iRobot Coding App Support

Device Compatibility and Connecting with Robots

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

  • Learning Level 1 uses drag-and-drop, graphical blocks to teach the fundamental logic skills of coding. No reading skills are required for this level.
  • Learning Level 2 builds computational fluency with hybrid blocks that feature a mixture of graphics and coding script.
  • Learning Level 3 uses full-text code to teach the structure and syntax of professional coding languages, including the powerful and intuitive Python.

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?

All of the lessons and activities are visible in the Content Manager when you open the App. Although not all of the materials in the iRobot Education Learning Library are 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.

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:

  • Use It Across Even More Devices: Our new and improved iRobot® Coding App is available on iOS, Android, Windows, Chrome, and macOS!
  • Share Your Projects with a Single Code: Upload your projects to the cloud, then share them with others using a simple five-digit code.
  • Explore a New Way to Draw Circles and Curves: Give your artistic skills a boost by taking advantage of our new arc block that makes it easier to draw circles and curves. See it in action here!
  • Loop Code from the Beginning: Now available in Learning Level 1, use the Repeat Block make your projects flexible, shorter, and even more fun by creating a loop of code that runs over and over. See it in action here!
  • Do More at Once: Now you can multitask by driving, flashing lights and playing music all at the same time! See it in action here!

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!

Why can't I download the legacy Root® Coding App?

We're sorry, but the Root Coding App has been retired and is no longer accepting new downloads. To continue your experience, please download the new and improved iRobot Coding App on the App Store, Google Play store, or visit code.irobot.com using a Chrome or Edge browser.The iRobot Coding App is where all of our latest features and activities live, including our 3D simulator environment and interactive 3D challenges. While you may notice that a few features are missing, we are committed to bringing you the same experience you've always had with the Root Coding App. Thank you for your support!

Please Note: If the Root® Coding App is installed on your iOS device, it will remain on your device until deleted.