Developing mobile apps with MIT App Inventor is an exciting journey, and seeing your creation come to life on your iPhone in real-time is part of the fun. The MIT App Inventor Companion app makes this live testing seamless. Connecting your iPhone to App Inventor via WiFi using a QR code scan is a quick and efficient method. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to scan a QR code for WiFi connection on your iPhone using the App Inventor Companion, ensuring you can test your apps as you build them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect via QR Code
Connecting your iPhone to MIT App Inventor using a QR code involves a few straightforward steps. Ensure both your computer and your iPhone are on the same WiFi network for a smooth connection.
Step 1: Download and Install the MIT App Inventor Companion App on your iPhone
First, you need the MIT App Inventor Companion app on your iPhone. This app is available on the Apple App Store.
Simply open the App Store app on your iPhone and search for “MIT App Inventor Companion”. Alternatively, you can click the button above or scan the QR code provided below to go directly to the app page. Once you find it, tap “Install” to download and install the app on your device. This installation is a one-time process; the app will remain on your iPhone for all your future App Inventor projects.
Step 2: Ensure Both Devices are on the Same WiFi Network
For the App Inventor Companion to work its magic, both your computer running the App Inventor software and your iPhone running the Companion app must be connected to the same WiFi network. This is crucial for establishing a connection and enabling live testing. Double-check your WiFi settings on both devices to confirm they are on the same network.
Step 3: Connect Your App Inventor Project by Scanning the QR Code
With the Companion app installed and both devices on the same WiFi, you’re ready to connect your App Inventor project to your iPhone.
- Open your project in App Inventor: Go to the App Inventor website on your computer and open the project you wish to test. If you’re starting fresh, create a new project by selecting “Project” > “Start New Project”.
- Initiate the connection: In your App Inventor project, navigate to the top menu and click on “Connect”, then select “AI Companion”.
Connecting to AI Companion in App Inventor project menu.
- Scan the QR code: A QR code will now appear on your computer screen in a dialog box. Launch the MIT AI2 Companion app on your iPhone. In the Companion app, you will see a “Scan QR code” button. Tap this button and use your iPhone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on your computer.
Once scanned, the Companion app will connect to your App Inventor project. Within moments, you should see the app you are building appear on your iPhone screen. As you make changes in App Inventor on your computer, you will see those changes reflected live on your iPhone. This feature, known as “live testing,” allows you to develop and test your app simultaneously.
If scanning the QR code isn’t working, or if your device lacks a QR code scanner, you can use the six-character code provided below the QR code on your computer screen. Type this code into the “Connect with code” text area in the Companion app and press the orange “Connect with code” button.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If your app doesn’t show up on your iPhone, here are a few common troubleshooting steps:
- Outdated Companion App: Ensure you have the latest version of the MIT App Inventor Companion app installed. Download or update it from the App Store.
- WiFi Connection on Device: Verify that your iPhone is connected to WiFi. The AI Companion app should display an IP address at the bottom of the screen if connected.
- Same WiFi Network: Double-check that both your computer and iPhone are connected to the same WiFi network name.
- Network Restrictions: Some networks, like school or organizational networks, might have protocols that prevent the Companion app from connecting. If this is the case, consider using the emulator for testing or a USB connection as alternative methods. More information on these options can be found on the main setup page.
Start building and testing your innovative apps today! With the MIT App Inventor Companion and QR code connection, bringing your app ideas to life on your iPhone has never been easier.
