Troubleshooting a Bluetooth Connection on Windows

The following article will provide guidance on how to troubleshoot a wireless connection via Bluetooth to your Windows 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 of a blank empty device list indicating no Bluetooth devices are currently connected, used in the context of troubleshooting 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.

    Menu bar interface for troubleshooting Bluetooth connections, featuring options for settings, devices, and help.

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

    Screenshot of the user menu in VEX Robotics software, showing options related to troubleshooting Bluetooth connections, including device settings and connection status.

    Select ‘Settings.'

    Icon representing various devices for troubleshooting Bluetooth connections in the General Category Description section.

    Select ‘Devices’ from the list of icons.

    Icon indicating Bluetooth is turned off, used in troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues.

    The status will display as 'Off.' 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 icon with a connection status indicator, used in the context of troubleshooting Bluetooth connections in the General Category Description section.

    The toggle will show blue when Bluetooth is enabled.

  • Turn Bluetooth off then back on.

    Icon indicating Bluetooth is turned off, 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 icon with a connection status indicator, used in the context of troubleshooting Bluetooth connections in the General Category Description section.

    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 Windows device

Screenshot of a blank device list for troubleshooting Bluetooth connections, showing no devices detected, with a header indicating it is part of a general category description.

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.

    Icon indicating Bluetooth is turned off, 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 icon with a connection status indicator, used in the context of troubleshooting Bluetooth connections in the General Category Description section.

    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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