How to Connect Micro:Bit to a Phone or a Tablet

Connect Micro:Bit to a Phone or a tablet - Cover Image

Summary

In today's mobile-first world, where smartphones and tablets have become our primary computing devices, programming and controlling electronics shouldn't be limited to desktop computers. The BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized computer designed for learning, opens up incredible possibilities when connected to your mobile device.

Whether you're a student, teacher, or curious beginner, connecting your micro:bit to your phone or tablet transforms how you code and interact with technology. It makes programming portable, wireless, and more intuitive than ever before. The micro:bit setup process is simple and user-friendly, making it easy to get started with your mobile device.

So, how do you bridge this connection? This comprehensive guide walks you through every step, covering both iPhone/iPad and Android devices, ensuring you can start creating amazing projects anywhere, anytime.

Connect Micro:Bit to a Phone or a tablet - Cover Image

Project Overview

These advanced micro:bit projects provide a complete guide to wirelessly connecting your BBC Micro:bit to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. We will walk you through the essential steps of pairing your device and using the official Micro:bit mobile app. Mastering this connection will free you from your computer, allowing you to code, flash programs, and bring your creative projects to life right from the palm of your hand.

Complete Step-by-Step Guide Connect Micro:bit to Android Phone or Tablet

Components for connecting Micro:bit to Android Phone or Tablet

Android devices offer two excellent methods for connecting to your BBC micro:bit. The USB cable method is generally recommended for its reliability and speed, while Bluetooth provides wireless convenience.

What You Need

  • Android device running Android 5.0 or later
  • BBC micro:bit (any version)
  • For cable method: USB cable and appropriate adapter
  • For Bluetooth method: micro:bit app from Google Play Store
  • Stable internet connection

Method 1: USB Cable Connection (Recommended)

This method uses a direct cable connection and works with web browsers, offering the most reliable experience.

Step 1: Get the Right Cable or Adapter

Your micro:bit comes with a micro-USB to USB-A cable, but most Android devices use USB-C ports

Option A: Use an Adapter

  1. Purchase a USB-A to USB-C adapder (widely available and inexpensive)
  2. Connect your micro:bit's USB-A cable to the adapter
  3. Plug the adapter into your Android device's USB-C port

Option B: Use a Direct Cable

  1. Purchase a micro-USB to USB-C cable
  2. Connect the micro-USB end to your micro:bit
  3. Connect the USB-C end to your Android device

Important: Ensure your cable carries both data and power - some cheaper cables only carry power. Look for cables labeled as "OTG" (On-The-Go) cables.

Step 2: Connect Your Micro:Bit

  1. Power on your BBC Micro:bit (it should display its startup pattern)
  2. Connect the micro-USB end of your cable to the micro:bit
  3. Connect the other end to your Android device using the appropriate adapter or direct cable
  4. Your Android device should recognize the micro:bit development board as a storage device

Step 3: Open Your Web Browser

  1. Open Chrome, Edge, or another modern web browser on your Android device
  2. Ensure you have an active internet connection
  3. The browser will be used to access online coding platforms

Step 4: Access Coding Platforms

You can now use any of these web-based editors:

Microsoft MakeCode:

  1. Navigate to makecode.microbit.org
  2. Create your program using the visual block interface
  3. Click "Download" to send the program directly to your micro:bit

Micro:bit Python Editor:

  1. Go to python.microbit.org
  2. Write Python code for your micro:bit
  3. Download the program when ready

Micro:bit Classroom:

  1. Visit classroom.microbit.org
  2. Use the educational programming environment
  3. Transfer programs directly to your connected micro:bit

Step 5: Programming and Testing

  1. Write your code in your chosen editor
  2. Click the "Download" button in the editor
  3. The program will transfer directly to your micro:bit
  4. Your micro:bit will automatically restart and run the new program
  5. You can immediately see the results on the micro:bit's LED display

Method 2: Bluetooth Connection (Using the App)

For wireless programming, you can use the official micro:bit app with Bluetooth connectivity.

