Troubleshooting a Bluetooth Connection on macOS

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

Note: bluetooth connectivity for VEXcode IQ and VEXcode V5 are only currently only supported on iPads, Android tablets, and Fire tablets. View the VEXcode download page for more information.


Robot not appearing in the devices list

Screenshot of an empty device list in Bluetooth settings, indicating no devices are currently connected or available for pairing, relevant to troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

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.


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

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled.

    Apple settings icon, used in the context of troubleshooting a Bluetooth connection in the general category description.

    To ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your macOS device, first open ‘System Preferences.’

    Illustration of Bluetooth connectivity issues, depicting a smartphone and a Bluetooth device with a warning symbol, used in the context of troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

    Select ‘Bluetooth’ from the list of icons.

    Off turn on button for troubleshooting Bluetooth connection, showing a toggle switch in the off position.

    The status will display as 'Off' below the bluetooth icon. Select 'Turn Bluetooth On' to enable Bluetooth.

    Note: VEX 123 / VEX GO uses 'Bluetooth Low Energy' and will not appear in the device list in the Bluetooth Preferences Window. VEX GO and VEX 123 are devices that are connected via the Chrome Browser. 

    Bluetooth settings interface showing options to turn Bluetooth on or off, used for troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    The status will display as 'On' when Bluetooth is enabled, and the discoverable name of the device will show.

  • Turn Bluetooth off then back on.

    Image of an off button icon, representing the action to turn off a Bluetooth device, used in the context of troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

    Navigate to the Bluetooth settings using the steps in the ‘Ensure Bluetooth is enabled’ section of this article. Select 'Turn Bluetooth Off'.

    On button graphic for troubleshooting Bluetooth connection, indicating the action to enable Bluetooth functionality.

    Then, select 'Turn Bluetooth On'. The status will display as 'On' and the discoverable name of the device will show.

  • Check Bluetooth Permissions.

    Apple settings icon, used in the context of troubleshooting a Bluetooth connection in the general category description.

    Open 'System Preferences’.

    Diagram illustrating security and privacy considerations for troubleshooting Bluetooth connections, featuring key points and visual elements related to device security.

    Select 'Security & Privacy' from the list of icons.

    Diagram illustrating troubleshooting steps for Bluetooth connection issues, including device pairing, signal strength, and settings adjustments.

    Select 'Bluetooth’ from the list of options.

    Screenshot of Chrome's Bluetooth settings page, showing options for managing Bluetooth devices and connections, used for troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    Ensure the box next to Google Chrome is checked.

  • 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).

  • Power cycle your robot and the device.

  • If none of the above troubleshooting techniques work, please leave feedback in VEXcode (123, GO), 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 macOS device

A visual representation of various devices compatible with Bluetooth connections, illustrating troubleshooting steps for resolving Bluetooth connectivity issues.

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.

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.

    Image of an off button icon, representing the action to turn off a Bluetooth device, used in the context of troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

    Navigate to the Bluetooth settings using the steps in the ‘Ensure Bluetooth is enabled’ section of this article. Select 'Turn Bluetooth Off'.

    On button graphic for troubleshooting Bluetooth connection, indicating the action to enable Bluetooth functionality.

    Then, select 'Turn Bluetooth On'. The status will display as 'On' and the discoverable name of device will show.

  • Power cycle your robot and the device.

  • If none of the above troubleshooting techniques work, please leave feedback in VEXcode (123, GO), 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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