Embedded Files
Can we code Micro:bits on the iPad?
Can we code Micro:bits on the iPad?
Micro:bits can be coded using an iPad just as easily as using a PC, laptop, or Chromebook when using the block coding system. If you want to try coding using JavaScript or Python it would be advisable to attach a keyboard or use one of the other devices. The main difference is the method by which they connect and download programs to the Micro:bit.
Getting Started
Getting Started
The App
The App
The app can be downloaded from Self Service.
Creating your project
Creating your project
To start coding you will first need to create a project. Click the "Create Code" option. If you have used the Makecode editor before you should recognise the next screen.
To start a fresh blank coding project click the purple plus button. You will see any other projects you have created here as well.
Name your project (the more descriptive a name the better) and click "Create".
If you find yourself in the middle of another project and not a blank one - tap the Home button at the top of the screen to return to the Project selection screen.
Coding your project
Coding your project
Coding for the Micro:bit on the iPad using code blocks is exactly the same as it is on a PC or laptop. Code blocks can be dragged to and from the tool box to create the sequences of instructions required. The only difference on an iPad depends on the iPads orientation. Landscape mode is very similar to the PC environment while Portrait mode will resize and a few of the buttons and change the location of the Micro:bit simulator.
Don't forget to save your code to the iPad to make it accessible to the "My Programs" option in the main menu. To do this - click the save icon (next to the projects name) at the bottom of the screen.
Portrait Orientation
Landscape Orientation
Connecting your iPad to your Micro:bit
Connecting your iPad to your Micro:bit
Once you or your pupils have created some code and want to download it to the Micro:bit follow the steps below.
(Although the iPad can connect to the Microbit via bluetooth - it can only be done via the Microbit app. There is a special process in place for identifying which Micro:bit you are connecting to and downloading a program to it.)
When you click the download button in to the bottom right corner of the coding environment - you will be presented with the screen above.
Connect a battery pack to your Micro:bit. On the rear of the Micro:bit you will find the reset button. Press this three times in quick succession.
If you have done this at the correct speed you should see the Bluetooth symbol scroll across the screen followed by a pattern similar to the one pictures. If you don't see anything - try again.
If the pattern of columns on the iPad doesn't match the one on the Micro:bit - you can adjust the height of each column by tapping on the appropriate square. Once they match - click "Continue".
You should now see a progress bar on the iPad and on the Micro:bit.
When the progress bar is full you will see a success message on the iPad and the code should begin running on the Micro:bit.
Other Features
Other Features
There are a few other option in the menu on the Micro:bit iPad app. These are as follows:
My Programs
This option provides a way to access programs that have been saved to the iPad (by clicking the save icon and the bottom of the screen in the code editor). You can also send code to a Micro:bit from here.
Manage Connections
Use this option to create a new connection to a Micro:bit.
Monitor and Control
With this option you can display real-time data detected by the sensors on the Micro:bit. This includes (but is not limited to) seeing which LEDs are lit and the status of the buttons. Tap the "Add" button to add monitors for other sensors.
Safari Browser, Downloading, and Air dropping
Safari Browser, Downloading, and Air dropping
If you have used the Safari browser (rather than the app) to access the makecode editor or if you are well versed in using makecode and have saved code to the cloud - you will have the option to download the code to your iPad and then open it in the Microbit app.
A benefit of using the iPad is that you also have the option to share code that you have written with people nearby using the Air drop facility in combination with option to download the makecode .hex files to the iPad.
Please contact the Digital Learning team for more information on any of these options.
Further Support
Further Support
Further information on connecting your Micro:bit to your iPad can be found on the Microbit.org support pages:
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