The core micro:bit editors, Microsoft MakeCode and the micro:bit Python Editor, work offline on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux. This page explains how to access and install them so that you can use them without an internet connection.

You will need an internet connection to use micro:bit CreateAI, micro:bit classroom or our mobile apps.

The micro:bit device itself cannot connect to the internet directly, and most micro:bit programs, once installed on the micro:bit device, require no connection to a computer or the internet to function.

Microsoft MakeCode

There are several ways to use MakeCode offline, depending on your situation:

• If you want an installable version of MakeCode that works offline on Windows and macOS that don’t have an internet connection, you can use the MakeCode Offline App.
• For patchy internet connections, once you have fully loaded MakeCode in your browser, revisiting makecode.microbit.org with or without an internet connection will allow you to access MakeCode. This works on all modern browsers including Safari and Chrome on desktop, mobile, and tablet.

Both these approaches have some limitations, such as using particular extensions when offline and being unable to sign in.

micro:bit Python Editor

The micro:bit Python Editor works offline once it has been initially loaded.

To install the Python Editor for offline use:

• First visit, https://python.microbit.org/ in the Chrome or Edge browser.
• Once the editor has loaded, or you can install it as a “progressive web app” using your browser by following these instructions for Chrome and Edge. This will install a shortcut on your computer for accessing the app when offline.

If you have not explicitly installed the editor or are using Firefox or Safari, but have loaded it once you can still use it in your browser by returning to this specific URL: https://python.microbit.org/v/3

If you need to use a different user interface language, you will need to change the language when you are online so that it can be used when you are offline.

Data logging

Data logging using the micro:bit V2 works offline.

What is not supported offline

You will need internet connection to use the following:

• micro:bit CreateAI
• micro:bit classroom
• mobile apps

If you would like offline support, please create a support ticket in our support site to let us know the scenarios in which offline support would be useful to help inform future plans.