To use micro:bit's app for Apple iPads and iPhones:

• Download the app: It is not possible to send code over a cable on an iOS device. The free app enables you to send code to your micro:bit using Bluetooth.

• Write code in Microsoft MakeCode inside the app
  • Or write code in a Chrome or Edge web browser and just use the app to transfer your code to the micro:bit
    • This works with MakeCode, micro:bit classroom or, on micro:bit V2s only, using the micro:bit Python Editor
• Send the code via Bluetooth using the app - this video demonstrates the process:

See creating and sending programs on a iPad or iPhone for more details. This includes details of how to retrieve data created as part of a data logging project using the iOS app.

Ideas

You can create many MakeCode projects on your phone or tablet. We've chosen a few to get you started:

Beating heart

Make your micro:bit’s heart beat using loops

Beginner

Emotion badge

Use your micro:bit to express how you’re feeling

Beginner

Sunlight sensor

Make your micro:bit light up when the sun comes up

Beginner

Dice

Shake your micro:bit to make random numbers

Beginner

Step counter

Make your own step counter with a micro:bit

Beginner

Thermometer

Make a simple thermometer with your micro:bit

Beginner

Compass North

Create a simple compass to show which way is North

Intermediate

Nightlight

Create an automatic light that turns on when it’s dark.

Beginner

Make some noise

Connect headphones or speakers to make noise

Intermediate

Top tips

• Before you start or if you are having problems transferring code to your micro:bit using the app:
  • Use a computer to transfer a new MakeCode HEX file onto your micro:bit (e.g. Load the Simple program in Reset your micro:bit or your own program) before trying the app again.
  • This is necessary if you’ve previously been using Python with your micro:bit or to clear an error on your micro:bit.
• Make sure your micro:bit is in Bluetooth mode every time you transfer a MakeCode program to it via the app.
• To enter Bluetooth mode, if pressing reset 3 times doesn't work, try holding down the A and B buttons, then press and release the reset button. Keep holding A and B buttons until all the LEDs on the display light up.
• If you’re using batteries to power your micro:bit when using the app, make sure they are fresh. Even if the micro:bit seems to be working, it may not have enough power for the Bluetooth radio function to work.
• For help with the apps and any other aspects of micro:bit, check out our Knowledge base or submit a help request.

Monitor and control

The 'Monitor and control' section of the iOS app allows you to observe real-time data from the micro:bit sensors, send messages directly to the LEDs and control the micro:bit buttons and pins from your iPad or iPhone.

Monitor is also ideal for exploring Bluetooth services in real-time, and for debugging your program code.

These facilities are only available if you have added Bluetooth services to your program, or use one of the examples like ‘monitor-services’ which you'll find in the 'Flash' page of the app.

The micro:bit iOS app is developed by Insight Resources on behalf of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation.