Troubleshooting a Bluetooth Connection on iOS

The following article will provide guidance on how to troubleshoot a wireless connection via Bluetooth to your iOS device if you are experiencing connecting issues.


Robot not appearing in the devices list

Screenshot showing a Bluetooth devices list without any robots listed, indicating a troubleshooting issue in connecting Bluetooth devices.

Your robot may not be appearing in the list of devices to connect to VEXcode.

Note: VEXcode 123 is shown here, but the same issue may occur when using VEXcode GO, VEXcode IQ or VEXcode V5.

Screenshot showing a 'No devices' message in Bluetooth settings, indicating that no Bluetooth devices are currently connected or available for pairing.

Or, in the list of devices for the Classroom app when connecting to VEX 123 or VEX GO.


If you are experiencing this issue, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled.

    Apple settings icon, representing the settings menu for troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

    To ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iOS device, first open ‘Settings.’

    Screenshot showing the Bluetooth selection menu on a device, illustrating options for troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    Select ‘Bluetooth’ from the list of options.

    Bluetooth icon with a crossed-out symbol, indicating that Bluetooth is turned off, used in troubleshooting steps for Bluetooth connection issues.

    The toggle will be gray when Bluetooth is not enabled. Bluetooth will also display as ‘off’ next to the icon.

    Illustration showing Bluetooth connection troubleshooting steps, including device pairing and settings adjustments, to assist users in resolving connectivity issues.

    Select the toggle to enable Bluetooth. The toggle will show green when Bluetooth is enabled. Bluetooth will also display as ‘on’ next to the icon.

  • Turn Bluetooth off then back on.

    Bluetooth icon with a crossed-out symbol, indicating that Bluetooth is turned off, used in troubleshooting steps for Bluetooth connection issues.

    Navigate to the Bluetooth settings using the steps in the ‘Ensure Bluetooth is enabled’ section of this article. Toggle Bluetooth off.

    Illustration showing Bluetooth connection troubleshooting steps, including device pairing and settings adjustments, to assist users in resolving connectivity issues.

    Then, toggle Bluetooth back on.

  • Check Bluetooth Permissions.

    Screenshot of a Bluetooth connection troubleshooting popup, displaying options and information for resolving Bluetooth connectivity issues.

    When connecting your robot to your iOS device via VEXcode or the VEX Classroom app, you may receive a prompt asking to verify Bluetooth usage. Select ‘OK.’

    Apple settings icon, representing the settings menu for troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

    You can check if you have verified Bluetooth usage by navigating to ‘Settings.’

    Illustration depicting troubleshooting steps for Bluetooth connection issues, featuring icons and text related to privacy settings and device connectivity.

    Select ‘Privacy’ and then ‘Bluetooth.’

    Illustration showing common Bluetooth connection issues and troubleshooting tips, including device settings and privacy considerations, relevant to troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

    Ensure the toggles are on for the application(s).

  • Ensure you’re using VEXcode (123 or GO) on a supported device or browser.
  • Ensure your robot’s firmware is up to date (123, GO, IQ, V5).

  • If using VEXcode IQ, ensure your IQ Brain is configured for coding over Bluetooth.
  • If using VEXcode V5, ensure your V5 Brain is configured for coding over Bluetooth.

  • Power cycle your robot and the device.

  • If none of the above troubleshooting techniques work, please leave feedback in VEXcode (123, GO, IQ, V5), or contact VEX support at support@vex.com.

Robot is appearing in the devices list, but is not connecting, or having difficulty staying connected to the iOS device

Screenshot of a device list showing a robot in a Bluetooth connection troubleshooting context, highlighting available devices and connection status.

Your robot may be appearing in the list of devices to connect to VEXcode, but is not connecting, or having difficulty staying connected.

Note: VEXcode 123 is shown here, but the same issue may occur when using VEXcode GO, VEXcode IQ or VEXcode V5.

A collection of various Bluetooth devices, including headphones, speakers, and smartwatches, displayed on a wooden surface, illustrating options for troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

Or, your robot may be appearing in the list of devices to connect to the Classroom app, but is not connecting, or having trouble staying connected.

Note: VEX 123 is shown here on the Classroom app, but the same issue may occur when using VEX GO.

If you are experiencing this issue, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure your robot is close enough to the device. Bluetooth range is approximately 30 feet.

  • Turn Bluetooth off then back on.

    Bluetooth icon with a crossed-out symbol, indicating that Bluetooth is turned off, used in troubleshooting steps for Bluetooth connection issues.

    Navigate to the Bluetooth settings using the steps in the ‘Ensure Bluetooth is enabled’ section of this article. Toggle Bluetooth off.

    Illustration showing Bluetooth connection troubleshooting steps, including device pairing and settings adjustments, to assist users in resolving connectivity issues.

    Then, toggle Bluetooth back on.

  • Power cycle your robot and the device.

  • If none of the above troubleshooting techniques work, please leave feedback in VEXcode (123, GO, IQ, V5), or contact VEX support at support@vex.com.

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

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