Learn how to install ESP32 in Arduino IDE with this easy, beginner-friendly guide. Follow simple steps to set up, connect, and start programming your ESP32 smoothly.
Everything you need to set up ESP32 in Arduino IDE step by step , If you’ve just bought an ESP32 and want to program it with the Arduino IDE, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to install ESP32 in Arduino IDE in the simplest, most beginner-friendly way possible.
By the end of this long, detailed guide, you’ll be able to install the ESP32 board packages, upload your first program, solve connection errors, and explore ESP32 examples—all without confusion.
This guide is written in a friendly, conversational way because learning embedded systems should not feel like reading a boring manual. So grab a coffee, relax, and let’s start.
What Is ESP32? Why Use It with Arduino IDE?
ESP32 is a powerful Wi-Fi + Bluetooth microcontroller used for IoT projects, automation, smart devices, DIY gadgets, and more. It is fast, affordable, and extremely flexible.
Many beginners like using Arduino IDE because it’s simple, lightweight, and has tons of examples. That’s why learning how to install ESP32 in Arduino IDE is the first step for anyone starting with ESP32.
Requirements Before You Start
To successfully complete the setup, you need:
- A working Internet connection
- Arduino IDE (we’ll install it shortly)
- ESP32 board (DevKit V1, NodeMCU ESP32, or any variant)
- A USB cable (Data cable, not just charging cable)
- USB drivers (we’ll cover this in the connection section)
Once you have these, you’re ready to move ahead.
How to Install Arduino IDE (Windows, Mac, Linux)
You need the Arduino IDE installed before adding ESP32.
For Windows
- Go to Arduino’s official website.
- Download Arduino IDE 2.0 or 1.8 (both work).
- Install it like a normal application.
For Mac
- Download the Mac version from Arduino’s site.
- Drag Arduino into Applications.
For Linux
Linux users can use AppImage or package manager.
Example for Ubuntu:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install arduino
Later, we’ll also talk about install ESP32 Arduino IDE Linux installation specifically.
How to Install ESP32 in Arduino IDE (Most Common Method)
This is the most widely used method and works for both Arduino IDE 1.8 and 2.0.
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Open Arduino IDE
Launch the IDE after installation.
Step 2: Go to Preferences
Open:
File → Preferences
You will see a textbox called Additional Boards Manager URLs.
Step 3: Add ESP32 Board URL
Copy and paste this link:
https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_index.json
If you already have URLs there, just add a comma and paste this link after them.
Step 4: Open Boards Manager
Go to:
Tools → Board → Boards Manager
Step 5: Search for “ESP32”
Type:
ESP32
You will see a package named:
esp32 by Espressif Systems
Click Install.
This step is what people also call:
- installing ESP32 board in Arduino IDE
- installing the ESP32 board in Arduino IDE
- installing ESP32 add-on in Arduino IDE
- installing ESP32 in Arduino IDE
- setup ESP32 in Arduino IDE
All mean the same.
Wait for Download and Installation
It may take a minute depending on your internet speed.
Once installed, you’re ready to select the ESP32 board.
Select Your ESP32 Board
Go to:
Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino → ESP32 Dev Module
(or select your specific model)
This completes the full installation.
Installing ESP32 Board in Arduino IDE 2.0
Arduino IDE 2.0 is the modern version. The steps are the same but menus look slightly cleaner.
Steps:
- Open Arduino IDE 2.0
- File → Preferences
- Paste ESP32 URL
- Tools → Board → Boards Manager
- Search “ESP32”
- Install package
This is the process for:
- installing esp32 board in arduino ide 2.0
- installing esp32 in arduino ide 2.0
Installing ESP32 Board in Arduino IDE 1.8
If you’re using the older IDE version (1.8.x), the steps are identical.
Steps:
- File → Preferences
- Add ESP32 JSON URL
- Tools → Board → Boards Manager
- Search “ESP32”
- Install
- Select ESP32 board
This covers:
- installing esp32 board in arduino ide 1.8
- installing arduino ide for esp32
How to Install ESP32 in Arduino IDE Manually
Some users prefer manual installation, especially when internet restrictions block the Board Manager method.
Here is how to do it:
Download ESP32 Repository
Go to GitHub (Espressif official)
Download the latest ZIP of:
arduino-esp32
Extract the ZIP
Extract it to your system.
Copy Folder to Arduino Hardware Directory
Paste the extracted folder into:
Documents/Arduino/hardware/espressif/esp32
If the esp32 folder does not exist, create it manually.
Run get.exe or get.py
Inside the folder:
- Windows: run get.exe
- Linux/macOS: run get.py
This downloads required tools.
Restart Arduino IDE
Now the ESP32 boards should appear under:
Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino
This completes how to install ESP32 in Arduino IDE manually.
Install ESP32 Arduino IDE Linux (Step-By-Step)
Linux users sometimes get permission issues. Here’s the clean installation method.
Install Arduino IDE
sudo apt update
sudo apt install arduino
Or download AppImage from Arduino’s website.
Add ESP32 URL
Open Arduino IDE → Preferences → Add the JSON link.
Install ESP32 from Boards Manager
Same as Windows.
Fix Permissions (Important)
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
Restart your computer.
Now ESP32 should appear and upload works fine.
Connecting ESP32 to Arduino IDE Correctly
Many beginners struggle with this. Here is how to do it right.
Plug ESP32 Using a Good USB Cable
Make sure your cable supports data.
Many phone cables do NOT.
Install USB Drivers (If Needed)
ESP32 boards use two main drivers:
CP2102 Driver
For ESP32 DevKit most common.
