Originally Posted by
mvnsnd
Which laptop and which program? Zwift normally doesn't work with laptop bluetooth connections, so you need the phone to make the bluetooth connection to the trainer work.
To the original poster, you may need/want the USB ANT+ dongle, of which an inexpensive version is here:
ANT+ USB
I am using a 2 year old MacBook Pro and running Zwift, the trainer pairs with the computer no problem using bluetooth. Phone is NOT necessary, although the "mobile link app" is useful as a remote control.