TI84 Plus CE Programs: Complete Setup Guide for Your Calculator

Want to make your TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus CE Python calculator even more powerful?
In this quick guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to get started: from setting up your calculator to installing free programs like the TI-84 Plus CE Starter Bundle.

⚠️ Important: These programs are not compatible with TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, or older models.

Whether you're preparing for Algebra, the SAT, Chemistry, or Physics, these steps will save you time and make your calculator a true study tool.

👇 Watch the full video below, or follow the step-by-step instructions!

👆 Watch: How to get your TI-84 Plus CE ready for free programs!

🛠️ What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • A TI-84 Plus CE or TI-84 Plus CE Python calculator
  • The charging/data cable that comes with your calculator
  • A desktop or laptop computer (Windows or Mac)

💻 Step 1: Download TI Connect CE

You’ll need TI’s free software called TI Connect CE so your calculator and computer can communicate.

👉 Download TI Connect CE for FREE here

Make sure you download the version that matches your computer (Windows or Mac).


🔌 Step 2: Connect Your Calculator

  • Plug your TI-84 Plus CE (or CE Python) calculator into your computer using the cable.
  • Open TI Connect CE.
  • Check that your calculator is detected. (It usually appears automatically as an icon in the upper-left portion of your TI Connect CE software!)

🚨 Step 3: Check and Update Your OS (CRUCIAL!)

STOP! If your calculator's operating system (OS) is not at least 5.4 or higher, programs will not function correctly. This is the #1 reason for installation failure.

  1. Inside TI Connect CE, find your calculator's OS Version (usually listed when the calculator is detected).
  2. If you are not running at least OS 5.4 or higher, you must update it now.

👉 Download the Latest OS Update from TI

Once your OS is updated, you're ready to download your programs!


📥 Step 4: Download the Free Starter Bundle

Start with something free — download the TI-84 Starter Bundle to get familiar with the process!

✅ Programs included:

  • QUAD (Quadratic Solver)
  • ASOLVE (First-Degree Equation Solver)
  • DERAD (Radical Simplifier)
  • DECFRAC (Decimal to Fraction Converter)

👉 Download your Free Starter Bundle here

After checkout, you'll receive a link and the program files attached directly to your email.


🚀 Step 5: Install Your New Programs

  • Open TI Connect CE.
  • Click "Send to Calculators."
  • Select the .8xp files you downloaded (from your email attachment).
  • Send them to your calculator!

Now you’ll find your programs under the PRGM key on your TI-84.


🎓 See the Programs in Action

Want to learn how to use your new programs?
Check out the mcstutoring YouTube Channel where you’ll find short videos showing exactly how each one works.

👉 Visit the mcstutoring YouTube Channel here


📌 Final Tips

  • Save the download email so you always have access to your Free Starter Bundle.
  • Look around for other free resources and helpful programs on mcstutoring.com.
  • Check the TI-84 Plus CE Program TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE for help. It will likely resolve 95–99% of your issues.

Reach out if you have any questions — help is just a message away!