CH340 Driver
For cheaper ESP32 clones.
Install drivers for your OS.
Select the Port
Go to:
Tools → Port → COMx (Windows)
or
/dev/ttyUSB0 (Linux)
or
/dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART (Mac)
This is part of connecting esp32 to arduino ide.
ESP32 Not Connecting to Arduino IDE? (Fixed)
If you’re getting errors like:
- ESP32 not connecting to Arduino IDE
- Failed to upload
- COM port not detected
Here’s how to fix it.
Change USB Cable
Most common issue. Use a data cable.
Install Drivers
Install CP2102 or CH340 driver depending on your board.
Press BOOT Button While Uploading
Some ESP32 boards need manual boot mode.
Hold the BOOT button during upload, then release when you see:
Connecting…..
Select the Correct Board + Port
Tools → Board → ESP32
Tools → Port → correct COM port
Disable Antivirus (2% cases)
Some antivirus interfere with serial ports.
Linux Permission Fix
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
Install ESP32 Filesystem Uploader in Arduino IDE
If you want to upload files to SPIFFS or LittleFS, you need the ESP32 filesystem uploader plugin.
Here is how to install it:
Download Plugin
Search for “ESP32 FS Uploader plugin” (official GitHub).
Copy to Tools Folder
Paste plugin folder in:
Documents/Arduino/tools/
Restart Arduino IDE.
You’ll see a new option:
Tools → ESP32 Sketch Data Upload
This completes install esp32 filesystem uploader in arduino ide.
ESP32 Arduino IDE Examples (Your First Sketch)
Let’s run a simple example to test everything.
Go to:
File → Examples → ESP32 → WiFi → WiFiScan
Open the sketch and upload it.
After uploading:
- Open Serial Monitor
- Set baud rate to 115200
- Press RESET on ESP32
You will see nearby WiFi networks listed.
This confirms your ESP32 is working perfectly.
This also covers SEO term:
esp32 arduino ide examples
Understanding ESP32 Board Manager Options
The ESP32 package comes with many boards:
Before selecting any of these boards in Arduino IDE, it’s helpful to understand their pin functions clearly. You can check a complete pinout explanation here: https://embeddedprep.com/esp32-pinout-explained/. Choose the correct board for your project to avoid upload issues and ensure smooth programming.
FAQs : How to Install ESP32 in Arduino IDE
1. How do I install ESP32 in Arduino?
Add ESP32 URL in Arduino IDE → open Boards Manager → install ESP32 package.
2. What is the difference between installing ESP32 board in Arduino IDE and installing ESP32 add-on in Arduino IDE?
Both mean the same thing. The add-on is just the board package you install via Boards Manager.
3. How to add ESP32 to Arduino IDE manually?
Download GitHub repo → copy to hardware folder → run get.exe/get.py → restart IDE.
4. ESP32 not connecting to Arduino IDE?
Check USB drivers, change the cable, select correct port, or press BOOT while uploading.
5. How do I fix “Failed to connect to ESP32: Timed out”?
Hold BOOT button during upload or change the USB port.
6. Can I install ESP32 Arduino IDE Linux version?
Yes. Install Arduino + add ESP32 URL + fix serial permissions.
7. Does ESP32 work on Arduino IDE 2.0?
Yes. Just install it through the Boards Manager.
8. Do I need drivers for connecting ESP32 to Arduino IDE?
Yes. Install CP2102 or CH340 drivers.
9. Where can I find ESP32 Arduino IDE examples?
File → Examples → ESP32
10. How do I install ESP32 filesystem uploader in Arduino IDE?
Download FS Uploader plugin → paste inside Arduino/tools folder.
11. Why is installing the ESP32 board in Arduino IDE necessary?
Because without it, Arduino IDE cannot compile or upload code to ESP32.
12. Is installing Arduino IDE for ESP32 easy?
Yes. Even beginners can do it in 5 minutes with this guide.
Final Thoughts
You’ve now learned how to install ESP32 in Arduino IDE step by step in the simplest way possible. We also covered:
- installing ESP32 board in Arduino IDE 2.0
- installing ESP32 board in Arduino IDE 1.8
- installing ESP32 add-on in Arduino IDE
- manual installation methods
- Linux installation
- fixing ESP32 not connecting issues
- installing ESP32 filesystem uploader
- exploring ESP32 Arduino IDE examples
If you follow everything carefully, your ESP32 will run perfectly on Arduino IDE, and you’re ready to build IoT projects, automation tools, smart home gadgets, and more.
Mr. Raj Kumar is a highly experienced Technical Content Engineer with 7 years of dedicated expertise in the intricate field of embedded systems. At Embedded Prep, Raj is at the forefront of creating and curating high-quality technical content designed to educate and empower aspiring and seasoned professionals in the embedded domain.
Throughout his career, Raj has honed a unique skill set that bridges the gap between deep technical understanding and effective communication. His work encompasses a wide range of educational materials, including in-depth tutorials, practical guides, course modules, and insightful articles focused on embedded hardware and software solutions. He possesses a strong grasp of embedded architectures, microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), firmware development, and various communication protocols relevant to the embedded industry.
Raj is adept at collaborating closely with subject matter experts, engineers, and instructional designers to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and pedagogical effectiveness of the content. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to clarity are instrumental in transforming complex embedded concepts into easily digestible and engaging learning experiences. At Embedded Prep, he plays a crucial role in building a robust knowledge base that helps learners master the complexities of embedded technologies.
