Mobile Apps for micro:bit

Send code to your micro:bit from your mobile device using Bluetooth, no wires needed! Just make sure that your micro:bit is powered up and within easy reach of the phone or tablet running the app. Or, discover how to code in Swift with our interactive Swift Playgrounds book!

Coding a micro:bit wirelessly over Bluetooth

Apps for micro:bit

    micro:bit companion app

    The micro:bit app is the essential companion to the BBC micro:bit. Available for iOS and Android.

      Swift Playgrounds

      Solve puzzles to master the basics of Swift - the programming language for iOS apps. Available for iPad.

        Windows 10 App

        This is a Windows Store app that you can use to program your micro:bit with Microsoft MakeCode.

        The micro:bit companion app

        Download the official micro:bit app for Android or iOS from the app store.

        google play store badge

        Requires Android 4.4 or later

        iOS app store badge

        Requires iOS 8.2 or later

        Pair your micro:bit with the app

        The next step is to Connect your micro:bit to your phone or tablet for the first time - this is called pairing. This involves the app searching for a signal from the micro:bit and then sending a secret code that only they can see. From that point on your device and your micro:bit are paired and can communicate when connected. The app contains handy instructions on how to do this.



        If at any stage you reprogram your micro:bit using a USB cable, it will delete the secret code so you will need to repeat the pairing process. You'll also need to repeat if you use a different micro:bit.

        Writing Code

        Next you need to write some code. To create a new piece of code select Create Code from the app's homepage, choose an editor and write your code. There are lots of ideas to get you started on our site.

        When your program is ready, the code editor has to compile the code to make a .hex file, which is a very compact form of your program that the micro:bit can read. In the editor select Download and when the .hex file is ready, open it in the micro:bit app.

        Sending code to the micro:bit

        Finally you'll want to send the code to your micro:bit. This is called Flashing. Select Flash from the app, choose a program to transfer, then tap Flash and watch your ideas come to life on the micro:bit!

        Handy information on using the apps

        If you're working with multiple micro:bits or run into any issues, you may want to delete a previous pairing from your mobile device. To do this go to your Bluetooth settings, select the micro:bit and then choose to Forget this device.

        To remove the pairing on the micro:bit, simply flash a new programme via USB.

        If you’re flashing a file from your phone or tablet to your last used micro:bit you don’t have to connect again, the app will connect your device once you confirm which micro:bit you want to flash.

        You can use the app offline with the MakeCode editor, as long as you have loaded the editor once when you have an internet connection.

        Good stuff to know about working with Bluetooth

        If you get an error when flashing the program, try entering pairing mode on the micro:bit and attempt to flash again.

        Swift Playgrounds


        To get started, download the Swift Playgrounds app then read our guide on getting set up for Swift Playgrounds and micro:bit.

        Help and troubleshooting

        For help with the apps and any other aspects of micro:bit, check out our Knowledgebase and our Bluetooth Troubleshooting Guide or submit a help request.
