Everything you need, zero assumptions, no missing steps

This guide gets you from new board → first working program in the simplest and shortest way possible.

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1. What You Need

Use these items:

• ESP32 development board (ESP32-DevKitC, NodeMCU-32S, or similar)
• USB cable (USB-A to Micro-USB or USB-C depending on your board)
• Computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Internet connection

No breadboard or extra parts needed for this guide.

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2. Install Arduino IDE

The Arduino IDE is the simplest way to program an ESP32.

Windows

1. Go to the official page: arduino.cc → Software → Downloads
2. Download Windows Installer.
3. Run it → press Next until finished.

macOS

1. Download the macOS zip from Arduino.cc
2. Open it → drag Arduino.app to Applications.

Linux

1. Download the Linux AppImage
2. Right-click → Properties → enable Allow executing file as program.
3. Double-click to run.

You’re done. No configuration needed yet.

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3. Add ESP32 Support to Arduino IDE

The IDE doesn’t include ESP32 boards by default. Add them once.

1. Open Arduino IDE
2. Go to File → Preferences
3. Find the field “Additional Boards Manager URLs”
4. Paste this URL:

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

5. Press OK
6. Now go to Tools → Board → Boards Manager
7. Search for ESP32
8. Install “esp32 by Espressif Systems”

This gives you all official ESP32 boards.

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4. Select the Correct ESP32 Board

Do this before uploading code.

1. Go to Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino
2. Select:
   • “ESP32 Dev Module” (works for 90% of generic boards)
     or
   • Choose your exact model if you know it.

If in doubt → choose ESP32 Dev Module.
It works with all DevKitC / NodeMCU-32S boards.

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5. Connect Your ESP32

1. Plug USB cable into your ESP32
2. Plug the other end into your computer
3. Go to Tools → Port
4. Select the port that appears (e.g., COM3 on Windows, /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART on macOS)

If no port appears, install the driver:

For boards with CH340 USB chip

Windows/macOS driver: search “CH340 driver” (WCH official)

For boards with CP2102 USB chip

Install CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP driver from Silicon Labs.

Once installed → reopen Arduino → choose the new port.

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6. Upload Your First Program (“Blink”)

This confirms the board works.

1. Go to File → Examples → 01.Basics → Blink
2. Replace the default LED pin with 2 (most ESP32 boards use GPIO 2):

void setup() {
  pinMode(2, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(2, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
  digitalWrite(2, LOW);
  delay(1000);
}

3. Press the Upload arrow (top left)
4. If you see “Connecting…”, press and hold BOOT, then release when upload starts.

After upload → LED should blink.

If yes → your setup works 100%.

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7. Common Problems (Fast Fixes)

Problem: “Failed to connect to ESP32: Timed out”

Try these:

• Hold BOOT button during upload
• Change USB cable (many are power-only)
• Use a different USB port
• Select the correct COM port
• Try a slower upload speed:
  Tools → Upload Speed → 115200

Problem: No COM port appears

• Install CH340 or CP2102 driver
• Try another cable
• Try another PC port
• Reopen Arduino IDE

Problem: Blinking LED does not blink

• Try GPIO 2, 4, or 5
• Very cheap boards sometimes lack built-in LEDs

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8. What to Do Next (Short Path)

A. Connect to WiFi (simple test)

#include <WiFi.h>

const char* ssid = "YOUR_WIFI";
const char* pass = "YOUR_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  WiFi.begin(ssid, pass);

  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }

  Serial.println("\nConnected");
  Serial.print("IP: ");
  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
}

void loop() {}

Upload → open Serial Monitor @ 115200 → you should see your IP.