Connect ESP32 to Wi-Fi

Understand the target result

Join a wireless network and monitor connection progress without exposing credentials. The expected result is: The ESP32 receives a local IP address and stays connected.

Prepare the board and parts

Disconnect the ESP32 from USB. Put the ESP32, breadboard, jumper wires, and the listed lesson parts in front of you. Straighten bent pins gently and never force a module into the breadboard.

Make each connection with power off

1. Connect the ESP32 to the computer with a data-capable USB cable.
2. No external circuit is required.
3. Use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network; many ESP32 boards cannot join a 5 GHz-only network.

Install any library and upload the code

No additional Arduino library is required for this starter sketch. Select your ESP32 board and serial port before clicking Upload.

#include <WiFi.h>
const char* ssid = "YOUR_WIFI_NAME";
const char* password = "YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD";
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) { delay(500); Serial.print('.'); }
  Serial.print("\nIP address: " ); Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
}
void loop() {}

Power the circuit and observe

Connect USB power only after the wiring check. Open Serial Monitor at 115200 baud when the sketch prints data. Watch the circuit for at least 20 seconds and compare it with this expected behavior: The ESP32 receives a local IP address and stays connected.

Change one value and test again

Make one small change—such as a delay, threshold, brightness, or displayed message—then upload again. This confirms that you understand which part of the program controls the result.