How do I download the iRobot® Coding app?
The iRobot® Coding App is available on the App store, Google Play store or online at code.irobot.com. When connecting to your robot using the online Web App, please also ensure you are using a Bluetooth® supported browser such as Chrome or Edge.
Please note: Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.
What operating systems does the iRobot® Coding app support?
The iRobot® Coding app is compatible with devices running most major, up-to-date operating systems, including Android, Windows, Chrome OS, iOS and macOS.
How do I connect the iRobot® Coding app with my Root® coding robot?
To connect the iRobot® Coding app with your Root® coding robot, visit the project editor and click on the robot symbol next to the project's name. This will prompt your device to search for the robot. Make sure that your robot is turned on.
In order to connect your device to your Root® coding robot, you will need to use the iRobot® Coding App and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) compatible device. The iRobot® Coding App is compatible with devices running most major, up-to-date operating systems and is available on the App store, Google Play store or online at code.irobot.com. When connecting to your robot using the online Web App, please also ensure you are using a Bluetooth® supported browser such as Chrome or Edge.
Please note: Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.
Can I access the iRobot® Coding iOS and Android apps offline?
Yes! Both the iRobot® Coding iOS and Android apps can be installed locally on your device for offline access. No internet connection is required to control the Root® SimBot. Only a Bluetooth® connection is required to control the Root® coding robot.
Please Note: Once the app has been downloaded it can be used offline, though some of the Learning Library activities may not load without an internet connection.
What are the differences between the Learning Levels?
Can I transfer my projects across Learning Levels?
Yes! The iRobot® Coding app harnesses the power of auto-level conversion to translate code across all three Learning Levels, so your programs can grow with you as your skills progress.
Where can I access lessons and activities on the iRobot® Coding App?
Although the materials in the iRobot Education Learning Library are not yet integrated into the iRobot® Coding app, we encourage you to visit the learning library on our website at edu.irobot.com/learning-library to access all of our lessons and activities. From within the app, you access the Learning Library by pressing the button with an image of an apple.
Is there any support in the iRobot® Coding app for how to use it?
For resources on how to use the iRobot® Coding app, please check out the Getting Started Guide in our online learning library and/or our professional development opportunities.
I paid for a subscription to Root Academy on the legacy Root® Coding app. How do I access those materials using the new iRobot® Coding app?
Good question! Although our Root Academy materials are not yet integrated into the iRobot® Coding app they are still available in the Learning Library on our website at edu.irobot.com/learning-library. You may access these materials using a private subscription code.
For those of you who are already a Root Academy subscriber through iTunes, please reach out to rootsupport@irobot.com for assistance unlocking the materials on our website. If you do not already have a subscription, you may view our subscription options here.
Do you still offer Root Academy?
Good question! You may notice that our Learning Library has expanded to encompass even more activities, including ones that don’t always require a physical robot. Therefore, we have decided to classify our content as either non-premium or premium content moving forward!
Our premium content features lessons and activities modeled after educational standards, including the original Root Academy content, along with additional newly developed materials. Check it out at edu.irobot.com/learning-library
What happened to the Boomerang Block?
With the release of the new iRobot® Coding app, the Boomerang Block has been deprecated in preparation for adding Function Blocks to the app. The Function Block will add new options to control the flow of your program beyond what Boomerangs could do. One common use of the Boomerang Block was to create simple loops in Learning Level 1. Now, with the addition of Repeat Blocks to Learning Level 1, it has become even easier for you to loop your code! See it in action here. To stay updated on whenever any new features are launched, please sign up for our newsletter!
What happened to the When Microphone Block?
With the release of the new iRobot® Coding app, a few coding blocks are not currently available for use but will be re-introduced on an ongoing basis. Please note: The When Microphone Block may not be available on the Web App. To stay updated on when these blocks become available, please sign up for our newsletter!
What happened to the When Light Block?
With the release of the new iRobot® Coding app, a few coding blocks are not currently available for use but will be re-introduced on an ongoing basis. To stay updated on when these blocks become available, please sign up for our newsletter!
What happened to the When Tilt Block?
With the release of the new iRobot® Coding app, a few coding blocks are not currently available for use but will be re-introduced on an ongoing basis. To stay updated on when these blocks become available, please sign up for our newsletter!
Please note: The When Tilt Block is designed for use with devices that are capable of detecting the movement (tilt) of the device, including most tablets with up-to-date software. The When Tilt Block may not be compatible with devices that do not have this feature.
What happened to the When Say Block?
With the release of the new iRobot® Coding app, a few coding blocks are not currently available for use but will be re-introduced on an ongoing basis. To stay updated on when these blocks become available, please sign up for our newsletter!
Why can’t I drag large portions of my code anymore (Long Press Dragging)?
With the release of the new iRobot® Coding app, a few features are not currently available for use but will be re-introduced on an ongoing basis. To stay updated on when these features become available, please sign up for our newsletter!
What makes the new iRobot® Coding app better than your old Root® Coding App?
With this app, we’ve taken the elements you love from our legacy Root® Coding app and combined them with even more features designed to enhance your coding experience! Now you can:
How do I share my projects?
Project sharing allows you to upload your projects to the cloud, then share them with others using a 5-digit code.
To upload a project to the cloud, go to the project manager. Click on the upload icon then select which project you want to upload. To confirm the upload, click on the upload icon again. You will now see a 5-digit code which is unique to your project. Copy this code and share it with others so they can download your project.
How do I download others’ projects?
To download a project from the cloud, go to the project manager. Click on the download icon then type in the 5-digit code and click download. The new project tile will now show at the top of your projects list.
How does the Arc Block work?
The Arc Block helps you drive in the shape of a circle or semicircle. Adjusting the number of degrees traveled determines how much of the circle your robot will trace along, while adjusting the radius determines how large the arc or circle will be. See it in action here!
How does the Repeat Block work?
The Repeat Block is used to create a loop of code that runs over and over a certain amount of times. See it in action here!
If I am a new user, which app should I use?
Welcome to the iRobot Education family! We suggest that all new users jump straight to the iRobot® Coding App. Moving forward, this is the app that we will support and that will receive all of our latest updates. Over time, our legacy Root® Coding app will be phased out, so we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the iRobot® Coding app instead.
Why does the legacy Root® Coding App still exist?
Some of the features included in the legacy Root® Coding App have either been deprecated in favor of new features, or are still under development for the new iRobot® Coding app, which is why the legacy app still exists. These features will be added to the new iRobot® Coding app on an ongoing basis and the goal is for all of our users to transition toward the new iRobot® Coding app, at which time the legacy Root® Coding App will be phased out.
Can I still keep using the legacy Root® Coding app?
If you are currently using the legacy Root® Coding app, we recommend you check out our new app! You may notice a few changes—for example, how our new multitasking system works differently—but you'll still be able to code just like you do on our legacy app.
Although both apps are still available on the App Store right now, new features and updates will only apply to our new iRobot® Coding app. Over time, the Root® coding app will be removed from the App Store.
Please Note: If the Root® Coding App is installed on your iOS device, it will remain on your device even after it is removed from the App Store.
When will the legacy Root® Coding app disappear?
There is no official date on when the legacy app will be removed from the App Store. If you are currently using the legacy Root® Coding app, we recommend you check out our new app! Please take note that we are no longer supporting the legacy app and will only support the new iRobot® Coding app moving forward.
Please Note: The Root® Coding App will remain on your device even after it is removed from the App Store.