Overview

The micro:bit app for android is available to download from the Google Play Store and supports sending code to your micro:bit from your mobile device.


Supported devices: Android 5.0+. The micro:bit app for android should work on the majority of devices. If you are using a Chromebook, we would recommend using the editors at browser-based editors and a USB connection for the best experience.

Contents

Using a USB cable with an Android device

One of the simplest ways to work with the micro:bit on Android is by connecting a USB cable and flashing a program in the same way you might on a desktop using direct flashing from the browser. For this to work, you may need to use a USB On-the-Go cable that is compatible with your device.



  1. Plug in your cable and open https://makecode.microbit.org#editor.
  2. Select the more options (three dots) menu next to the Download button and then choose Pair Device. 
  3. A browser pop-up will let you select your BBC micro:bit and then click Connect. You will see the USB symbol flashing on the Download button to indicate a successful connection. You may get an additional notification asking if you want to allow your Android device to communicate with the micro:bit.
  4. Select Download to instantly flash your program to the micro:bit. The first time you do this it may take a bit longer, but subsequent flashes will be faster.

Pairing the micro:bit and the Android device in the app

The micro:bit app for android is available to download from the Google Play Store. Install the app and follow these instructions for pairing and flashing your device.


The Android app may request access to Location services and Storage in order to function properly. Please ensure location services are enabled



To pair the micro:bit with your mobile device you will first need to enter pairing mode:

 

  1. Hold down the A, B and reset buttons simultaneously.
  2. Release the reset button. The LED screen will fill and you should then see the Bluetooth logo, followed by a pairing pattern.


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You should then see the Bluetooth logo displayed on the micro:bit screen.


Followed by the pairing pattern


3. Copy the pattern into the app


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4. After tapping PAIR you should receive a success message and a tick/check mark appear on the LED display.




You have now successfully paired the micro:bit. 


Press reset to complete the process

Flashing a program in the app

Enter pairing mode again in order to connect to the app and flash a program:


  1. Hold down the A, B and reset buttons simultaneously.
  2. Release the reset button. The LED screen will fill and you should then see the Bluetooth logo, followed by a pairing pattern.


image


You should then see the Bluetooth logo displayed on the micro:bit screen.


Followed by the pairing pattern


3. Open the 'Flash' page in the app and select the file you wish to flash.


4. Choose 'Flash' to start the flashing process and then when asked if you want to flash the program to the micro:bit, choose `OK`.


The Android screen will show the progress of the file transfer.


On the first, full flash ,the micro:bit will also show the progress of the file transfer. If you are only making edits to the same program, subsequent transfers will be much faster.



When the file is transferred, the screen will update to show that the flash has been successful and the program will start running on the micro:bit.

Troubleshooting

Forget previous pairings

If you experience any issues with the app, the first thing you can try is to 'forget' the previous pairings on your android device. Each time the micro:bit is flashed via USB the pairing information is updated, which means the Android device becomes out of date and you have to start the pairing process again.


1. Open Settings > Connected devices > Previously connected devices and tap on  the cog symbol next to your micro:bit device name.
2. Choose  'Forget' and confirm that you want to forget the device.


Direct flashing

Direct flashing is still in development and as such you may experience issues in using it. Here is some troubleshooting advice for using webUSB with the micro:bit and the editors.