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

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 Controller when connected to a device via a USB-C cable. App-based VEXcode IQ does not support updating the firmware on the IQ Controller 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 Controller firmware with the latest VEXos, some of these include:

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How to Know if the Controller Firmware is Out of Date

IQ (2nd gen) Brain screen is shown with an orange screen and a message that reads Warning, Controller Update Radio. Below, an icon indicates that the X button can be pressed to Clear the message.

If your Controller and Brain are paired and the Controller firmware is out of date, this error message will appear on the Brain’s screen.

VEXcode IQ with an orange Controller icon on the Toolbar, indicating that the Controller's firmware is out of date.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

The Controller is connected to App-based VEXcode IQ and the Controller icon in the Toolbar is orange.

VEXcode IQ Out of Date Firmware prompt with a message that reads Your VEX IQ Controller's firmware is out of date and needs to be updated.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.

When a Controller is connected to VEXcode IQ via a USB-C cable, a prompt will appear asking “Do you want to update now?”

How to Update Controller 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 Controller connected to a computer with a USB C cable.

Using a USB-C cable, connect your Controller to your computer and ensure it is powered on.

Once the Controller is connected, launch VEXcode IQ.

If you do not have App-based VEXcode IQ, you can download it here.

IQ Controller connected to a computer with a USB C cable. The Power LED indicator light is glowing green and the Charge LED indicator light is glowing red. This indicates that the Controller is charging and is close to being fully charged.

Once the Controller is connected via USB-C and powered on, both indicator lights on the Controller will be visible.

IQ Controller with its Power LED indicator light glowing red and highlighted.

Once “Update” is selected, the Controller will start blinking red rapidly.

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

The Controller will begin updating and the following prompt will appear.

Please wait while the Controller updates.

This could take a few minutes.

VEXcode IQ Firmware Downloaded prompt with a message that reads Firmware successfully downloaded to Controller. There is an OK button below.

A prompt will appear when the update is complete.

Select “OK.”

VEXcode IQ with a green Controller icon on the Toolbar to indicate that the Controller's firmware is up to date.

The Controller firmware is now updated and the Controller icon in the Toolbar will display green.