ARDUINO IDE · ESP32 SETUP GUIDE

Get ESP32 running in Arduino IDE

Follow these 6 steps to install ESP32 board support, fix the CP210x / CH340 USB drivers, select your COM port and upload your first sketch. Written by Boopathi Mahendran, IoT and embedded systems developer.

PREF URL https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_index.json

Step 01

Install Arduino IDE

  1. Go to arduino.cc/en/software and download the latest version.
  2. Run the installer and open Arduino IDE.

Step 02

Add ESP32 Board URL

  1. Open Arduino IDE.
  2. Go to File → Preferences.
  3. Find Additional Boards Manager URLs field.
  4. Paste the URL below and click OK.
https://espressif.github.io/arduino-esp32/package_esp32_index.json

This URL tells Arduino IDE where to find and download ESP32 board files.

Step 03

Install ESP32 Boards

  1. Go to Tools → Board → Boards Manager.
  2. Search for ESP32.
  3. Install esp32 by Espressif Systems.
esp32 by Espressif Systems

The IDE will download the compiler, libraries, and toolchain automatically.

Step 04

Select Your ESP32 Board

  1. Go to Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino.
  2. Select ESP32 Dev Module (or your specific board).
Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino → ESP32 Dev Module

Step 05

Select COM Port

  1. Connect your ESP32 to your PC via USB.
  2. Go to Tools → Port.
  3. Select the COM port that appears (e.g. COM3).

If no port appears, install the USB driver — see the Drivers section below.

Step 06

Test Upload

  1. Open File → Examples → WiFi → WiFiScan.
  2. Click the Upload button (→).
  3. If upload succeeds — setup is complete
File → Examples → WiFi → WiFiScan

Tip: If upload fails, hold the BOOT button on the ESP32 just as you click Upload.

Quick Reference
1Install Arduino IDE
2File → Preferences → add board URL
3Tools → Board → Boards Manager
4Install esp32 by Espressif Systems
5Select ESP32 Dev Module
6Select COM Port
7Upload WiFiScan example

Optional

USB Drivers (if port missing)

If your COM port doesn't show up, install the matching USB driver for your board chip:

CP210x Driver Most genuine ESP32 boards · Silicon Labs chip ⬇ Download ZIP CH340 Driver Clone / cheap ESP32 boards · WCH chip ⬇ Visit Download Page
CP210x

CP210x Driver Install

Most genuine ESP32 boards
  1. Download CP210x USB to UART Driver
  2. Extract the ZIP and run the installer.
  3. Restart your computer.
AFTER INSTALL Device Manager → Ports → Silicon Labs CP210x (COMx)
CH340

CH340 Driver Install

Clone / budget ESP32 boards
  1. Download CH340 Driver from the WCH website.
  2. Run the setup file and complete installation.
  3. Restart your PC.
AFTER INSTALL USB-SERIAL CH340 (COMx)

Check

Verify Connection

  1. Connect ESP32 to your PC using a USB cable.
  2. Open Arduino IDE.
  3. Go to Tools → Port.
  4. Select the new COM port that appears.
Tools → Port → Select your COM port

Fix

If Still Not Working

  • Use a data USB cable — charging-only cables won't work.
  • Change USB port — try a different port on your machine.
  • Press BOOT button on the ESP32 right as you click Upload.
  • Restart Arduino IDE and try again after driver install.
Driver Setup · Quick Summary
1Connect ESP32 via USB
2Install CP210x or CH340 driver
3Restart PC after install
4Open Arduino IDE
5Tools → Port → select COM port