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

Updating your (2nd gen) firmware with App-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: Updating firmware via Web-based VEXcode IQ is only available for 2nd gen Brains, and VEXcode IQ can only update the firmware on the IQ Brain when connected to a device via a USB cable. Web-based 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 Brain Firmware

VEXcode IQ application icon.

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

For more information about connecting to web-based VEXcode IQ, view the following articles:

VEXcode IQ Out of Date Firmware prompt with a message that reads Your VEX IQ Brain's firmware is out of date and needs to be updated. Do you want to update now? There are two buttons below, one reads No and the other reads Update.

If the Brain's firmware is out of date, you will receive a prompt and the Brain icon will turn orange in the Toolbar.

You can update the Brain's firmware in VEXcode IQ by selecting the ‘Update’ button. Or by opening the Brain Icon in the toolbar and selecting 'Update'.

VEXcode IQ Updating Firmware prompt with a progress bar and a message that reads Updating Firmware.

Wait while the firmware updates.

VEXcode IQ Firmware Updated prompt with a message that reads Update Complete, Please reconnect to your IQ Brain. There is an OK button below.

The update will complete, then you will need to reconnect your Brain.

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 Brain is reconnected and the firmware has been updated, the Brain icon will turn green.