Most DIY home automation projects face a common issue: ON/OFF state mismatch. When you control appliances from multiple sources like a mobile app, web dashboard, or a physical wall switch, the actual state often goes out of sync.
To solve this problem, I designed a real-time, cloud-based smart home automation system using ESP32 and Firebase Realtime Database, where all control sources remain perfectly synchronized. Firebase works as a single source of truth, ensuring reliable and accurate control every time.
⚙️ How the System Works (Simple Explanation)Mobile App / Web Dashboard / Manual Switch➡️ Firebase Realtime Database (Cloud)➡️ ESP32 (WiFi Controller)➡️ Relay Module➡️ AC Appliance
Whenever any device or switch changes the appliance state, Firebase instantly updates the database, and ESP32 reads the updated value in real time to control the relay. This keeps app, web, and switch states always in sync.
🧠 Core ConceptFirebase acts as a central control hub
- Firebase acts as a central control hub
ESP32 continuously listens for database changes
- ESP32 continuously listens for database changes
Manual switch feedback updates Firebase
- Manual switch feedback updates Firebase
No duplicate logic, no mismatch
- No duplicate logic, no mismatch
This architecture is production-ready, scalable, and easy to understand.
🛠️ Hardware Components Required (Low-Cost)Component
Description
ESP32
WiFi-enabled microcontroller
Relay Module (4/8 Channel)
AC appliance control
Manual Switches
Physical wall switches
Power Supply
5V / 3.3V regulated supply
Wires & Connectors
Circuit connections
AC Loads
Light, fan, or any appliance
💡 All components are easily available and affordable. The entire system can be built at a very low cost.
💻 Software & Tools UsedESP32 Arduino Core
- ESP32 Arduino Core
Firebase Realtime Database
- Firebase Realtime Database
Firebase ESP32 Library
- Firebase ESP32 Library
Android App (Java/Kotlin)
- Android App (Java/Kotlin)
Web Dashboard (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Web Dashboard (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
WiFi Manager (optional)
- WiFi Manager (optional)
/home
/room1
light1: true
fan1: false
true → ON
true→ ON
false → OFF
false→ OFF
ESP32 listens to these nodes and updates relays accordingly.
🔁 Manual Switch Synchronization LogicWhen the manual switch is toggled:
ESP32 detects the change
- ESP32 detects the change
Updates Firebase instantly
- Updates Firebase instantly
App & Web UI update automatically
- App & Web UI update automatically
- When the manual switch is toggled:ESP32 detects the changeUpdates Firebase instantlyApp & Web UI update automatically
This ensures physical control never breaks digital control.
✨ Key Features✅ Real-time control from anywhere✅ Manual switch + app sync✅ No ON/OFF mismatch✅ Cloud-based & scalable✅ Low-cost hardware✅ Beginner-friendly architecture
🎯 Who Can Build This Project?IoT beginners
- IoT beginners
Engineering students
- Engineering students
Embedded developers
- Embedded developers
Smart home enthusiasts
- Smart home enthusiasts
Anyone wanting a real-world IoT project
- Anyone wanting a real-world IoT project
Even if you are new to ESP32 or Firebase, this project is easy to follow and practical.
🔮 Future ImprovementsGoogle Assistant / Alexa integration
- Google Assistant / Alexa integration
User authentication
- User authentication
Scheduling & automation rules
- Scheduling & automation rules
Energy monitoring
- Energy monitoring
💡 Want this system built at low cost or customized for your home or college project?
📱 Contact: +91 9336183481
If you face any problem while building this project, feel free to contact me. I personally reply and help with setup, wiring, and code issues.
🔖 Tags#ESP32 #IoT #HomeAutomation #Firebase #SmartHome #EmbeddedSystems #RealtimeDatabase #IoTProjects







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