Troubleshooting downloads with WebUSB

Step 1: Check your cable

Make sure that your micro:bit is connected to your computer with a micro USB cable. For example, in Windows Explorer you should see a MICROBIT drive appear when it’s connected.

If you can see the MICROBIT drive go to step 2.

If you can’t see the drive:

• Make sure that the USB cable is working.

  Does the cable work on another computer? If not, find a different cable to use. Some cables may only provide a power connection and don’t actually transfer data.

• Try another USB port on your computer.

Is the cable good but you still can’t see the MICROBIT drive? Hmm, you might have a problem with your micro:bit. Try the additional steps described in the fault finding page at microbit.org. If this doesn’t help, you can create a support ticket to notify the Micro:bit Foundation of the problem. Skip the remaining troubleshooting steps.

Step 2: Check your firmware version

If your downloads still aren’t working, it’s possible that the firmware version on the micro:bit needs an update. Let’s check:

1. Go to the MICROBIT drive

Navigate to the MICROBIT drive in the computer’s File Explorer.

2. Open the DETAILS.TXT file

Look for the DETAILS.TXT file and open it.

3. Find the firmware version number

Look for a line in the file that says the version number. It should say Version:

or Interface Version:

If the version is 0234, 0241, 0243 you NEED to update the firmware on your micro:bit. Go to Step 3 and follow the upgrade instructions.

If the version is 0249, 0250 or higher, you have the right firmware go to step 4.

Step 3: Upgrade the firmware

1. Put your micro:bit into MAINTENANCE Mode

To do this, unplug the USB cable from the micro:bit and then reconnect the USB cable while you hold down the reset button. Once you insert the cable, you can release the reset button. You should now see a MAINTENANCE drive instead of the MICROBIT drive like before. Also, a yellow LED light will stay on next to the reset button.

2. Download the firmware file

Download the firmware .hex file.

3. Transfer to the MAINTENANCE drive

Drag and drop that file onto the MAINTENANCE drive.

4. Look for the flashing LED

The yellow LED will flash while the HEX file is copying. When the copy finishes, the LED will go off and the micro:bit resets. The MAINTENANCE drive now changes back to MICROBIT.

5. Upgrade complete

The upgrade is complete! You can open the DETAILS.TXT file to check and see that the firmware version changed to the match the version of the HEX file you copied.

Step 4: Check your browser version

WebUSB is a fairly new feature and may require you to update your browser. Check that your browser version matches one of those in the table below.

Browser versions for Android, Chrome OS, Linux, macOS, and Windows 10, 11:

Browser	Version
Chrome	61+
Edge	79+
Safari	Not supported

For other browsers, see the supported versions in the Can I use? table for WebUSB.

Step 5: Pair device

Once you’ve updated the firmware, open the Chrome Browser, go to the editor and click on Pair Device in the gearwheel menu. See WebUSB for pairing instructions.

Enjoy fast downloads!