Troubleshoot your micro:bit
Troubleshooting is part and parcel when using technology, especially when devices and services need to work together. Micro:bits are no exception.
Here are a few of the most common issues that we have found solutions for.
If you can’t find the issue you’re facing below, visit the micro:bit support page.
My computer is not recognizing the micro:bit when the device has been attached?
If you are using the USB connection, check to see if the small orange light on the back of the micro:bit is on. It’s located right beside where the USB cable is plugged in.
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the micro:bit from the computer's USB port. Also, make sure the USB cord is properly connected to the micro:bit itself. Does the orange light come on? If so check to see if the device is now showing up properly on your computer.
- If the orange light is still not on, try reconnecting the micro:bit to a different USB port if another is available on the computer.
- If the orange light is still not turning on, try connecting the micro:bit to another computer and see if the issue persists.
- If none of these options work, please visit micro:bit's support section for further troubleshooting.
If you are using the USB connection and the small orange light on the back of the micro:bit is on.
- Sometimes the USB connection becomes loose. Try reconnecting the micro:bit to the computer.
- Sometimes the USB port is faulty. Try connecting to another USB port or another computer.
- Check to see if your computer's operating system is up to date.
- Sometimes updating the micro:bit firmware can resolve connection issues especially when trying to use pairing. Update your micro:bit firmware by following the instructions here.
My micro:bit was connected but it’s now not connected, and I’m no longer seeing the device listed.
Kids like to hold onto the micro:bit when a file is being transferred, or they move it around while they are using it by pressing on the buttons to shake, tilt, etc.
This can lead to a disruption in the connection between the micro:bit and the computer.
- Try reconnecting the micro:bit to the USB port and make sure it’s firmly in place. If that doesn’t work, try using another USB port if one is available on the computer.
I've started transferring my .hex file to the micro:bit or used the download button and it hangs,
i.e. the micro:bit orange back light doesn't stop flashing and the process doesn't finish?
Sometimes if the connection between the micro:bit and the computer is loose and the device is moved during the transfer or download a disruption in the connection can occur.
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the micro:bit to the computer and refreshing the MakeCode page using the browser refresh button and then pairing the device again. (Don't worry, you won't lose your block code, MakeCode auto saves work in progress)
