The following article will provide guidance on how to troubleshoot a wireless connection via Bluetooth to your Android device if you are experiencing connecting issues.
Robot not appearing in the devices list
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, VEXcode EXP, VEXcode V5, or the VEX Classroom App.
If you are experiencing this issue, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
To ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Android device, first open ‘Settings.’
Select ‘Connected devices’ from the list of options.
Select 'Connection preferences', then select 'Bluetooth'.
Select the toggle to enable Bluetooth. The toggle will show green when Bluetooth is enabled. Bluetooth will also display as ‘On'.
- Turn Bluetooth off then back on.
Navigate to the Bluetooth settings using the steps in the ‘Ensure Bluetooth is enabled’ section of this article. Toggle Bluetooth off.
Then, toggle Bluetooth back on.
- Check Bluetooth Permissions.
When connecting your robot to your Android device via VEXcode, you may receive a prompt asking to verify location usage. Select ‘Allow.’
You can check if you have verified location usage by navigating to ‘Settings.’
Select ‘Apps & Notifications’, then select 'VEXcode 123'.
Select ‘Permissions', then select 'Location'.
Ensure that the circle is marked next to 'Allow only while using the app'.
- Clearing app cache.
To clear an app’s cache, first open ‘Settings.’
Note: VEXcode V5 is shown here as an example, but the same issue may occur when using VEXcode 123, VEXcode GO, VEXcode IQ, VEXcode EXP, or the VEX Classroom App.
Select “Apps & notifications” from the list of options.
Select “See All Apps.”
Press on the search icon on top right to search the application from the list of apps on your device.
Now, search “VEX” and the list of VEX apps you have installed on your device should be listed.
Select “VEXcode V5” from the list.
Select the “Force Stop” button if it is not grayed out already.
When prompted for confirmation, press on “OK.”
Ensure that the “Force Stop” button is disabled. This means VEXcode V5 is completely closed and it is no longer running on your device. Then, select “Storage & cache.”
Select “CLEAR CACHE” to clear any kind of cached data that is blocking the bluetooth from scanning.
- Ensure you’re using VEXcode on a supported device or browser.
- Note that VEXcode 123, VEXcode GO, VEXcode IQ, VEXcode EXP, and VEXcode V5 are only supported via the application 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, IQ, EXP, 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, EXP, 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 Android device
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, VEXcode EXP, VEXcode V5, or the VEX Classroom App.
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.
Navigate to the Bluetooth settings using the steps in the ‘Ensure Bluetooth is enabled’ section of this article. Toggle Bluetooth off.
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, EXP, V5), or contact VEX support at support@vex.com.