Micro:Bit not pairing to Scratch

Question

We purchased a Micro:Bit to use with my son's Scratch account but can't get it to work. He tried his Windows11 Desktop and Lenovo chromebook. He dropped the hex file into the Micro:Bit, he downloaded the Scratch app, he clicked on the micro:bit extension within Scratch, his micro:bit is attached with the USB cable, but when he tries to search for the Micro:bit to pair, it won't work. Any tips I can have him try? I tested his Micro:bit and USB cable on my work macbook and works perfectly. I've reached out to Scratch, but no response yet after waiting a month. Please help.

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Answer 1

Hi,

Sorry about the issue you’re running into, You can also try installing and running Scratch Link, which is required for Scratch to communicate with the Micro:Bit over USB, and make sure it’s running in the background when attempting to pair. Additionally, check Device Manager on Windows 11 to see if the Micro:Bit appears correctly under "Ports (COM & LPT)" or "Universal Serial Bus controllers," and update or reinstall the driver if there are any warnings, as Windows sometimes blocks communication even when the device appears connected.

Kind regards,

Answer 2

It sounds like you've already tried several troubleshooting steps with the Micro:Bit and Scratch. Here are a few additional tips that might help resolve the pairing issue:

1. Check USB Connection: Ensure that the USB cable is properly connected to both the Micro:Bit and the computer. Sometimes, using a different USB port can help.
2. Restart Devices: Restart both the Micro:Bit and the computer. This can sometimes resolve connection issues.
3. Update Scratch: Make sure that the Scratch app is up to date on both the Windows 11 Desktop and the Chromebook. An outdated version may cause compatibility issues.
4. Browser Compatibility: If using Scratch in a web browser, ensure that the browser is compatible and updated. Chrome is generally recommended for Scratch.
5. Check Permissions: On the Chromebook, check if the Scratch app has the necessary permissions to access USB devices.
6. Reinstall Scratch: If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Scratch app on both devices.
7. Test with Another Device: If possible, test the Micro:Bit with another computer to see if the issue is specific to the Windows 11 Desktop or Chromebook.
8. Firmware Update: Ensure that the Micro:Bit has the latest firmware. Sometimes, updating the firmware can resolve connectivity issues.

If none of these steps work, it may be beneficial to wait for a response from Scratch support, as they may have specific insights into compatibility issues with their software and the Micro:Bit.