1. Quick Checks

Before troubleshooting, make sure:

1. Linkbot is powered on
2. Battery is charged
3. Wireless dongle is plugged in and the blue light is on
4. Try having only one RoboBlocky tab open
5. Linkbot Labs (Windows/Mac) or Linkbot Manager (Chromebook) is running

For more information: follow the instructions in the lesson on Connect a Hardware Linkbot (Windows/Mac) or Connect a Hardware Linkbot (Chromebooks).

Note: No software installation is needed for Chromebooks, but Linkbot Manager must remain open in a tab.

 

2. Reconnect the Linkbot

If the robot doesn't connect:

1. Turn the Linkbot off and back on 
2. Click Connect again
3. Delete any existing Linkbots from the sidebar and reconnect
4. Try a different USB port for the dongle
5. Try a different wireless dongle (if available) 
6. Connect using a micro USB cable instead of the dongle

Some computers may require 2–3 connection attempts. 
 

3. Power Issues
 

If the Linkbot turns off and won’t turn back on:

1. Connect it to power with a micro USB cable 
2. Wait a few seconds then disconnect the cable
3. Try powering it on again

4. Browser Permissions (Windows/Mac only)

Recent Chrome and Edge updates may block communication with Linkbot software. You can update your settings by following the steps shown below:

Chrome: Site Settings u2192 App on Device u2192 Allow
Add: https://roboblocky.com:433
Refresh RoboBlocky after updating permissions.
   

Edge: Settings u2192 Privacy, Search, and Services u2192 All Permissions u2192 Apps on Device
Add: https://roboblocky.com:433
Refresh RoboBlocky after updating permissions.
 

5. Restart the Linkbot Service

If after several attempts the Linkbot does not connect, or it keeps losing the connection, you may need to restart the Linkbot Service program.

(a) Windows:

1. Right-click the L icon in the system tray and select: Restart Linkbot Service

If needed: Stop Linkbot Service then Start Linkbot Service
No L icon? Restart the computer.
 

(b) Mac:

1. Use Chrome (Safari is not supported) 
2. Click the L icon in the menu bar
3. Select Restart Linkbot Service 

If needed: Stop Linkbot Service then Start Linkbot Service
No L icon? Restart the computer.

(c) Chromebook: 

1. Keep the Linkbot Manager tab open
2. Close and reopen Linkbot Manager 
3. Verify dongle shows a green "Dongle status: connected" message in the Linkbot IDE extension window (it may take a few seconds.)

6. Messages about Updating Firmware, or Other Problems

If you receive messages about firmware needing updating, or have other problems, see this FAQ page for guidance. 

7. Last Resort

If all else fails, restarting the computer can help.