Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy

Overview

This tutorial explains how to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on the Arduino Nano ESP32 with the DIYables Bluetooth App. No additional Bluetooth hardware is needed — BLE is built directly into the board.

The Arduino Nano ESP32 includes built-in BLE support, enabling a direct connection to the DIYables Bluetooth App on both Android and iOS.

Note: The Arduino Nano ESP32 supports BLE only — Classic Bluetooth is not available. The DIYables Bluetooth App supports BLE and Classic Bluetooth on Android, and BLE on iOS, making it compatible with both platforms.

Arduino Nano ESP32 Bluetooth Low Energy BLE Tutorial - DIYables Bluetooth App

Features

Wireless Range: Control your Arduino from up to 10 metres away
Cross-Platform: Compatible with both Android and iOS
Auto-Connect: BLE connects without manual pairing
Rich Widget Set: Sliders, joystick, monitor, plotter, gauge, temperature, chat, table, rotator, and more
Low Power: BLE consumes significantly less power than Classic Bluetooth
Simple Setup: A single library installation handles all communication

Hardware Preparation

1	×	Arduino Nano ESP32
1	×	USB Cable Type-A to Type-C (for USB-A PC)
1	×	USB Cable Type-C to Type-C (for USB-C PC)
1	×	Recommended: Screw Terminal Expansion Board for Arduino Nano
1	×	Recommended: Breakout Expansion Board for Arduino Nano
1	×	Recommended: Power Splitter for Arduino Nano ESP32

Or you can buy the following kits:

1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables .

Firmware Requirement

> Recommended: Update to the latest firmware for the WiFi module on your Arduino Nano ESP32. See: How to Upgrade the Firmware on Arduino Nano ESP32

Software Setup

Detailed Instructions

New to the Arduino Nano ESP32? Start with the Arduino Nano ESP32 getting started guide.
Connect the Arduino Nano ESP32 to your computer using a USB cable.
Open Arduino IDE.
Select the Arduino Nano ESP32 board and the correct COM port.

Install Board Core

Open Tools Board Boards Manager...
Search for "Arduino SAMD Boards"
Install version 1.8.13 or newer

Install DIYables Bluetooth Library

Click the Libraries icon in the left sidebar of Arduino IDE.
Search for "DIYables Bluetooth" and find the DIYables Bluetooth library by DIYables.
Click Install.

Arduino Nano ESP32 DIYables Bluetooth library

When prompted to install dependencies, click Install All (includes ArduinoBLE 1.3.6 or newer).

Arduino Nano ESP32 DIYables Bluetooth dependency

Mobile App

Download the DIYables Bluetooth App: Android | iOS

Note: The DIYables Bluetooth App supports both BLE and Classic Bluetooth on Android, and BLE on iOS. The Arduino Nano ESP32 uses BLE, so the app is compatible with both Android and iOS. BLE does not require manual pairing — scan and connect directly.

Launch the DIYables Bluetooth App.
On first launch, grant the following permissions:

Nearby Devices (Android 12+) / Bluetooth (iOS) — required to scan and connect to Bluetooth devices
Location (Android 11 and below only) — required to scan for BLE devices on older Android versions

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
Tap the Connect button on the home screen. The app will scan for nearby BLE devices.

DIYables Bluetooth App - Home Screen with Scan Button

Select your Arduino Nano ESP32 from the list of discovered devices.

Examples

The following examples use the ArduinoBLE platform (BLE-only), compatible with the Arduino Nano ESP32.

Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Slider - Adjust values using one or two sliders
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Pin Control - Switch digital output pins on and off
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Monitor - Get a wireless serial monitor — send and receive text over the air
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Plotter - Visualize sensor data as live charts
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Analog Gauge - Show values on analog-style gauge dials
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Temperature - View temperature and humidity data
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Joystick - Capture 2D joystick input straight from the app
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Rotator - Adjust rotary or dial values using the app
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Chat - Exchange text messages back and forth
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Table - Organize and display data in neat table layouts
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth RTC - Keep your real-time clock in sync using the app
Arduino Nano ESP32 - Bluetooth Multiple Apps - Combine multiple app widgets in a single sketch

Troubleshooting

What's Happening	Why It's Happening	How to Fix It
Device not visible in the app scan	Bluetooth firmware is outdated	Update firmware to version 1.4.8 or newer via Tools → Firmware Updater
BLE.begin() returns false	Outdated firmware or wrong board core	Update the Bluetooth firmware and Arduino SAMD core
Connection established but no data received	ArduinoBLE library is outdated	Upgrade ArduinoBLE to version 1.3.6 or later via Library Manager
Compile error	ArduinoBLE.h not found	ArduinoBLE library not installed	Install ArduinoBLE via Library Manager
Compile errors related to the board	Wrong board core installed	Install Arduino SAMD Boards version 1.8.13 or newer
App connects then immediately disconnects	Interference or unstable power	Use stable USB power and keep the device within 5 metres

Notes

Use the ArduinoBLE_ examples. Do not use Esp32BLE_ or Esp32Bluetooth_ — those are designed for different hardware.
Keep the board powered via USB or an external source to maintain active BLE advertisement.

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