Which pins can I use on an ESP8266

In the previous entry, we saw the different pins of the ESP8266 and their functionalities. But we already mentioned that not all pins are safe to use in our projects.

This is because some pins have specific functions or play a crucial role in the boot process of the device. If used incorrectly, this can generate a conflict and cause our project not to boot, or even break something.

Of the 17 GPIO (0 to 16):

• 6 GPIO (GPIO6 to GPIO11) are used to connect via SPI with the flash memory, so we cannot use them.
• GPIO0, GPIO2, and GIPO15 are involved in the boot process, with the considerations we discussed in the previous section.
• GPIO1 and GPIO3 are used for Serial communication (UART)

Summary of the pins

To avoid setbacks and ensure that we are using the pins appropriately, we have the following reference table. It allows us to quickly verify which pins are safe for use and which have specific functions that we need to take into account.

Before starting any project with the ESP8266, it is highly recommended to consult this reference table and familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each pin. This will allow us to make informed decisions and avoid potential inconveniences in the development of our projects.