If you are new to the micro:bit and using our Getting started pages to take your first steps then this article explains what to do if you are missing any of the items these pages suggest you use.
Step 2: Power up and play
This step in the getting started guide supports you in turning on your micro:bit for the first time and trying the program that comes loaded on new micro:bits.
I don't have a micro:bit
If you do not have a micro:bit then use this link to find more information about the products and links to purchase them.
If you would like to explore what the micro:bit can do before purchasing a micro:bit, you can skip the 'Power up and play' step and try the 'Get coding' step. This will introduce Microsoft MakeCode and support you in completing a micro:bit project using the simulator. The 'Start teaching' step will also introduce the wide range of free teaching resources available.
I don't have a battery box or batteries
New micro:bits come with a battery box and 2 x AAA batteries. If you don't have these, you can also power up your micro:bit via a micro USB cable attached to a computer.
Alternatively, a replacement battery box with a JST connector that holds 2 x AAA batteries can be purchased from a range of retailers, as can the AAA batteries themselves.
Step 3: Get coding
This step in the getting started guide supports you in creating your first code for the micro:bit in Microsoft MakeCode and transferring this code to the micro:bit.
I don't have a micro:bit
You can complete most of the steps in this page without a micro:bit using the micro:bit simulator in MakeCode to test your code. The only step that is not possible if you do not have a micro:bit is downloading the code to the micro:bit.
If you would like to purchase a micro:bit find more information about the products and links to local retailers.
I don't have a micro USB cable
Take a look at details of our branded micro USB cable and where to buy it.
Alternatively, you can use any micro USB cable that carries data as well as power. These are widely available.
Find out more about what type of USB lead you need for a micro:bit.
My computer only has USB-C sockets
The micro USB cable provided with the micro:bit has micro USB on one end and USB-A on the other end. If your computer only has USB-C sockets then you can either use a USB-A to C adapter (one that carries data as well as power) or use a USB-C to micro USB cable (again this must be one that carrier data as well as power, sometimes referred to an an on-the-go or OTG cable).
I am using a tablet but cannot find the app I need
If you are using an Apple device (iPad or iPhone) then this is the micro:bit iOS app you will need.
If you are using an Android device, then the micro:bit Android app is available to those using Android 5 - 12.
If you are using Android 13 then we recommend using a micro USB cable (either with a USB-C adapter or a micro USB to USB-C cable) and writing code for the micro:bit via a web browser rather than the app. We are working on an update to the app for Android 13 users.