Connecting with App-based VEXcode IQ - Chromebook

It takes just a few steps to connect a VEX IQ Brain to app-based VEXcode IQ on your Chromebook. The steps are the same for both 1st and 2nd generation IQ Brains to connect to app-based VEXcode IQ on a Chromebook.

To Connect a VEX IQ Brain

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing the connection process to the robot brain, featuring buttons and options for establishing a wireless connection for programming and control.

Insert the battery into the IQ Brain.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing how to connect to the robot brain, with visual instructions and icons for user guidance in educational robotics programming.

Turn on the IQ Brain by pressing the checkmark button.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing connection options to the robot brain, illustrating the steps for connecting the VEX IQ system via the app for educational robotics projects.

Launch app-based VEXcode IQ.

Diagram illustrating the steps to connect the VEX IQ Brain to the VEXcode IQ app, featuring labeled components and a clear flow of the connection process for educational robotics users.

Select the Device window icon to open the Devices window.

Diagram illustrating the process of connecting to the VEX IQ Brain using the VEXcode IQ app, featuring labeled components and steps for users to follow, aimed at educators and students in robotics education.

Ensure the generation selection matches the generation of your VEX IQ Brain. Select the correct generation if it does not. 

Diagram illustrating the process of connecting the VEX IQ Brain to a device using the VEXcode IQ app, featuring step-by-step visuals for users to easily follow the connection process for programming and controlling their robots.

Use the USB cable to connect the Brain to your device.

(For 1st generation Brains, use the micro-USB cable, for 2nd generation Brains, use the USB-C cable.)

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing the steps to connect to the VEX IQ Brain, including visual indicators and options for establishing a connection, designed for educational purposes in robotics.

Your IQ Brain will then connect to app-based VEXcode IQ. The Brain icon in the Toolbar will show green to indicate that the Brain is connected, and the 'Download', 'Run', and 'Stop' buttons will be available.

You must keep the Brain plugged into your device to maintain the connection, in order to do things like download a project to the Brain.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing connection options for the VEX IQ Brain, including visual indicators and step-by-step instructions for users to establish a connection.

Note: If your Brain's firmware is out of date, the Brain icon in the Toolbar will show as orange, and you will be prompted to update the firmware, in order to connect the Brain to your device. 

Select 'Update' to update the firmware, and keep the Brain plugged into your device until the update is completed.


To Disconnect a VEX IQ Brain

Illustration showing how to connect the VEX IQ Brain to a device using the VEXcode IQ app, featuring step-by-step visuals for beginners in robotics education.

To disconnect your device from an IQ Brain, unplug the USB cable from your Chromebook or the IQ Brain.

Diagram illustrating how to connect the VEX IQ Brain to the VEXcode IQ app, featuring labeled components and step-by-step instructions for establishing a connection for programming and control.

You can also disconnect an IQ Brain from app-based VEXcode IQ by turning the Brain off.

Turn the Brain off by holding the X button until the screen on the Brain goes black.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing the connection options for the VEX IQ Brain, illustrating how to establish a connection for programming and controlling the robot.

Upon disconnecting, the Brain icon in the Toolbar will show as white, and the 'Download', 'Run', and 'Stop' buttons will be unavailable. 

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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