Connecting with App-based VEXcode IQ - Windows

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

To Connect a VEX IQ Brain

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

Insert the battery into the IQ Brain.

Diagram illustrating how to connect the VEX IQ Brain to a device using the VEXcode IQ app, highlighting the steps and components involved in the connection process for educational robotics.

Turn on the IQ Brain by pressing the checkmark button.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing the connection process to the robot brain, with visual indicators and instructions for users to establish a successful connection for programming and control.

Launch app-based VEXcode IQ.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing how to connect to the Brain, featuring step-by-step instructions and visual cues for users to establish a connection for programming and controlling their VEX IQ robots.

Ensure the generation selection matches the generation of your VEX IQ Brain. Select the Device window icon to open the Devices window, and select the correct generation if it is not already selected. 

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing the connection process to the VEX IQ Brain, with visual indicators for successful pairing and device status, designed to assist educators and students in robotics programming and setup.

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 connection process to the VEX IQ Brain, with visual indicators and instructions for users to connect their devices for programming and control.

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.

Illustration showing the steps to connect the VEX IQ Brain to a device using the VEXcode IQ app, with labeled diagrams highlighting key components and connection points for educational robotics.

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

Screenshot of the VEX IQ app interface showing the connection process to the robot brain, with visual indicators for Bluetooth connectivity and setup instructions for users in educational robotics.

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

Diagram illustrating how to connect the VEX IQ Brain to a device using the VEXcode IQ app, highlighting the steps 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 process to the robot brain, with visual indicators for successful connection and troubleshooting tips, designed to assist educators and students in using the VEX IQ robotics platform.

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

Last Updated: