How do I connect ESP32 to WiFi?

Most “ESP32 won't connect” problems are either credentials (SSID/password), 2.4GHz vs 5GHz, or signal quality. Start with a tiny sketch that prints what's happening.

Minimal WiFi connect sketch (good baseline)

esp32_wifi_connect.ino

cpp

#include <WiFi.h>

const char* ssid = "YOUR_WIFI_NAME";
const char* password = "YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  delay(200);

  WiFi.mode(WIFI_STA);
  WiFi.setSleep(false); // helps some boards stay connected
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);

  Serial.print("Connecting");
  unsigned long start = millis();
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED && millis() - start < 20000) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println();

  if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) {
    Serial.print("Connected. IP: ");
    Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
  } else {
    Serial.println("Failed to connect (timeout).");
    Serial.print("Status: ");
    Serial.println((int)WiFi.status());
  }
}

void loop() {}

The 5 gotchas that bite beginners

ESP32 is 2.4GHz. If your router has separate names (SSIDs) for 2.4 and 5, pick the 2.4 one.
SSID and password are case-sensitive. Copy/paste carefully.
Special characters in the password can trip you up if you accidentally add spaces or wrong quotes.
Captive portals / “guest” WiFi sometimes blocks IoT devices.
Weak signal looks like “random disconnects” later. Test close to the router first.

Board/IDE sanity checks

Start with a basic board profile like ESP32 Dev Module.
Use Serial Monitor at 115200 (matches the sketch).
If nothing prints, you're on the wrong port or baud rate.

Bottom line

Get one clean connection with the minimal sketch, close to your router, on a 2.4GHz SSID. Once that works, build your project on top of it.