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User guide: Mobile apps

User guide

Using micro:bit with an Apple iPad or Android tablet

Code your micro:bit using iOS or Android devices

Summary

You can program your BBC micro:bit on an iPad, iPhone or Android device:

  • Apple iPad or iPhone:
    • Download the app
    • Write code in Microsoft MakeCode inside the app
      • Or write code in a Chrome or Edge web browser and just use the app to transfer your code to the micro:bit
        • This works with MakeCode, micro:bit classroom or, on micro:bit V2s only, using the micro:bit Python Editor
    • Send the code via Bluetooth using the app
    • For more details, see: creating and sending programs on a iPad or iPhone
  • Android devices:
Download micro:bit iOS app on the Apple App Store

Requires iOS 13 or later

Download micro:bit Android app on Google Play

Requires Android 5 - 14

iPad using the BBC micro:bit app for MakeCode

Apple iPads and iPhones

On an Apple iOS device, i.e. an iPad or iPhone, you need to download the free app to send code to your micro:bit using Bluetooth.

It is not possible to send code over a cable on an iOS device.

See creating and sending programs on a iPad or iPhone for more details. This includes details of how to retrieve data created as part of a data logging project using the iOS app.

Android devices

On Android devices, we recommend using MakeCode or the micro:bit Python Editor in a Chrome or Edge web browser and downloading to your micro:bit using a cable between the Android device and micro:bit.

See using the micro:bit on Android for more details.

Alternatively, you can use the micro:bit Android app and send code using Bluetooth. The app is available for Android 5 - 14. Please check you have downloaded any updates available for the app.

See using the micro:bit on Android for more details.

Top tips

  • Before you start, it’s a good idea to use a computer to flash a fresh MakeCode HEX file onto your micro:bit, especially if you’ve previously been using Python with your micro:bit. Use your own program or the simple program in reset your micro:bit.
  • Make sure your micro:bit is in Bluetooth mode every time you transfer a MakeCode program to it via the app.
  • To enter Bluetooth mode, if pressing reset 3 times doesn't work, try holding down the A and B buttons, then press and release the reset button. Keep holding A and B buttons until all the LEDs on the display light up.
  • If you’re using batteries to power your micro:bit when using the app, make sure they are fresh. Even if the micro:bit seems to be working, it may not have enough power for the Bluetooth radio function to work.
  • For help with the apps and any other aspects of micro:bit, check out our Knowledge base or submit a help request.