Install the SPIKE App
The SPIKE App is the official programming software - both Word Blocks and Python live inside it.
Download
- Desktop (recommended): get the SPIKE App for Windows or macOS from education.lego.com.
- Tablet: search "LEGO Education SPIKE" in the App Store / Google Play.
- Web: open spike.legoeducation.com directly - no install needed (requires a Web Bluetooth capable browser such as Chrome/Edge).
For FLL training use the desktop or web version: bigger screen, comfortable Python editing, cleaner program management.
Connect the hub
Two options:
- USB cable: hub's USB port to your computer. Most stable, fastest downloads - recommended for practice.
- Bluetooth: press the Bluetooth button on the hub (light blinks), then pick your hub in the app. Handy at competitions.
Once connected, the app shows the hub's battery level and connection status.
Update the firmware
On first connection the app usually prompts for a hub firmware update. Do it - many Word Blocks and Python features depend on recent firmware. Don't unplug or power off during the update.
Know the interface
When creating a project, choose the language:
- Word Blocks: drag-and-drop graphical blocks, the place to start.
- Python: text code editor, for later.
Key areas of the programming screen:
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Block palette (left) | All blocks by category: Motors, Movement, Light, Sound, Events, Control, Sensors, Operators, Variables, My Blocks |
| Canvas (center) | Drag blocks here to build programs |
| Download/Run button | Sends the program to the hub and runs it |
| Hub connection panel | Shows what's plugged into each port, with live sensor readings |
The hub connection panel is a debugging gem
It shows live motor angles and sensor values per port. Tuning a line-follow threshold or hunting a wiring problem? Look here first.
Program slots
The hub stores multiple programs (slots 0-19). Pick a slot when downloading; offline, use the hub's left/right buttons to select a slot and the center button to start. FLL runs entirely on this: at the table the robot is not connected to a computer.
Next: your first program.