Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The ESP32-P4 has no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth radio. It can still run substantial computing, imaging, voice, USB, storage, and control workloads; to add wireless connectivity, pair it with a supported external wireless chip or use a board that already includes one. The radio in that setup belongs to the companion chip, not the P4.
Does the ESP32-P4 have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
No. Espressif states in its ESP-IDF getting-started guide that the ESP32-P4 does not include built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Those radios are not features you can enable through a setting or firmware update on the P4 itself. As Espressif puts it, “ESP32-P4 does not include built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.”
This distinction matters when choosing a chip or board. A product built around the P4 may still offer wireless connectivity if its board has a separate radio chip, but that does not mean the P4 contains the radio. Check the board’s documentation and schematic to identify which component provides connectivity.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The practical answer to “Can the P4 connect to Wi-Fi?” is therefore: not on its own, but a P4 design can use Wi-Fi through a supported external wireless target. Bluetooth also requires separate radio hardware; do not mistake a board-level feature for an integrated P4 capability.
#1 Best Overall
- ESP32-P4-WIFI6 multimedia development board adopts ESP32-P4, with a 400MHz dual-core RISC-V processor and supports up to 32MB PSRAM, integrated ESP32-C6, supports Wi-Fi 6/BLE 5 wireless connections and other functions through SDIO
- 128 KB HP ROM, 16 KB LP ROM, 768 KB HP L2MEM, 32 KB LP S-R-A-M, 8 KB TCM, 32MB PSRAM in the chip's package, with onboard 32MB Nor Flash
- Powerful image and voice processing capability. Provides image and voice processing interfaces including JPEG Codec, Pixel Processing Accelerator, Image Signal Processor, H264 encoder. Supports AI speech interaction
- Rich human-machine interfaces, as MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI, USB 2.0 OTG, SDIO 3.0 TF card slot, microphone, speaker header, etc. Adtaping 2*20 GPIO headers with 27 x remaining programmable GPIOs. Built-in 40PIN GPIO expansion interface
- Security features: Secure Boot, Flash Encryption, cryptographic accelerators, and TRNG. Additionally, hardware access protection mechanisms help to enable Access Permission Management and Privilege Separation
What can the ESP32-P4 do without wireless?
The P4 is a high-performance microcontroller intended for applications that can use its processing and peripheral capabilities without an onboard radio. Espressif’s ESP32-P4 Series Datasheet lists dual high-performance 32-bit RISC-V cores running up to 400 MHz, alongside a low-power core. These are chip specifications, not a guarantee of performance for a particular application; results depend on the workload and design.
In other words, the missing radio limits one way of communicating; it does not remove the P4’s ability to run application logic or exchange data through its other interfaces. It can be used in a standalone device, a USB-connected product, or a design that uses suitable wired connections and peripherals. Whether that is enough depends on how the finished product must communicate with users, sensors, other devices, or a network.
Imaging, display, and voice workloads
The datasheet lists imaging and multimedia capabilities including a JPEG codec, an image signal processor (ISP), camera and display interfaces, and H.264 encoding. It also lists voice activity detection. These features make the P4 relevant to designs that process image, video, display, or voice data locally, even if they do not connect directly to Wi-Fi.
For example, a design may capture or handle camera data, process images, drive a display, or use voice activity detection as part of its local behavior. These are categories of capability, not a promise that any particular application will meet a desired frame rate, image quality, or latency. The datasheet lists the functions; application performance still depends on the full design and workload.
USB, storage, and control interfaces
The P4’s listed interfaces include USB 2.0 high-speed and full-speed OTG, USB Serial/JTAG, an SD/MMC host controller, UART, SPI, I2C, I3C, I2S, and TWAI. A device can use these interfaces to communicate with peripherals, attach storage, or provide wired development and data paths, subject to the board’s implementation.
That gives designers alternatives when the intended use does not require a direct wireless link. USB can be part of a wired connection or development workflow; SD/MMC can support storage in a suitable design; and the serial and control interfaces connect the chip with compatible components. The interface list is not the same as a guarantee that every P4 board exposes every signal or includes the needed connectors and supporting components. Check the specific board documentation.
Wired Ethernet is possible, but the chip is not a complete Ethernet port
The P4 includes an Ethernet MAC, which supports a wired networking design when paired with the necessary board-level hardware. The MAC alone is not a complete Ethernet port: check the board design for the additional components and connector needed for the intended network connection.
This distinction is useful when the goal is network access rather than wireless specifically. Ethernet may be a relevant wired path, but the presence of a MAC in a chip specification does not prove that a development board has an Ethernet jack or complete Ethernet circuitry. Verify what is actually fitted before treating a board as network-ready.
Rank #2
- ESP32-P4-Module Development Board. High-performance Development Board Based On ESP32-P4 and ESP32-C6, supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 wireless connection.