Step 1: Download the Micro:Bit App

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device
  2. Search for "micro:bit" in the search bar
  3. Look for the official micro:bit app by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation
  4. Tap "Install" to download the free app
  5. Wait for the installation to complete

Step 2: Enable Required Permissions

  1. Open your Android device's Settings
  2. Navigate to Apps or Application Manager
  3. Find and select the micro:bit app
  4. Grant the following permissions:
  • Location Services (required for Bluetooth functionality)
  • Storage (for saving and managing projects)
  • Bluetooth (for wireless communication)

Step 3: Prepare Your Micro:Bit

  1. Ensure your micro:bit development board is powered (using USB power or fresh batteries)
  2. If you've previously used Python programming, flash a fresh MakeCode program first to ensure Bluetooth compatibility
  3. Reset your micro:bit to ensure it's in a clean state

Step 4: Open the App and Start Pairing

  1. Launch the micro:bit app on your Android device
  2. Look for a "Connections" or "Connect" option in the app
  3. Tap "Pair new micro:bit" or similar option
  4. The app will display instructions for putting your micro:bit into pairing mode

Step 5: Put Micro:bit in Bluetooth Pairing Mode

Method 1 (for micro:bit V2):
  1. Press the reset button on the back of your micro:bit 3 times quickly
  2. This should activate Bluetooth mode automatically
Method 2 (if Method 1 doesn't work):
  1. Hold down the A button, B button, and reset button simultaneously
  2. Release the reset button while continuing to hold A and B
  3. Keep holding A and B until the LED screen fills completely
  4. Release the A and B buttons

Step 6: Identify Pairing Mode

  1. Your micro:bit will display "PAIRING MODE!" scrolling across the screen
  2. After this message, you'll see the Bluetooth logo
  3. Following the Bluetooth logo, a unique 5x5 LED pattern will appear
  4. This pattern is your micro:bit's unique identifier for this pairing session

Step 7: Enter the Pairing Pattern in the App

  1. In the app, you'll see a 5x5 grid matching your micro:bit's display
  2. Carefully copy the pattern from your micro:bit's LED display into the app grid
  3. Tap each square in the app that corresponds to a lit LED on your micro:bit
  4. Double-check that the pattern matches exactly
  5. Tap "PAIR" once you've entered the complete pattern

Step 8: Complete the Bluetooth Pairing

  1. Your Android device will search for the micro:bit
  2. In your Android Settings > Bluetooth, you should see your micro:bit listed under "Available devices"
  3. The device will appear with a name like "micro:bit [zatig]" where the bracketed letters are unique to your device
  4. Tap on the micro:bit name in your Android Bluetooth settings
  5. Your micro:bit will display a left-pointing arrow
  6. Android will show a popup asking for a PIN

Step 9: Enter the Bluetooth PIN

  1. Press button A on your micro:bit when you see the left-pointing arrow
  2. Watch carefully as your micro:bit displays 6 random numbers in sequence
  3. Remember these numbers (for example: 6, 7, 4, 9, 6, 8)
  4. Enter these 6 numbers into the PIN field on your Android device
  5. Tap "Pair" or "OK" to complete the connection

Step 10: Confirm Successful Pairing

  1. Your micro:bit will display a checkmark or tick symbol
  2. The app will show a success message
  3. Your micro:bit will now appear in the "Previously connected" or "Paired devices" section
  4. You can now create and transfer programs wirelessly

Using Your Connected Android Device

With Cable Connection:

  • Write code in web browsers using MakeCode, Python Editor, or Classroom
  • Download programs directly to the micro:bit
  • View data logging files (My_Data.htm) directly on your device
  • Immediate program transfer and execution

With Bluetooth Connection:

  • Create programs within the micro:bit app using MakeCode
  • Transfer code wirelessly to your micro:bit
  • Monitor real-time data from micro:bit sensors
  • Control micro:bit functions remotely from your Android device

Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Micro:bit to Apple Devices

Micro:bit connected to Apple iPad

Here's a comprehensive guide for connecting your BBC micro:bit to an iPhone or iPad. Apple devices require Bluetooth connection since cable communication is not possible.

