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Beginner19 Jun 2025 · 3 min read

ESP32 PIR Motion with Arduino IDE

## Introduction The PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation. It outputs a digital HIGH signal to the ESP32 when motion is detected, and LOW when idle. Commonly used in security systems, motion-activated lights, and automation projects. In this tutorial,

ESP32 PIR Motion with Arduino IDE

#Introduction

The PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation.
It outputs a digital HIGH signal to the ESP32 when motion is detected, and LOW when idle.
Commonly used in security systems, motion-activated lights, and automation projects.
In this tutorial, we’ll connect a PIR sensor to the ESP32 and detect motion events.

#Required Components

  • ESP32 Board
  • PIR Motion Sensor
  • Jumper wires
  • Breadboard (optional)

#Pinout

#Circuit Diagram / Wiring

  • PIR VCC → VIN/5V (ESP32)
  • PIR GND → GND (ESP32)
  • PIR OUT → 14 (ESP32)

#Code / Programming

/* Filename: pir_motion_sensor.ino Description: Detects motion using a PIR sensor connected to ESP32 and prints status via Serial Monitor. Author: www.oceanlabz.in Modification Date: 1/4/2025 */

#define PIR_Pin 14 // Use GPIO14 or any other available digital pin

void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); // Use a higher baud rate for ESP32 pinMode(PIR_Pin, INPUT); // Set PIR pin as input Serial.println("PIR Sensor Initialized"); }

void loop() { int val = digitalRead(PIR_Pin); // Read PIR sensor value

if (val == HIGH) { Serial.println("Motion Detected"); } else { Serial.println("No motion detected."); }

delay(1000); // Delay for stability }

#Explanation

  • The PIR sensor detects motion by sensing changes in infrared radiation from moving objects.
  • It sends a HIGH signal to ESP32 when motion is detected and LOW when idle.
  • ESP32 reads this digital signal to trigger actions like alerts, lights, or automation tasks.

#Troubleshooting

  • If motion is never detected, wait 30–60 seconds after powering up for the PIR sensor to stabilize.
  • Ensure the OUT pin is connected to a proper digital GPIO, like GPIO14 (avoid boot-sensitive pins like GPIO0, 2, or 15).
  • If false triggers occur, adjust the PIR sensor’s sensitivity and delay knobs to filter out noise.

#Project 1: ESP32-Based PIR Motion Detection Alarm System

#Introduction

This project is a PIR Motion Detection Alarm System using an ESP32, a PIR sensor, a buzzer, and an LED.
It detects motion using the PIR sensor and immediately alerts with a buzzer sound and LED light.
The ESP32 also prints real-time movement status to the Serial Monitor for monitoring.
Ideal for home security and automation, it’s a simple way to learn motion detection and output control.

#Required Components

  • ESP32 Board
  • PIR Motion Sensor
  • Buzzer
  • LED with Resistor 220 Ohm
  • Jumper wires
  • Breadboard

#Circuit Diagram / Wiring

  • PIR VCC → VIN/5V (ESP32)
  • PIR GND → GND (ESP32)
  • PIR OUT → GPIO 14 (ESP32)
  • Buzzer VCC → VIN (ESP32)
  • Buzzer GND → GND (ESP32)
  • Buzzer SINGNAL → GPIO 23 (ESP32)
  • Connect the  LED anode to GPIO 22 (via a 220-ohm resistor) and cathode to GND.

#Code / Programming

/* Filename: PIR_Motion_Detection_Alarm_System.ino Description: Uses a PIR sensor to detect motion and triggers a buzzer and LED using ESP32. Author: www.oceanlabz.in Modification Date: 1/4/2025 */

int Buzz = 23; // GPIO 23 for Buzzer int LED = 22; // GPIO 22 for LED int PIR = 14; // GPIO 21 for PIR Sensor int val = 0; // Initialize value

void setup() { pinMode(Buzz, OUTPUT); pinMode(LED, OUTPUT); pinMode(PIR, INPUT); Serial.begin(115200); // ESP32 uses higher baud rates }

void loop() { val = digitalRead(PIR); // Read PIR sensor value

if (val == HIGH) { digitalWrite(LED, HIGH); // Turn LED ON digitalWrite(Buzz, HIGH); // Turn Buzzer ON Serial.println("Movement Detected"); } else { digitalWrite(LED, LOW); // Turn LED OFF digitalWrite(Buzz, LOW); // Turn Buzzer OFF Serial.println("Movement not Detected"); }

delay(200); // Small delay for stability }

#Explanation

  • The PIR sensor detects motion and sends a HIGH signal to the ESP32's input pin.
  • When motion is detected, the ESP32 turns ON the buzzer and LED as visual and audible alerts.
  • Serial Monitor prints real-time status updates: either "Movement Detected" or "Movement not Detected".

#Troubleshooting

  • No Output on Serial Monitor: Ensure correct COM port and baud rate (115200) in Arduino IDE.
  • False Triggering: Power cycle the PIR sensor after uploading code; wait 30–60 seconds for it to stabilize.
  • No LED or Buzzer Response: Check wiring and GPIO pin numbers; confirm your ESP32 board supports the assigned pins.