Creating mobile apps with MIT App Inventor is an exciting journey, and seeing your creations come to life on your Android device in real-time is part of the magic. To bridge your computer and your Android phone or tablet seamlessly, the MIT App Inventor Companion app is essential. This guide will walk you through the simple process of using a scan wifi QR code android feature to establish a connection and start live testing your apps.
Step 1: Install the MIT App Inventor Companion App on Your Android Device
First things first, you need the free MIT App Inventor Companion app on your Android device. Think of this app as the bridge that displays your app creations directly from your computer onto your mobile screen.
Head over to the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet and search for “MIT App Inventor Companion”. Alternatively, you can quickly access the app page using the button below:
Tap “Install” and let the app download and install. This is a one-time setup – once installed, the Companion app stays on your device, ready for all your future App Inventor projects.
For users with iOS devices, please note that there are some differences in the iOS version. You can find specific tips and details for iOS on this page.
Another quick way to get the app is by scanning a QR code directly from your device. Use your Android’s built-in QR code scanner or a dedicated QR code reader app to scan the Android QR code provided below:
Step 2: Ensure Both Devices are on the Same WiFi Network
For your computer running MIT App Inventor and your Android device running the Companion app to communicate, they must be connected to the same WiFi network. This shared network is how App Inventor instantly displays your app as you build it.
Make sure both your computer and your Android device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network name. For a more detailed explanation about the WiFi connection requirements, you can refer to this page.
Step 3: Connect Your App Inventor Project by Scanning the QR Code
Now, with the Companion app installed and both devices on the same WiFi, let’s connect your project.
Open your MIT App Inventor project on your computer. If you’re just starting, create a new project by clicking on Project > Start New Project and give it a name.
Next, at the top menu in your browser where App Inventor is running, click on “Connect” and then select “AI Companion”:
A dialog box will pop up on your computer screen displaying a QR code.
On your Android device, open the MIT App Inventor Companion app. You’ll see a “Scan QR code” button prominently displayed. Tap this button, and your device’s camera will activate, ready to scan. Point your camera at the QR code shown on your computer screen within the App Inventor window.
Upon successful scan wifi qr code android, you’ll see your app appear on your Android device within seconds! This is the “live testing” feature in action. As you make changes to your app’s design or blocks in App Inventor on your computer, you’ll see those changes reflected instantly on your Android device.
If, for any reason, scanning the QR code doesn’t work, or if your device lacks a QR scanner, you can manually enter the six-character code displayed below the QR code on your computer screen into the Companion app on your device. Type the six characters into the text area and tap the orange “Connect with code” button.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If your app isn’t showing up on your device after following these steps, here are a few common troubleshooting tips:
- Outdated Companion App: Ensure you have the latest version of the MIT App Inventor Companion app. Download it again from the links above to be sure.
- WiFi Connection on Device: Double-check that your Android device is connected to WiFi. Look for an IP address at the bottom of the Companion app screen – this indicates a successful WiFi connection.
- Same WiFi Network: The most frequent issue is devices being on different WiFi networks. Verify that both your computer and Android device are connected to the exact same WiFi network name.
- Network Restrictions: Some networks, especially school or organizational networks, might have protocols that prevent this type of WiFi connection. If this is the case, explore using the emulator or a USB cable connection as alternative testing methods. Return to the main setup page for these options.
Start building and testing your mobile apps effortlessly by leveraging the scan wifi qr code android connection method with MIT App Inventor and the Companion app!
