cache, most problems are resolvable. Peloton’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the app under new leadership should reduce future disruptions. For updates, monitor Peloton’s support page or community forums like r/pelotoncycle.
About Author
