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Getting started: Power up and play

Getting started

1Introduction
2Power up and play
3Get coding
4Start teaching

2. Power up and play

Power up your micro:bit to explore all the amazing features of the device through the pre-loaded ‘meet the micro:bit’ program.

Power up your micro:bit

Simply add 2 x AAA batteries to the battery pack, and connect it to your micro:bit.

Your micro:bit will automatically turn on.

Note: you can also power your micro:bit by connecting the USB cable to a computer, without using the battery pack.

line drawing showing the two steps of batteries being put into a battery pack then the battery pack being connected to a micro:bit

Welcome to your micro:bit

All new micro:bits are distributed with a ‘meet the micro:bit’ program to help you explore key features.

When it turns on, the LED display output will spring into life and, in most cases, will greet you with a heart.

A micro:bit showing a heart icon on the LEDs

Welcome to your micro:bit

All new micro:bits are distributed with a ‘meet the micro:bit’ program to help you explore key features.

When it turns on, this ‘meet the micro:bit’ program will start. After a few seconds, you see an arrow pointing to button A or the letter A as shown here.

A micro:bit showing the letter A

Explore the ‘meet the micro:bit’ program

Press A, B and A+B

Also, try with the device covered/in the dark.

Give the micro:bit a shake

The built-in accelerometer detects movement.

Touch the micro:bit logo

Say a few words then release the logo.

Press A then B

See how the micro:bit reacts

Give the micro:bit a shake

The built-in accelerometer detects movement

Tilt the micro:bit

Get the 2 dots to meet

Clap 5 times

The micro:bit counts your claps

Press A then B

See how the micro:bit reacts

Give the micro:bit a shake

The built-in accelerometer detects movement

Tilt the micro:bit

Get the 2 dots to meet

Press A, B and A+B

Also, try with the device covered/in the dark.

Give the micro:bit a shake

The built-in accelerometer detects movement.

Tip: Turning off your micro:bit

Hold the reset button until the light goes out (about 4 seconds) to power off your micro:bit. Power off at the end of each use to conserve batteries (or unplug the battery pack).

A micro:bit with reset button being pressed

Well done! You have learnt how to turn on and interact with the micro:bit.

Next, get started coding with the micro:bit
3Get coding