Updating VEX IQ (2nd gen) Brain Firmware in App-based VEXcode IQ – VEX Library

Updating your (2nd gen) firmware with Web-based VEXcode IQ? See this article.

Using VEX IQ (1st generation)? See this article.

Many VEX IQ products contain their own internal processors and run on a special Operating System. This software is the VEX IQ Firmware and is called VEXos.

Note: VEXcode IQ can only update the firmware on the IQ (2nd gen) Brain when connected to a device via a USB cable. VEXcode IQ does not support updating the firmware on the IQ Brain when using an iPad, Android, or Fire tablet.

What is Firmware?

This Operating System is written entirely by VEX Robotics, and harnesses the flexibility and power of VEX hardware for the diverse needs of education and the rigors of competition. The Brain will automatically push out the latest updates to any IQ device that is connected to it.

Why Should I Update?

There are several reasons why you should update your VEX IQ Brain’s firmware with the latest VEXos, some of these include:

Each update of VEXcode IQ will require the latest version of the VEXos firmware installed on the Brain before user programs can be downloaded.
VEXos updates will include fixes for known bugs and add the software which is needed to operate any new devices introduced into the VEX IQ line.
Updates allow for advanced programming features.
The best way to ensure that your VEX IQ system is functioning properly is to keep the software up to date.

How to Update (2nd generation) Brain Firmware

VEXcode IQ application icon.

First ensure no other applications that work with VEX hardware are open in the background - such as Web-based VEXcode IQ or Visual Studio Code.

IQ (2nd gen) Brain that is connected to a laptop with a USB cable.

Make sure the Brain is properly wired to your computer and powered on.

Once the Brain is connected, launch VEXcode IQ.

Note: if you do not have VEXcode IQ downloaded, visit this page to download it.

VEXcode IQ with an orange Brain icon on the Toolbar, indicating that the Brain's firmware is out of date. The Brain dropdown menu is open and there is an Update button next to the VEXos version.

If the Brain icon color on the VEXcode IQ menu bar is orange, you will need to update your firmware. You can update the Brain in VEXcode IQ by selecting the ‘Update’ button.

VEXcode IQ Updating prompt with a progress bar and a message that reads Please wait! Updating, do not unplug or turn off the Brain.

Wait while the firmware updates.

VEXcode IQ Firmware Downloaded prompt with a message that reads Firmware downloaded to IQ 2nd gen Brain. There is an OK button below.

Once completed, select ‘OK.’ The IQ Brain will power off and then back on, known as power cycling.

VEXcode IQ with a green Brain icon on the Toolbar to indicate that the Brain's firmware is up to date. The Brain dropdown menu is open and the VEXos version is shown without an Update button next to it.

Once your firmware has been updated, the Brain icon will turn green.