CircuitPython is a derivative of MicroPython designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the CIRCUITPY drive to iterate.

CircuitPython Quickstart

Follow this step-by-step to quickly get CircuitPython running on your board.

Plug your board into your computer, using a known-good data-sync cable, directly, or via an adapter if needed.

Click the reset button once (highlighted in red above), and then click it again when you see the RGB status LED(s) (highlighted in green above) turn purple (approximately half a second later). Sometimes it helps to think of it as a "slow double-click" of the reset button.

If you do not see the LED turning purple, you will need to reinstall the UF2 bootloader. See the Factory Reset page in this guide for details.

On some very old versions of the UF2 bootloader, the status LED turns red instead of purple.

Once successful, you will see the RGB status LED(s) turn green (highlighted in green above), and a disk drive ending in "...BOOT" should appear on your host computer. If you see red, try another port, or if you're using an adapter or hub, try without the hub, or different adapter or hub.

If double-clicking doesn't work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right!

A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! Make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.

Copy or drag the UF2 file you downloaded to the BOOT drive.