micro:bit Connectivity Issues
Updated
by
Emily Mahony
Troubleshooting micro:bit connectivity issues
While we don’t provide direct support for hardware-related issues with micro:bits, a common reason why a micro:bit might not connect properly, is the USB cable that is being used. Some USB cables are designed for "power only" purposes, particularly lower-quality cables or those intended for charging mobile phones.
To resolve this issue, we recommend using a USB cable that is specifically designed for data transfer, such as those used for smartphones or digital cameras.
Steps to try:
- Switch the USB cable – Replace the current cable with one that is known to support data transfer.
- Test the connection again – Check if the micro:bit connects successfully to Purple Mash after switching cables.
- Try another USB port on your computer - some can become loose over time.
- If you have a battery pack, disconnect both the battery pack and the USB cable to completely power down the micro:bit, and try connecting by USB again. Reconnect the battery pack after, or just before you actually need to walk around with the micro:bit.
For further troubleshooting, you can refer to the detailed guide from BBC micro:bit: Micro:bit Troubleshooting Guide.
