Now we are ready for the moment of truth, it's time to plug your Circuit Playground in and power it up. The easiest way to do this is to plug one end of the USB cable into the 'Play and the other end into a computer. The computer will then power the Circuit Playground.

You'll need a USB cable with a slim Micro B-type end:

Make sure that the USB cable is plugged in directly to a computer port. Sometimes monitors or keyboards have a USB port you can plug into. Most of the time this is fine, but I strongly suggest you plug it directly into the computer as that will eliminate any possible problems. Same goes for USB hubs - skip those for now and go direct

Later on, once you've verified you can power the Circuit Playground and upload sketches no problem, then you can try plugging it into other ports.

OK anyways, so plug int he USB cable and check that your board looks like this:

In particular, make sure the green ON LED is lit!

If this is the first time you're plugging in your Circuit Playground fresh from the factory, the red L LED and and NeoPixels might also be lit or blinking - this is normal.

If no lights or blinking occurs, double check:

  • Is the USB cable plugged into the computer and into the Circuit Playground?
  • Try another USB cable
  • Check there's nothing metallic touching the Circuit Playground that could be shorting out the device
  • Is the computer on?
  • Try another USB port, USB cable, and computer?

If you still can't get it working, your Circuit Playground may be faulty and need replacement!

Bootloader Reset Test

Next up, you can do a quick bootloader test - this will let you know that the Circuit Playground chip has been programmed with a bootloader which is required!

While powered, double click the Reset button - you will see the #13 red LED breathe/pulse on and off. It will pulse about 10 times, once per second

If you get both the green ON LED lit and the red #13 LED to pulse you are well on your way and have passed the power up test!

This guide was first published on Jul 19, 2016. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Power Up Test) was last updated on Jul 18, 2016.

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