- It features rich Human-Machine interfaces, including MIPI-CSI (with integrated Image Signal Processor), MIPI-DSI, SPI, I2S, I2C, LED PWM, MCPWM, RMT, ADC, UART, TWAI, etc. Additionally, it supports USB OTG 2.0 HS, onboard RJ45 Ethernet port with reserved PoE function header, and onboard 40PIN GPIO header which is compatible with some Raspberry Pi HATs, enabling a wider range of application adaptability.
- The ESP32-P4 adopts a 400MHz dual-core RISC-V processor and supports up to 32MB PSRAM, featuring USB 2.0, MIPI-CSI/DSI, H.264 encoder, and other peripherals, meeting the needs for low-cost, high-performance, and low-power multimedia development.
- It also integrates the Digital Signature Peripheral and a dedicated Key Management Unit, ensuring secure data and operations. Specifically designed for high-performance and high-security applications, the ESP32-P4-Module-DEV-KIT meets the requirements of Human-Machine interaction, efficient edge computing, and IO expansion.
- Security features: Secure Boot, Flash Encryption, cryptographic accelerators, and TRNG. Additionally, hardware access protection mechanisms help to enable Access Permission Management and Privilege Separation.
How to add Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to a P4 design
Wireless connectivity requires a separate supported wireless SoC. Espressif’s getting-started guide names ESP32-C5 and ESP32-C6 as examples. The companion chip provides the radio; the P4 remains the application processor or controller in the design.
For the ESP32-C6, Espressif’s datasheet lists 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread. Those are capabilities of the C6, not the P4. The choice of companion should follow the protocols your product actually needs, and the selected board and software path must support the arrangement. A datasheet capability alone does not establish that every feature is available through every P4 configuration.
Use the documented Wi-Fi expansion path
- Choose a supported companion and board design. Confirm that the P4 board, the external ESP32 target, and their physical connection match a supported design. Do not assume that any P4 board or arbitrary connection will work. Espressif’s documentation describes supported approaches rather than universal compatibility.
- Follow the ESP-IDF Wi-Fi expansion instructions. Espressif’s Wi-Fi Expansion guide describes using the
esp_wifi_remotecomponent with another Wi-Fi-capable ESP32 target connected to the P4 in a predefined way. - Build the application for the documented target and software setup. Include and configure the component as described in the guide, then use the Wi-Fi API and supported features for that expansion route. The guide’s statement is that the P4 does not support Wi-Fi natively, but that the same Wi-Fi API and features can be used through Wi-Fi expansion.
- Check the example and feature fit before committing. The guide links examples including MQTT over TLS and Wi-Fi iperf. These examples show that the documented route covers more than a basic radio link, but they are not a blanket compatibility guarantee for every board or application. Confirm that the current component instructions cover the use case and radio features you need.
- Verify versions and wiring as a system. Check the board schematic, supported target information, ESP-IDF release, and current component instructions together. A mismatch in board connections or software target can make an otherwise plausible parts list unsuitable.
Consider the esp-extconn route
Espressif also documents an esp-extconn approach using a supported external target. In the described setup, firmware for that target is delivered by the hosted side, so the target can operate without flash. Consult the expansion guide for supported targets, connection details, and examples rather than assuming this architecture applies to every board.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThis is an alternative documented expansion route, not a reason to assume that all external wireless chips can be attached in the same way. Compare the supported target and connection details for each approach before choosing a board or laying out a custom design. If the application needs Bluetooth or another companion capability, check the documentation for that specific combination rather than inferring support from a Wi-Fi example.
What a companion wireless chip adds
Wireless protocols and capabilities come from the companion chip, and differ by model. For example, Espressif’s ESP32-C6 Series Datasheet lists 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, and Thread for the C6. Those are ESP32-C6 capabilities, not ESP32-P4 capabilities.
Before selecting a companion, map the required protocols to the chip and confirm the expansion route supports the specific board and software versions. A protocol appearing in a companion’s datasheet does not by itself establish that every feature is available through every P4 expansion configuration.
Likewise, a board sold as a P4 board may be an assembly of multiple components. If it already has wireless hardware fitted, that can reduce the work of adding a separate component, but the radio is still a separate chip on the board. Read the product documentation to learn which wireless target is present and which software configuration the board supports.
Recommended Free Tools
Which P4 setup should you choose?
| Setup | What it provides | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| P4 without a wireless companion | P4 processing and on-chip peripherals, with USB or other board-supported wired connections. | Whether the application can work without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; for Ethernet, whether the board includes the required hardware beyond the MAC. |
| P4 with an external wireless SoC | Wireless capability supplied by a companion chip, using a documented expansion design. | Supported target, board wiring, required protocols, ESP-IDF version, and component instructions. |
| P4 board with wireless hardware fitted | A more integrated board assembly that may include a separate wireless chip. | Which component provides the radio and whether the board’s documentation supports the intended software and connectivity setup. |
There is no universal cost or performance comparison established for these setups. Their practical differences depend on the selected board, companion chip, integration, and software path. A board with the radio already fitted may simplify assembly, while a separate companion may suit a design that explicitly supports that expansion path. Those are integration considerations, not evidence of a universal price or speed advantage.
