Help & Support

• The micro:bit can be used with any computer running Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux (inc. Raspberry Pi) or ChromeOS, and mobile devices running Android or iOS.
  
  
• You only need a web browser on your computer, if you are using Windows, Apple macOS, ChromeOS, or Linux. The MakeCode and Python Editor are browser-based, so you do not need to install any additional software to use the micro:bit.
  
  
• If you are using mobile devices running Android or iOS, there are separate apps available from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, see https://microbit.org/get-started/user-guide/mobile/
  
  
• The MakeCode and Python Editor also has a micro:bit simulator, so you don't even need a micro:bit to get started.
  
  
• Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) requires the installation of Scratch Link to communicate with the micro:bit via Bluetooth. Apple macOS and Windows computers need to be online and running Bluetooth 4.0+. Scratch also works on ChromeOS and Android devices using an app available to download from the Google Play store, See further information in our article on using the micro:bit with scratch

Hardware

There are few hardware requirements for using the micro:bit as there is no software installation required. Please contact support, if you have any concerns about your hardware setup.

• BBC micro:bit
• USB Cable (capable of both power and data transfer)
• Battery pack (optional) for untethered/mobile use
• Desktop/laptop computer with a USB port or
• Mobile device with Bluetooth connectivity

Operating System (currently supported)

• Microsoft Windows 10 or Microsoft Windows 11
• Apple macOS 12.x Monterey, Apple macOS 13.x Ventura or Apple macOS 14.x Sonoma
• ChromeOS (ChromeBook) platform devices are guaranteed updates for 10 years after the device is first released. All ChromeOS devices receive automatic updates, to see the list of Google approved ChromeOS devices and their corresponding Automated Update Expiration (AUE) dates see https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366
• Android 12.x Snow Cone, Android 13 Tiramisu, Android 14 Upside Down Cake (for Android smartphones and tablets)
• Apple iOS 17.x ( for iPhone and iPad devices) 
• Linux (inc. Raspberry Pi) Debian 11 Bullseye (oldstable) Debian 12 Bookworm (stable)

Operating System (no longer maintained by Microsoft, Apple etc)

All Operating Systems have a time limit specified for on-going support and updates. It does not mean you cannot use the micro:bit with an older Operating System, it simply means if the fault is due to a known feature in the older OS, we will only be able to suggest an OS upgrade to fix the problem.

It is strongly recommended that you use the most recent version of any of Operating System, but if you can’t then you must use at least: 

• Microsoft Windows 8.x or later
• Apple OS X 10.15 or later
• ChromeOS (see AUE above to check dates)
• Linux (including Raspberry Pi) Debian 11 - Bullseye
• Android 8 or later
• iOS 13 or later

Supported Browsers (current version)

Most modern browsers will work with the micro:bit and they benefit from being automatically updated on a regular basis. In some environments, such as schools, these automatic updates maybe are disabled or delayed for security purposes. We strongly recommend that you use the most recent version of any browser. Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge fully support flashing directly from the browser using WebUSB, which means you do not need to drag and drop a .hex file onto the MICROBIT drive each time you have made changes to your code. WebUSB allows you to update your program on the micro:bit more quickly. However, it is important to note, it does not save a copy of the hex file so it is vital to remember to regularly save a copy of your work when using WebUSB as the preferred transfer method. WebUSB can also be used as a workaround in schools, where there are policies in place that would otherwise restrict general access to USB devices.

To use Microsoft MakeCode (makecode.microbit.org) or Micro:bit Python Editor (python.microbit.org) on a Windows PC or Apple device it is recommended you use 

• Google Chrome Version 126.x (released July 2024) or newer
• Microsoft Edge Version 126.x (released July 2024) or newer

To use Microsoft MakeCode (makecode.microbit.org) or Micro:bit Python Editor (python.microbit.org) on ChromeOS or Android devices, or on Linux it is recommended you use 

• Google Chrome Version 126.x or newer

There are other 3rd party browsers available; some of which do not support WebUSB (by design) including

• Firefox 128.x or newer
• Safari 17.x or newer