Wokwi Arduino ESP32 Simulator Complete Guide
Introduction: What is Wokwi online Simulator?
Wokwi is a powerful and easy-to-use online simulator for Arduino, ESP32, and IoT projects. Unlike traditional tools that require complex setup and physical hardware, Wokwi allows users to:
- Simulate microcontrollers in a browser
- Test sensors, actuators, displays, and cloud interaction
- Debug and test code before uploading to real hardware
- Collaborate and share projects with a simple URL
Whether you’re a student, educator, or IoT developer, Wokwi online simulator empowers you to build, test, and refine your code without touching physical devices.
Why Wokwi online Simulator is Becoming the #1 IoT Simulation Tool
- Runs in Browser: No installation or downloads required
- Ideal for Beginners: Easy-to-use interface
- Supports Advanced Devices: ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi Pico
- Cloud-Compatible Projects: Simulate HTTP, MQTT, JSON, APIs
- Real-Time Debugging: View live pin values and memory usage
- Open Source + GitHub integration
Getting Started with Wokwi Online Simulator
Step 1: Visit the Wokwi Website
- Open your browser and visit: https://wokwi.com
- You can see Simulate with Wokwi Online under click, Arduino, ESP32, STM 32, Pi Pico as per your requirement and if you need further guidance click on ‘DOCS’ tab right top corner shown below images
Step 2: Create a New Project
- Click “New Project” and select:
- Arduino UNO
- ESP32 DevKit
- ESP8266
- A new simulation workspace opens with a code editor, schematic editor, and serial monitor.
Step 3: Write or Paste Your Code
Wokwi supports C/C++ code written in Arduino IDE style. You can directly paste Arduino code into the editor. (check above image)
Step 4: Add Components via Diagram View
Click the “Add Part” button and search for:
- Sensors: DHT22, MQ-2, Ultrasonic
- Actuators: LED, Servo, Motor
- Displays: OLED, LCD 1602, 7-Segment
- Communication Modules: MQTT, Wi-Fi, HTTP Client
Drag and drop to connect parts using the graphical interface. (check above image)
Wokwi ESP32 Simulator: ESP32 IoT Projects Made Simple
ESP32 is a popular microcontroller for Wi-Fi and BLE-enabled IoT applications. Wokwi’s simulator for ESP32 supports:
- Wi-Fi (simulated)
- HTTP GET/POST
- MQTT publishing and subscribing
- Built-in OLED support
- JSON parsing using ArduinoJson
Example Project: Simulate ESP32 + NTP clock
Below is the result of Wokwi ESP32 simulator +NTP clock
Example Project DIY: Simulate ESP32 + DHT22 + MQTT
Goal: Simulate ESP32 reading temperature from a DHT22 sensor and publishing it via MQTT.
Code Overview:
#include <WiFi.h>
#include <PubSubClient.h>
#include "DHT.h"
#define DHTPIN 15
#define DHTTYPE DHT22
const char* ssid = "Wokwi-GUEST";
const char* password = "";
const char* mqttServer = "broker.hivemq.com";
const int mqttPort = 1883;
const char* topic = "iotdunia/dht22";
WiFiClient espClient;
PubSubClient client(espClient);
DHT dht(DHTPIN, DHTTYPE);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
client.setServer(mqttServer, mqttPort);
dht.begin();
}
void loop() {
if (!client.connected()) {
while (!client.connect("ESP32Client")) {}
}
float h = dht.readHumidity();
float t = dht.readTemperature();
if (!isnan(h) && !isnan(t)) {
String payload = "{\"temperature\":" + String(t) + ",\"humidity\":" + String(h) + "}";
client.publish(topic, payload.c_str());
}
delay(3000);
}
Wokwi Arduino Simulator: Simulate Arduino Projects on Wokwi
Example Project: Arduino + LED + Push Button
Link: Arduino LED Button Simulation
Highlights:
- Turns on LED when button is pressed
- Teaches digital input/output
const int buttonPin = 2;
const int ledPin = 13;
void setup() {
pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
int buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin);
digitalWrite(ledPin, buttonState);
}
Simulate IoT with Cloud APIs (HTTP + JSON)
Wokwi’s ESP32 simulator allows you to fetch JSON from any public API (like OpenWeatherMap, ThingSpeak, etc.)
Example Project: ESP32 + HTTP GET (OpenWeather API)
Key Features:
- Uses
HTTPClient.h
- Parses JSON with
ArduinoJson
- Display result on OLED
How Wokwi IoT Simulator works
Advanced Features of Wokwi
Live Serial Monitor
- Displays serial data from
Serial.print()
- Useful for debugging logic and sensor output
MicroPython & AVR Support
- Supports MicroPython for ESP32, ESP8266
- Emulate ATtiny85 and other microcontrollers
GitHub Integration
- Login via GitHub
- Save and share projects publicly or privately
- Embed Wokwi projects in blogs or LMS
See also:
- Tinkercad Arduino Simulation Tutorial: Simulate IoT Circuits Online for Beginners
- How to Design IoT Dashboard using Node-RED: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Conclusion
Wokwi is the perfect tool for:
- Students learning Arduino/ESP32
- IoT professionals testing concepts
- Educators running remote labs
You can now simulate almost any Arduino or ESP32 project entirely online, interact with sensors, debug your code, and even connect to MQTT/HTTP without ever buying hardware.
So before you spend money on physical devices, try Wokwi to build confidence and test your full IoT logic in the cloud.
See also:
- Home automation using Arduino and Bluetooth & Control from anywhere
- Home automation Project with Raspberry Pi and Arduino
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is Wokwi?
Wokwi is an online simulator for Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and IoT projects that runs directly in your browser.
Q2. Can I simulate cloud-based IoT projects on Wokwi?
Yes, Wokwi supports HTTP, MQTT, JSON, and many real-world IoT scenarios.
Q3. Is Wokwi free?
Yes, Wokwi is 100% free for individuals, educators, and hobbyists.
Q4. Can I save my Wokwi projects?
Yes, you can save and share your projects using a unique Wokwi project URL.
Q5. Does Wokwi support ESP32 and MQTT?
Yes, Wokwi has full support for ESP32, MQTT protocol, and DHT/other sensors.
See also:
- Free Online Circuit Simulator with Fritzing Software tool
- Circuit Lab simulator: Free simulate circuits right in your browser
- Basic electronics virtual lab for teachers and students
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