Rank #3
- ESP32-P4-ETH development board based on ESP32-P4, MCU with RISC-V 32-bit dual-core and single-core processors, 128 KB HP ROM, 16 KB LP ROM, 768 KB HP L2MEM, 32 KB LP S-RAM, 8 KB TCM, 32MB PSRAM in the chip's package, onboard 32MB Nor Flash
- Rich human-machine interfaces such as MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI, USB 2.0 OTG, 100M RJ45 Ethernet port, SDIO 3.0 TF card slot, onboard microphone, speaker header, PoE module & power supply header, etc.
- Powerful image and voice processing capability. Provides image and voice processing interfaces including JPEG codecs, Pixel Processing Accelerator (PPA), Image Signal Processor (ISP) and H.264 video encoder
- Adapting 2*20 GPIO headers with 27 x remaining programmable GPIOs
- Security features: Secure Boot, Flash Encryption, cryptographic accelerators, and TRNG. Additionally, hardware access protection mechanisms help to enable Access Permission Management and Privilege Separation
Choose “no wireless” when the product can work locally or use its planned wired interface. Choose an external companion when a supported configuration meets the wireless requirements. Choose a board with fitted wireless hardware when its exact radio and software support match the project. In every case, compare the complete board and software configuration, not just the name of the main chip.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Compatibility checks before buying or designing
- Read the exact board documentation. Official P4 development boards do not necessarily share the same wireless configuration. Confirm whether a separate radio is fitted or must be connected.
- Check the schematic and connections. The expansion instructions rely on a supported connection arrangement; board-level wiring is part of compatibility. Look for the actual target and connections rather than relying on a broad product label.
- Confirm the software target and component. Verify the supported companion target and the current Espressif instructions for the ESP-IDF release you plan to use. The documented
esp_wifi_remoteandesp-extconnapproaches have their own target and setup details. - Separate chip capability from system capability. A companion’s datasheet describes its own radios; it does not prove that every protocol or feature works in every P4 configuration.
- Assess wired alternatives honestly. USB and the P4’s other interfaces may suit a local or tethered design. Ethernet requires more than the P4’s MAC, so inspect the actual board hardware.
- Do not assume all boards in a family match. Espressif lists official P4 development boards, but that does not establish that each one has the same wireless arrangement. Check the individual board’s product information.
- Be careful with specifications and comparisons. The P4 datasheet cited here is pre-release version 0.7, and the C6 datasheet cited is version 1.5 dated March 31, 2026. Treat datasheet details as specifications, not benchmark results or a guarantee of a particular finished product’s performance.
Common assumptions to avoid
- “The P4 can connect to Wi-Fi after a firmware update.” It has no integrated Wi-Fi radio; wireless expansion uses a separate supported target.
- “A P4 board with Wi-Fi proves the P4 has Wi-Fi.” The board may contain a separate wireless chip. Attribute connectivity to the component that provides it.
- “An Ethernet MAC means there is an Ethernet jack.” The MAC is a chip-level interface, not the complete board-level Ethernet implementation.
- “Any ESP32 wireless chip can be paired with any P4 board.” Espressif documents supported expansion routes, not universal compatibility across all boards, connections, software versions, or radio features.
- “A companion’s feature list automatically describes the whole P4 system.” The companion may list Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, or Thread, but the exact expansion design and software determine what the system can use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add Wi-Fi to an ESP32-P4?
Yes, by using a supported external Wi-Fi-capable ESP32 target and a documented expansion path. Espressif describes the esp_wifi_remote component and an esp-extconn route. Confirm the supported target, board wiring, and ESP-IDF instructions for your design.
Can the ESP32-P4 use Bluetooth?
The P4 itself has no built-in Bluetooth radio. A design needs separate radio hardware, and you should verify that the specific companion, board, and software configuration support the Bluetooth use case you need.
What can I use an ESP32-P4 for without Wi-Fi?
It can run application logic and use its listed computing, imaging, voice, USB, storage, display, camera, serial, and control capabilities. It also has an Ethernet MAC for a wired design when the board includes the necessary additional hardware.
Does every ESP32-P4 development board include Wi-Fi?
No such universal configuration is established. Check the exact board documentation and schematic to see whether it has a separate wireless chip or requires an external companion.
Is the ESP32-P4 Ethernet-ready out of the box?
The P4 datasheet lists an Ethernet MAC, but a MAC is not a complete Ethernet port. Inspect the board for the additional hardware and connector needed for the intended wired network connection.
The Bottom Line
The ESP32-P4 does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but it is not limited to wireless applications: its compute and peripheral capabilities support many local and wired designs. If wireless is required, use a supported external radio target or a board with separate wireless hardware, and verify the exact board, wiring, protocols, and ESP-IDF path before committing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
