eTuning has changed a lot since the older mobile-only versions.
You can now use eTuning on Android, iPhone and Windows. Older compatible Shimano STEPS motors can be prepared directly from the mobile app without complicated manual steps, while newer motors can use eTuning for Windows with the Shimano SM-PCE02 interface for speed changes.
eTuning also adds cloud bike profiles and keeps the license linked to the motor, so the same bike can be recognized across your devices.
This page is about speed configuration and speed derestriction. eTuning can also change other Shimano STEPS settings, but when this article mentions a Windows app and a Shimano interface, it is talking about speed changes on newer motors.
What changed in eTuning compatibility?
Older Shimano STEPS motors are now easier to prepare from a phone. eTuning for Android and iPhone includes the process that older guides described as a manual downgrade.
Newer Shimano STEPS motors, including EP801, EP6 / EP600 and EP5 / EP500, use eTuning for Windows and the Shimano SM-PCE02 interface for speed derestriction. After the bike has been prepared with the Shimano SM-PCE02 interface, Android or iPhone can be used to adjust the maximum speed again.
To check your bike, use the eTuning compatibility tool or connect it with the latest eTuning app.
What older guides say vs what eTuning does now
| Old information | What changed |
|---|---|
| eTuning is mainly a mobile app | eTuning now works on Android, iPhone and Windows |
| EP801, EP6 and EP5 are not supported for speed derestriction | EP801, EP6 and EP5 can be configured for speed with eTuning for Windows and the Shimano SM-PCE02 interface |
| iPhone users need Android to prepare older motors | Older compatible motors can now be prepared from the iPhone app |
| Downgrade preparation requires an old Android phone with DATA folder access | No old Android phone or manual DATA folder access is needed |
| Backups are 100% manual | Bike profiles and backups can be stored in the cloud |
eTuning for Windows now supports Shimano speed derestriction
eTuning for Windows now supports speed derestriction on newer Shimano motors such as EP801, EP6 / EP600 and EP5 / EP500 using the Shimano SM-PCE02 interface.
This requirement applies to speed changes on these newer motors. Other eTuning functions, such as advanced assistance settings, are separate from the speed derestriction process.
Preparation on iPhone and Android
Older guides describe preparation as a manual process with external files, E-TUBE steps, Android-only workarounds or an old Android phone with DATA folder access. For compatible older Shimano STEPS motors, eTuning now guides this process inside the Android or iPhone app.
This is especially important for iPhone users: you no longer need to switch to Android just to complete the preparation step.
- the app detects the motor and firmware
- the app shows the available preparation and configuration options
- you follow the steps directly in eTuning for Android or iPhone
Cloud bike profiles and backups
Cloud bike profiles let you save bike configurations and use them across devices. They are useful for backups, restores, presets and keeping the original configuration stored safely.
How to check your current eTuning compatibility
Select your motor and firmware in the eTuning compatibility tool. If you do not know the firmware version, connect the bike and eTuning will detect it.
Check compatibility with the eTuning tool
Frequently asked questions
Is old information about eTuning still accurate?
Some older posts, videos and comments describe previous eTuning versions. Check compatibility before following old instructions.
Does eTuning support EP801 speed derestriction?
Yes. EP801 speed derestriction is done with eTuning for Windows and the Shimano SM-PCE02 interface.
Does eTuning support EP6 / EP600 and EP5 / EP500 speed derestriction?
Yes. EP6 / EP600 and EP5 / EP500 use the same Windows and Shimano SM-PCE02 interface method as EP801 for speed derestriction.
Does EP801 work the same way as EP800?
No. For speed changes, EP801 uses eTuning for Windows with the Shimano SM-PCE02 interface. EP800 can be configured with eTuning for Windows or from the Android and iPhone apps.
Does iPhone still require Android for compatible older motors?
No. Compatible older motors can now be prepared from the iPhone app.
Does Android still require manual file procedures?
No. The Android app now guides the preparation process.
Where can I check the latest compatibility?
Use the eTuning compatibility tool or connect your bike with the latest app.