DEV Community

Cover image for Build Your Own WiFi-Controlled Drone with ESP32 (Beginner-Friendly)
David Thomas
David Thomas

Posted on • Originally published at circuitdigest.com

Build Your Own WiFi-Controlled Drone with ESP32 (Beginner-Friendly)

#robotics #iot #tutorial #beginners

Drones used to be the domain of pricey gear and RC hobbyists. Today, thanks to the ESP32 and open-source firmware, you can build a capable WiFi-controlled quadcopter for ≈ $30-50. In this tutorial we will walk through how to turn an ESP32 board into a flight controller, hook up core sensors and motors, and fly it using your smartphone.

Why Build a DIY WiFi Drone?

  • Cost-effective: Retail drones cost $100+; this one uses affordable components.
  • Programmable: With the ESP32 you get WiFi, dual-core power, and full firmware control.
  • Learning value: You’ll get hands-on with IMUs (MPU6050), PWM motor control, sensors, and wireless comms.

Project Overview:

  • Build time: 6-8 hours · Cost: $30-50 · Difficulty: Intermediate.
  • What you’ll learn: ESP32 firmware flashing, IMU integration, motor control, WiFi smartphone connectivity.
  • Applications: Indoor flying, educational prototyping, sensor upgrades for position/height hold.

Components & Hardware

You’ll need:

  • ESP32 WROOM module × 1
  • CP2102N USB-UART controller × 1
  • MPU6050 IMU × 1
  • 1300 mAh 30C LiPo battery × 1
  • Four 720 coreless motors + matching props (CW/CCW)
  • Custom PCB or mounting frame (optional 3D print) > Pro tip: keep weight low for better flight time and stability.

ESP32 Drone Circuit Diagram - Complete Schematics

ESP32 Drone Circuit Diagram

Can you control a drone over Wi-Fi

Yes, you can control a drone over Wi-Fi. In this tutorial, the ESP32 acts as a Wi-Fi access point, and your phone’s app sends throttle, pitch, roll, and yaw commands over UDP. The ESP32 receives those packets in real time and converts them into motor control signals, making fully wireless control both simple and reliable.

Firmware & Programming

3D model Drone

This drone runs custom firmware based on the ESP-Drone project.

Here’s how to get started:

Method 1: Build from Source 

git clone https://github.com/Circuit-Digest/ESP-Drone.git
cd ESP-Drone/Firmware/esp-drone
idf.py menuconfig
idf.py -p PORT flash
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Method 2: Flash Pre-built Binary 

esptool.py write_flash --flash_size detect 0x0 ESPDrone.bin
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Method 3: Use ESP32 Flash Download Tool (Windows)

Download tool → select ESP32 → load binary → flash.

Using Your Drone

Power it on → the ESP32 exposes a WiFi hotspot (SSID and password are documented in the repo).

Connect your phone and use the flight app (Android / iOS) to control throttle, yaw, pitch, roll.

Pre-flight checks:

Drone on a flat surface

LEDs: GREEN = connected, RED = low battery

Verify motor spin directions: Front-Right CW, Front-Left CCW, etc.

  • Motor-Position Rotation GPIO
  • Front Right (M1) CW GPIO 32
  • Front Left (M2) CCW GPIO 26
  • Rear Left (M3) CW GPIO 25
  • Rear Right (M4) CCW GPIO 27

Part Marking

Drone Part Marking

Why ESP32 and Not Arduino?

The ESP32 offers WiFi connectivity, a dual-core processor, and enough performance to handle IMU data, motor control, and wireless comms all in one board.

What is the maximum range of ESP32 Wi-Fi

For this WiFi-controlled drone, the ESP32 typically offers 30–50 meters of stable control indoors and up to around 80–100 meters outdoors. Actual range depends on Wi-Fi interference, antenna quality, and how much noise the motors generate. For most hobby-grade indoor and backyard flights, this range is more than enough.

Key Takeaways

  • With an ESP32 and some components, you can build a functional quadcopter for ~$40.
  • Firmware is open-source, so you can extend it—add camera, telemetry, sensors.
  • WiFi control opens up creative interfaces: smartphone apps, custom telemetry dashboards.
  • Pre-flight checklist and proper motor direction/configuration = safe flight.

What’s Next?

Once you have basic flight, you could try:

  • Adding altitude hold or position hold with external sensors
  • Integrating a camera or FPV (First-Person View) setup
  • Building your own mobile app or web dashboard for telemetry
  • Upgrading to outdoor flight (requires stronger frame, GPS or optical flow sensor)

Happy flying!
Drop a comment if you build this or hit heart I’d love to hear how your drone project turns out.

More in-depth tutorial: DIY WiFi-Controlled Drone with ESP32 and Arduino

GitHub Repo: https://github.com/Circuit-Digest/ESP-Drone

Top comments (0)