What You Need

  • An iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later
  • BBC micro:bit (any version)
  • USB cable to power the micro:bit (or fresh batteries)
  • Stable internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Download the Micro:Bit App

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
  2. Search for "micro:bit" in the search bar
  3. Look for the official micro:bit app by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation
  4. Tap "Get" to download and install the free app
  5. Wait for the installation to complete

Step 2: Open the App and Grant Permissions

  1. Tap the micro:bit app icon to launch it
  2. The app will request various permissions when you first open it
  3. Grant location permissions when prompted (this is required for Bluetooth functionality on iOS)
  4. Allow Bluetooth access when requested
  5. The app will display the main interface with options to create projects or connect devices

Step 3: Prepare Your Micro:Bit

  1. Connect your micro:bit to a power source using either:
  2. USB cable connected to a computer, power bank, or wall adapter
  3. Fresh AAA batteries in a battery pack
  4. Ensure the micro:bit powers on (you should see the LED display activate)
  5. If you've previously used Python on your micro:bit, flash a fresh MakeCode program first to ensure compatibility

Step 4: Initiate Connection in the App

  1. In the micro:bit app, look for a "Connect" or "Pair new micro:bit" option
  2. Tap this button to start the pairing process
  3. The app will display instructions for putting your micro:bit into pairing mode
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts in the app

Step 5: Put Micro:bit in Pairing Mode

Method 1 (for micro:bit V2):
  1. Press the reset button on the back of your micro:bit 3 times quickly
Method 2 (if Method 1 doesn't work):
  1. Hold down both the A and B buttons on the front of your micro:bit
  2. While holding A and B, press and release the reset button on the back with another finger
  3. Keep holding the A and B buttons until all the LEDs on the display light up
  4. Release the A and B buttons

Step 6: Recognize Pairing Mode

  1. Your micro:bit will display "PAIRING MODE!" scrolling across the screen
  2. After this message, you'll see the Bluetooth logo appear
  3. Following the Bluetooth logo, a unique pairing pattern will be displayed on the 5x5 LED grid
  4. This pattern is specific to your device and will be used for identification

Step 7: Enter the Pairing Pattern

  1. In the app, you'll see a grid matching the micro:bit's LED display
  2. Carefully copy the pattern shown on your micro:bit's screen into the app
  3. Each row of the pattern corresponds to which LEDs are lit up
  4. Tap the squares in the app grid to match exactly what you see on your micro:bit
  5. Double-check that the pattern matches perfectly

Step 8: Complete the Pairing Process

  1. After entering the pattern correctly, tap "PAIR" in the app
  2. The app will search for your micro:bit using Bluetooth
  3. Your micro:bit will display a left-pointing arrow
  4. Your iPhone/iPad will show a popup asking for a PIN
  5. Press button A on your micro:bit and watch carefully as it displays 6 random numbers
  6. Enter these 6 numbers into the PIN field on your device
  7. Tap "Pair" or "Connect" to complete the process

Step 9: Confirm Successful Connection

  1. Your micro:bit board will display a checkmark or success symbol
  2. The app will show a confirmation message
  3. Your micro:bit will now appear in the "Previously connected" section of the app
  4. The device will be listed with a name like "micro:bit [zatig]" where the letters in brackets are unique to your device

What You Can Do Next

Once successfully paired, you have several options:

Write Code Directly in the App:

  • Use Microsoft MakeCode built into the app
  • Create programs using the visual block interface
  • Send code wirelessly to your micro:bit via Bluetooth

Transfer Code from Web Browser:

  • Write code in Chrome or Edge on your device using MakeCode, micro:bit classroom, or micro:bit Python Editor (V2 only)
  • Use the app to transfer the code to your micro:bit

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Conclusion

Connecting your micro:bit to your phone or tablet opens up a world of portable programming possibilities. Whether you choose the reliable USB cable method for Android or the wireless Bluetooth approach for iOS, you now have the tools to code anywhere, anytime. Start experimenting with simple projects, explore sensor data on your mobile screen, and discover how mobile programming can make your micro:bit projects more interactive and engaging than ever before!

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