Why ESP32 + Bluetooth Is a Perfect Combo
The ESP32 isn’t just Wi-Fi-capable—it also comes with built-in Bluetooth Classic and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). That makes it ideal for a whole range of wireless projects, from audio streaming to smart home automation.
If you’re just diving into Bluetooth projects, this post is for you. I’ve collected 10 DIY ESP32 Bluetooth/BLE projects you can build right now. Some are quick weekend builds, others are great for learning about low-power communications and BLE services.
Let’s dive in.
1. Heart Rate Monitor with BLE and ESP32
This project reads heart rate data from a BLE fitness tracker or chest strap and sends it to your ESP32. You can display it on an OLED screen or forward it to your phone.
What you’ll need: ESP32 dev board, BLE-compatible heart rate monitor (like Polar H10), OLED display (optional).
Learn more: You can check the ESP32 BLE Arduino library to get started with BLE client/server roles.
2. Bluetooth Remote-Controlled Car
Turn an ESP32 into the brain of a DIY car that you control from your phone using Bluetooth Classic. No Wi-Fi needed, just a direct link between phone and board.
What you’ll need: ESP32 board, motor driver (L298N), chassis with wheels, 18650 batteries, and a Bluetooth controller app like Bluetooth Electronics on Android.
This is a great weekend project if you enjoy robotics.
3. BLE Environmental Monitor
Use sensors like DHT22 or BME280 to read temperature, humidity, and pressure—and broadcast the data via BLE. A mobile app or another ESP32 can read the data.
Perfect for: Battery-powered outdoor or greenhouse monitors. Super efficient if paired with sleep modes.
If you’re into wireless sensor networks, check out our guide on ESP-NOW + gateway for a different wireless approach.
4. ESP32 BLE Beacon (iBeacon/Eddystone)
Make your ESP32 act like a beacon—broadcasting packets that nearby devices can pick up. It’s great for indoor positioning, retail store triggers, or museum info points.
Use case idea: Trigger phone notifications when someone enters a room with the ESP32 beacon.
You can look into Google’s Eddystone format for more technical details.
5. Bluetooth Audio Streaming with ESP32
Yes, ESP32 can handle A2DP. With the right firmware, it can stream MP3 or WAV files to your Bluetooth speaker or headset.
Recommended hardware: ESP32 with external I2S DAC like the PCM5102 for better sound.
This one’s more advanced, but great for building a wireless jukebox or audio alert system. ESP32-A2DP library is a good place to start.
6. Bluetooth Smart Door Lock
This one’s practical: unlock your door via BLE from your phone. You can even build in two-factor unlocking (e.g., phone + keypad).
Hardware: ESP32, servo or solenoid lock, optional keypad.
Security tip: Use whitelist filtering to only allow specific devices to unlock the door.
7. BLE Communication with Custom Android App
Build your own Android app that talks to your ESP32 over BLE. Great for sending commands, receiving sensor data, or controlling LEDs and relays.
If you’re new to Android + BLE, consider using MIT App Inventor to get started quickly.
8. Proximity-Based Light Switch
Turn on a light or trigger a relay when your phone comes near the ESP32. Think of it as an automatic welcome light.
This is a great entry project for understanding BLE advertising and scanning.
Combine this with a PIR sensor and you’ve got a smart, energy-saving hallway system.
9. Bluetooth Serial Terminal
Replace your old HC-05 Bluetooth modules with the ESP32’s Bluetooth Serial functionality. You can send and receive text commands over Bluetooth Classic with apps like Serial Bluetooth Terminal.
Perfect for debugging or controlling devices without needing a USB cable.
10. BLE-Based Tracker Tag
Build a tiny BLE tag that your phone can detect. You could use this to track pets, keys, or even automate tasks when a tag enters or leaves a space.
You can also combine it with a small LiPo battery and sleep mode for long life.
Final Thoughts
Bluetooth and BLE open up so many possibilities with the ESP32. Whether you’re building a smart lock, a health monitor, or a robot car, wireless connectivity makes your projects more interactive and powerful.
If you’re new here, check out our other ESP32 project guides under the DIY Projects category. And if you’ve built something Bluetooth-related with ESP32, let me know—I’d love to feature it in a future post.
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