Raspberry Pi Pico W: Getting Started with MicroPython and Wi-Fi

Introduction

The Raspberry Pi Pico W packs a dual-core RP2040 processor with built-in Wi-Fi for under $6. In this getting started guide, we install MicroPython, connect to Wi-Fi, and build a simple web server in under 30 minutes.

Key Specs

• Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133MHz
• 264KB SRAM, 2MB Flash
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (CYW43439)
• 26 multi-function GPIO pins

Step 1: Install MicroPython

1. Download the Pico W MicroPython UF2 from raspberrypi.com.
2. Hold BOOTSEL while connecting USB — appears as RPI-RP2 drive.
3. Drag the UF2 file onto the drive. Done!

Step 2: Connect to Wi-Fi

import network, time
wlan = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
wlan.active(True)
wlan.connect('YOUR_SSID', 'YOUR_PASSWORD')
while not wlan.isconnected():
    print('Connecting...'); time.sleep(1)
print('IP:', wlan.ifconfig()[0])

Project: Simple Web Server

import network, socket, time
wlan = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
wlan.active(True)
wlan.connect('YOUR_SSID', 'YOUR_PASSWORD')
while not wlan.isconnected(): time.sleep(0.5)
print('IP:', wlan.ifconfig()[0])
s = socket.socket()
s.bind(socket.getaddrinfo('0.0.0.0', 80)[0][-1])
s.listen(1)
while True:
    cl, addr = s.accept()
    cl.recv(1024)
    cl.send(b'HTTP/1.0 200 OK
Content-type: text/html

<h1>Hello from Pico W!</h1>')
    cl.close()

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi Pico W is one of the best value microcontrollers today. MicroPython makes it incredibly approachable for beginners and experienced makers alike.