How to Use Arduino Nano Every: Setup and Basic Example

To use Arduino Nano Every, connect it to your computer via USB, select the board and port in the Arduino IDE, then write and upload your sketch. The Nano Every works like other Arduino boards but uses a newer microcontroller with more memory and features.

Syntax

The basic structure of an Arduino program (called a sketch) includes two main functions:

• setup(): Runs once to initialize settings.
• loop(): Runs repeatedly to perform tasks.

You write your code inside these functions to control the Arduino Nano Every.

arduino

void setup() {
  // Initialize settings here
}

void loop() {
  // Main code runs here repeatedly
}

Example

This example blinks the built-in LED on the Arduino Nano Every every second. It shows how to use pinMode and digitalWrite functions.

arduino

void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT); // Set the LED pin as output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // Turn LED on
  delay(1000);                     // Wait 1 second
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);  // Turn LED off
  delay(1000);                     // Wait 1 second
}

Output

The built-in LED on the Arduino Nano Every blinks on and off every second.

Common Pitfalls

Some common mistakes when using Arduino Nano Every include:

• Not selecting the correct board (Arduino Nano Every) in the Arduino IDE, causing upload errors.
• Using pins incorrectly; the Nano Every has different pin mappings than older Nano models.
• Forgetting to install the latest Arduino IDE version (1.8.13 or newer) that supports Nano Every.

Always check your board and port settings before uploading.

arduino

/* Wrong board selected example - causes upload failure */
// Solution: In Arduino IDE, go to Tools > Board and select 'Arduino Nano Every'

/* Pin mistake example */
// Using pin 13 as output is correct, but some older Nano code may use pins differently.

void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT); // Correct for built-in LED on Nano Every
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);
  delay(500);
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);
  delay(500);
}

Quick Reference

Tips for using Arduino Nano Every:

• Use Arduino IDE version 1.8.13 or newer.
• Select Arduino Nano Every under Tools > Board.
• Connect via USB-C or USB-A cable depending on your board version.
• Use LED_BUILTIN or pin 13 for the onboard LED.
• Check pinout diagrams for correct pin usage.

Key Takeaways

Always select 'Arduino Nano Every' as the board in the Arduino IDE before uploading code.

Use the standard Arduino sketch structure with setup() and loop() functions.

The built-in LED is on pin 13 or LED_BUILTIN constant for easy testing.

Update your Arduino IDE to the latest version to ensure Nano Every support.

Check pin mappings carefully as they differ from older Nano models.