Arduino has recently introduced a new Bluetooth-based provisioning flow on the Arduino Cloud, starting with the UNO R4 WiFi board. This feature simplifies the initial setup process, making it faster and cable-free, and is aimed at improving ease of use for connected projects.
With the Arduino IoT Cloud Remote app, users can power the board, detect it automatically, connect to Wi-Fi, and complete setup with visual feedback in just a few steps. Once provisioned, the board can be managed on Arduino Cloud with features like remote monitoring, OTA updates, real-time dashboards, AI Assistant support, and third-party integrations. The new flow is currently exclusive to the latest UNO R4 WiFi board, which also come with 3 months of free Arduino Cloud Maker Plan access. More boards will adopt the feature in future updates.
Arduino Cloud features
- Compatible boards – Initially available on Arduino UNO R4 WiFi (new stock only), more boards to be supported later
- Provisioning method – Bluetooth-based setup via Arduino IoT Cloud Remote app (Android/iOS)
- Security – Secure registration of Arduino boards to Arduino Cloud
- Cloud service – Integration with Arduino IoT Cloud platform
- Subscription – Includes a 3-month Arduino Cloud Maker tier subscription
- Comparison – Replaces captive portal or manual firmware editing with a faster, out-of-the-box solution
Setting up IoT devices can be tricky. Adding Wi-Fi details in the firmware works if you only use the board yourself, but it’s not practical when sending hardware to others. You need a way for users to connect the device without editing or flashing the code.
Many Wi-Fi boards use a “captive portal,” where the device makes a temporary hotspot for setup and then switches to the chosen network. Arduino’s new method is easier, and you just need to turn on the board, open the Arduino IoT Cloud Remote app, and connect over Bluetooth to select the Wi-Fi network. More details, along with a step-by-step guide, are provided in this document for provisioning Arduino boards with Arduino Cloud. It explains the two provisioning versions (1.0 and 2.0), along with a list of compatible boards, setup process via Bluetooth or USB, migration from 1.0 to 2.0, and methods to reset or remove stored network credentials.
If you are interested in trying the new flow, you need an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi and the Arduino IoT Cloud Remote app, available for Google Android and Apple iOS/iPadOS. More information is available on the press release.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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“open the Arduino IoT Cloud Remote app” is easier then connecting to a captive portal WiFi?
No way! Even when the App is already installed that’s not easier. And I’m sure the App wants to be connected to “the cloud” where I need to login – again and again.