Troubleshooting a Bluetooth Connection on Chromebook

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

Note: Bluetooth connectivity for VEXcode IQ and VEXcode V5 are 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 showing an empty device list in the Bluetooth settings, indicating no devices are currently connected or available for pairing, as part of troubleshooting tips for Bluetooth connections.

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.

    User interface showing Bluetooth connection status and troubleshooting options, including a user bar with icons for settings, help, and device management, relevant to troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.

    To ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Chromebook device, first open the user menu in the bottom right.

    Bluetooth icon representing troubleshooting steps for Bluetooth connection issues.

    Select ‘Bluetooth’ from the list of icons.

    Toggle switch in the 'off' position, indicating Bluetooth is disabled, used in troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    The status will display as 'Bluetooth Disabled'. Select the toggle 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.

    Illustration of a Bluetooth toggle switch in the 'on' position, used in troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    The toggle will show blue when Bluetooth is enabled.

  • Turn Bluetooth off then back on.

    Toggle switch in the 'off' position, indicating Bluetooth is disabled, used in troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    Navigate to the Bluetooth settings using the steps in the ‘Ensure Bluetooth is enabled’ section of this article. Select the toggle to disable Bluetooth.

    Illustration of a Bluetooth toggle switch in the 'on' position, used in troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    Then, toggle Bluetooth back on.

  • Ensure you’re using VEXcode (123 or GO) on a supported device or browser.
    • Note: VEXcode IQ and VEXcode V5 are only supported on iPads, Android tablets, and Fire tablets. View the VEXcode download page for more information.
  • 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 Chromebook device

A detailed list of devices compatible with Bluetooth connections, displayed in a table format, including device names, models, and connection statuses, relevant to troubleshooting 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.

    Toggle switch in the 'off' position, indicating Bluetooth is disabled, used in troubleshooting 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 of a Bluetooth toggle switch in the 'on' position, used in troubleshooting Bluetooth connection 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), 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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