Installing and Configuring Arduino IDE for ESP32

To get started with your ESP32, you will need to install the Arduino IDE and add support for ESP32 boards. This lesson walks you through the setup step by step so you can confirm your computer and ESP32 are ready to use.

By the end of this lesson, you will have the Arduino IDE installed, ESP32 board support enabled, and your first program uploaded successfully.

This lesson is part of our ESP32 tutorials series, where we walk through ESP32 projects step by step for beginners.

Step 1 – Download and install the Arduino IDE

1. Open your web browser
2. Go to the official Arduino website
   https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
3. Download the latest Arduino IDE for your operating system
4. Run the installer and follow the prompts

During installation:

• Click I Agree

• Select either option and click Next

• Use the default installation path and click Install

You should now have successfully installed the Arduino IDE. The steps are similar on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Direct download links:

• Windows
• Linux
• macOS

Step 2 – Open the Arduino IDE

When the Arduino IDE opens for the first time, you should see a blank editor window. If prompted to install additional components, allow the IDE to proceed.

Step 3 – Add ESP32 board support

The Arduino IDE does not include ESP32 support by default. You must install it using the Board Manager.

1. Click Tools
2. Click Board
3. Click Board Manager

In the Board Manager window:

1. Search for esp32
2. Find esp32 by Espressif Systems
3. Click Install

The installation may take a few minutes to complete.

Step 4 – Select the ESP32 board

1. Click Tools
2. Click Board
3. Select your ESP32 board model. If you're unsure which board you have or are using one of our kits, select ESP32 Dev Module

Step 5 – Connect the ESP32 and select the port

1. Click Tools
2. Click Port
3. Take note of the available ports
4. Connect your ESP32 to your computer using a USB cable
5. Select the new port that appears

If no new port appears, try a different USB cable or USB port. Some ESP32 boards require USB to serial drivers to be installed.

Step 6 – Upload the Blink example

The Blink example is a simple test that confirms your ESP32 is working correctly.

1. Click File
2. Click Examples
3. Click Basics
4. Click Blink

ESP32 boards do not define LED_BUILTIN by default. Add the following line at the very top of the sketch.

#define LED_BUILTIN 2

Click the Upload button to send the code to your ESP32.

If the upload completes without errors, the built in LED on your ESP32 should begin blinking.

How the code works

This program turns the ESP32 built in LED on and off once every second.

• #define LED_BUILTIN 2 sets the GPIO pin used for the LED
• setup() runs once when the ESP32 starts
• loop() runs repeatedly while the board is powered
• digitalWrite() controls the LED state
• delay(1000) pauses execution for one second

ESP32 Lessons

• ESP32 Tutorials Hub
• Lesson 1: ESP32 Setup using Arduino IDE
• Lesson 2: ESP32 Libraries and Using the Serial Monitor
• Lesson 3: ESP32 LED Blink
• Lesson 4: ESP32 Using a Passive Buzzer Tutorial

Lesson complete

You have successfully installed the Arduino IDE, configured it for ESP32 development, and uploaded your first program. If you don't have an ESP32 yet, have a look through our ESP32 guide, exploring popular models, features and applications. Ready to grab a board? Check out our selection of ESP32 boards available.

Next lesson: Installing Libraries and Using the Serial Monitor