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How to Know if the Controller Firmware is Out of Date

Screenshot of the Brain Display Controller firmware update interface for VEX IQ Robotics platform, showcasing options and settings for updating the controller's software.

If your Controller and Brain are paired and the Controller firmware is out of date, this error message will appear on the Brain’s screen.

Screenshot of VEX IQ firmware update instructions, featuring a user interface with options for checking current firmware version, downloading updates, and connecting to VEX IQ devices, relevant for educators and students in robotics.

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

Screenshot of VEX IQ firmware update instructions, displaying key steps and information for users to successfully update their robotics system firmware, enhancing performance and compatibility with VEXcode IQ programming.

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

VEX IQ icon representing the VEX IQ Robotics platform, which provides educational resources, documentation, and tutorials for beginners in robotics, including firmware updates and best practices for building and programming robots.

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.

Screenshot of VEX IQ firmware update instructions, showing step-by-step guidance for users to update their VEX IQ robotics system, including key components and programming tips for enhancing educational robotics experiences.

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.

Top view of the VEX IQ Controller, showcasing its buttons and layout, used for programming and controlling VEX IQ robotics in educational settings.

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

Screenshot of VEX IQ firmware update instructions, displaying version information and steps for updating the firmware on VEX IQ robotics systems, aimed at educators and students in the VEX IQ knowledge base.

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

Screenshot showing the firmware update process for VEX IQ robotics, including version information and instructions for connecting the robot to the VEXcode IQ software.

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

Please wait while the Controller updates.

This could take a few minutes.

Screenshot showing firmware update instructions for the VEX IQ Robotics platform, including steps for downloading and installing the latest firmware version to enhance robot performance and functionality.

A prompt will appear when the update is complete.

Select “OK.”

Screenshot of the VEX IQ firmware update interface, displaying version information and update options for VEX IQ Robotics platform, aimed at educators and students for enhancing robotics programming and project development.

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