Connecting with App-based VEXcode 123 on Chromebook

Google has announced the discontinuation of support for Chrome Apps on Chromebooks starting in January 2025. As a result, Chrome Apps, including the VEXcode 123 App, will no longer be visible in the Chrome Web Store or functional after that date. While the VEXcode 123 App will remain available until this change takes effect, we encourage users to transition to the Web-based version of VEXcode 123 well in advance. Go to Connecting with Web-based VEXcode 123 on Chromebook for information on connecting to Web-based VEXcode 123. 


It takes just a few steps to connect a 123 Robot to your Chromebook.

Turn on the 123 Robot by pushing the 123 Robot along a surface to “wake” it.

Diagram illustrating the connection process for VEXcode 123, featuring labeled components and steps to connect VEX Robotics hardware for programming and control.

Launch VEXcode 123.

Diagram illustrating the steps to connect VEXcode 123 to VEX Robotics systems, featuring labeled components and connection points for easy understanding.

Open VEXcode 123 and select the Robot icon in the Toolbar.

Screenshot of the VEXcode 123 interface showing connection options for VEX Robotics, illustrating how to connect devices within the VEXcode VR environment.

Select Connect.

Diagram showing the steps to connect VEXcode 123 to VEX Robotics hardware, including labeled components and connection points for an effective setup.

A list of available 123 Robots will appear. Select the name of the Robot you want to pair.

Screenshot of VEXcode 123 interface showing connection options for VEX Robotics, illustrating how to connect devices for programming and control.

Once a Robot is chosen, select the Pair button.

Diagram illustrating the steps to connect VEXcode 123 for VEX Robotics, featuring labeled components and connections for optimal setup.

The Robot icon will turn orange and a Connecting to: message will appear while the Robot is connecting.

Diagram illustrating the connection process for VEXcode 123, showing devices and steps to connect VEX Robotics equipment to the software, relevant to the VEX Robotics and VEXcode VR Overview.

Once the 123 Robot is connected, the icon will turn green. The message in the window will say Connected to: and list the name of the 123 Robot that is connected to this Chromebook.

Diagram illustrating the steps to connect VEXcode 123 to VEX Robotics systems, featuring labeled components and connection points for clear guidance.

Underneath the Connected to: message, there is an icon that displays the battery level of the 123 Robot.

The level in the battery will appear as one of three colors:

Diagram showing the connection process for VEXcode 123, illustrating the steps to connect VEX Robotics hardware to the software, with labeled components and arrows indicating the flow of connection.

Red for a low battery level

Diagram showing the steps to connect VEXcode 123 to VEX Robotics systems, including labeled components and connection points for optimal setup. Yellow for a medium battery level
Diagram showing the steps to connect VEXcode 123 to VEX Robotics hardware, including visual representations of the devices and connection process. Green for a full battery level

To Disconnect a VEX 123 Robot from App-based VEXcode 123

Diagram illustrating the steps to connect VEXcode 123 with VEX Robotics, including device connections and software setup, as part of the VEX Robotics and VEXcode VR Overview.

Select Disconnect to disconnect your 123 Robot from VEXcode 123.


If You Are Experiencing Connection Issues

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

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