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Sending Data to Google Sheets / Cloud with ESP (ESP8266 & ESP32 IoT Tutorial)

Introduction

Imagine this: your ESP32/ESP8266 reads a sensor value, and instantly logs it to a cloud spreadsheet or IoT dashboard. With this, you can:

  • Track temperature & humidity in real‑time.
  • Monitor soil moisture for plants.
  • Log energy consumption from a sensor.

This project unlocks the true power of IoT (Internet of Things): data anywhere, anytime.

Today, I’ll show you:

  1. How to send data from ESP8266/ESP32 to Google Sheets.
  2. How to log sensor values into other Cloud platforms (Thingspeak, Arduino IoT Cloud).

What You Need

  • ESP32 DevKit / ESP8266 NodeMCU
  • Arduino IDE with ESP board addons
  • A Wi‑Fi network
  • A simple analog sensor (potentiometer, LDR, or LM35)
  • Google account (for Sheets logging)

Method 1: Send ESP Data to Google Sheets

We’ll create a Google Apps Script (like a mini API) linked to a Google Sheet. Every time ESP makes an HTTP request → values get logged.

Step 1: Create a Google Sheet

  • Go to Google Drive → New → Google Sheet → Name it “ESP Data Logger”.
  • Add headers in first row: Timestamp | Sensor Value.

Step 2: Add Google Apps Script

  • In Google Sheet: → Extensions → Apps Script.
  • Paste this script:

JavaScript

function doGet(e){

var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();

var row = [new Date(), e.parameter.value];

sheet.appendRow(row);

return ContentService.createTextOutput(“Data Saved”);

}

  • Save → Click Deploy → New Deployment → Web App.
  • Choose: Execute as Me, Access → Anyone.
  • Copy the generated URL (e.g., https://script.google.com/macros/s/…/exec).

Step 3: Arduino Code for ESP32/ESP8266

C++

#include <WiFi.h>         // for ESP32; use <ESP8266WiFi.h> for NodeMCU

#include <HTTPClient.h>   // for ESP32; use <ESP8266HTTPClient.h> for NodeMCU

 

const char* ssid = “YourWiFiName”;

const char* password = “YourWiFiPassword”;

 

String serverName = “https://script.google.com/macros/s/YOUR_SCRIPT_ID/exec”;

 

int sensorPin = 34; // For ESP32 (use A0 on ESP8266)

 

void setup() {

Serial.begin(115200);

WiFi.begin(ssid, password);

 

while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {

delay(500); Serial.print(“.”);

}

Serial.println(“\nConnected to WiFi”);

}

 

void loop() {

if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) {

int sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);

String url = serverName + “?value=” + String(sensorValue);

 

HTTPClient http;

http.begin(url.c_str());

int httpCode = http.GET();

 

if (httpCode > 0) {

String payload = http.getString();

Serial.println(“Server reply: ” + payload);

} else {

Serial.println(“Error sending data”);

}

http.end();

}

delay(10000); // 10s interval

}

✅ Upload, open Serial Monitor → Every 10s ESP sends sensor data → logged into Google Sheets automatically.

Downloade

Method 3: Arduino IoT Cloud

Arduino also provides Arduino IoT Cloud, which integrates nicely with ESP32/ESP8266. Steps:

  • Sign up at Arduino IoT Cloud.
  • Create a “Thing” and link ESP board.
  • Program from Arduino Web IDE (auto‑generated code).
  • View dashboard with live widgets (gauges, switches).

Great for Arduino fans who want easier setup.

FAQs

Q1: Can I send multiple values to Google Sheets?
Yes, just add &value2=… in URL and modify Apps Script.

Q2: Do I need Wi‑Fi internet?
Yes, ESP boards use Wi‑Fi to push data to the cloud.

Q3: Is Google Sheets safe for production IoT?
It’s free and simple but not scalable for thousands of devices. For serious IoT, use Thingspeak, AWS IoT, Blynk, or Arduino Cloud.

Why This Matters

By sending data to Google Sheets or cloud dashboards, you:

  • Store data persistently (not lost when device resets).
  • Visualize trends (temperature graphs, soil health).
  • Access readings anywhere in the world.

This moves your projects from local experiments → real IoT systems.

FAQs

Q1: Can I send multiple values to Google Sheets?
Yes, just add &value2=… in URL and modify Apps Script.

Q2: Do I need Wi‑Fi internet?
Yes, ESP boards use Wi‑Fi to push data to the cloud.

Q3: Is Google Sheets safe for production IoT?
It’s free and simple but not scalable for thousands of devices. For serious IoT, use Thingspeak, AWS IoT, Blynk, or Arduino Cloud.

Conclusion

With just ESP8266/ESP32 + Wi‑Fi, you can log your sensor data online.

  • ✅ Send values to Google Sheets (easy spreadsheet logging).
  • ✅ Use Thingspeak Cloud for graphs.
  • ✅ Explore Arduino IoT Cloud for dashboards + widgets.

This transforms your ESP project into a true IoT device that you can track from anywhere in the world.