WebUSB
WebUSB is a recent and developing web feature that allows you to access a micro:bit directly from a web page. With MakeCode it allows for one-click downloads to your micro:bit without installing an additional app or other software! It also lets you directly receive data into the MakeCode editor from the micro:bit.
WebUSB support for your micro:bit
If you’re not using a current version of the Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers, make sure they are this version or newer:
- Chrome (version 79 and newer) browser for Android, Chrome OS, Linux, macOS and Windows 10.
- Microsoft Edge (version 79 and newer) browser for Android, Chrome OS, Linux, macOS and Windows 10.
Also, if you have a micro:bit V1 board, make sure that it is running version 0249 or above of the firmware. Upgrading is as easy as dragging a file to a folder and it takes a few seconds to get it done.
- Check out the instructions to check and upgrade your micro:bit.
Pair your micro:bit
The first time you pair your micro:bit with your computer you’ll need to go through a few easy steps to get setup. Here’s how to get paired with WebUSB:
Download your project
Once you’ve created or opened a project, and you’re ready to download it to the micro:bit, click the Download button at the bottom of the editor window.
Connect the USB cable
If you haven’t connected it already, connect your micro:bit to your computer with a micro-USB cable. Then, click Next in the message window.
Pair the micro:bit with your computer
Another message window will display telling you to pair with the micro:bit device. Click Pair to see to the device list.
The micro:bit will appear as either BBC micro:bit CMSIS-DAP or DAPLink CMSIS-DAP in the list. Select the device and click Connect.
Don’t see your micro:bit device?
If you don’t see any devices in the list and the micro:bit is either a V2 board or has the correct firmware version (0249 or above), you can create a support ticket to notify the Micro:bit Foundation of the problem. You can skip the remaining steps.
You’re connected!
When your micro:bit is connected, you’ll see the Connected to micro:bit message window. Click on Download and you’re project will transfer directly to the micro:bit!
Connection failed?
If the connection to your micro:bit was unsuccessful, you’ll see the Failed to connect message. You can press Try Again to attempt the connection again, download the project as a file instead, or cancel the window and troubleshoot your connection.
One-click downloads
Once your micro:bit is paired, MakeCode will use WebUSB to transfer the code directly and you won’t have to drag and drop .hex files from a folder. Just click the Download button in the editor and your project code will just transfer to the micro:bit.
Console output
Another feature of having a WebUSB connection is that MakeCode will be able to detect console output from your micro:bit and display the console output in the editor.
Unpair your micro:bit
If you don’t want to use WebUSB any longer, you will need to unpair your device from the editor to disable the WebUSB connection.
- Click on the lock icon in the address bar of the browser.
- Uncheck each BBC micro:bit CMSIS-DAP or DAPLink CMSIS-DAP device displayed in the device list.
- Reload the MakeCode editor page.
