When something goes wrong

Most hiccups in MicroChat have a quick fix. Find your situation below.

"The compiled file isn't ready right now"

MicroChat wrote your program — you can see the blocks — but couldn't store the download file yet. It's a temporary storage issue, not a problem with your code.

Fix: wait a minute and click Download again. If it keeps happening, tell your MicroChat administrator.

"Sorry, I was taking too long… Try something simpler."

The program was too complex to build within the time allowed, or it kept hitting errors.

Fix: break your idea into smaller steps. Ask for the first part, then add to it.

My micro:bit won't connect

See Connecting and flashing your micro:bit. In short: use Chrome or Edge on a computer, use a USB cable that carries data, and unplug/replug the micro:bit.

Check spam, wait a minute, and request a new one — only the newest passcode works. School email filters sometimes block MicroChat; ask IT to allow it.

The join code isn't working (students)

Double-check the code and make sure the alias is one from the list. The session may be full, paused, expired, or archived — ask the teacher.

MicroChat won't answer my question

MicroChat only talks about coding, the micro:bit, MakeCode, and Forward Education's kits. Questions outside that get a polite "I can't help with that here."

I ran out of credits

The chat tells you when you're out. See Credits, seats, and plans.

The program isn't what I asked for

Tell MicroChat what you expected: "I wanted the heart to flash, not stay on." It will fix it. For small tweaks you can also open MakeCode and change the blocks yourself.

I reopened a chat and Download is greyed out

That's normal for old chats. Ask for any change and Download comes back.

Something else

Click Feedback? in the left-hand menu to tell the team, or the ? button in the top-right for Forward Education's help resources.