ESP8266 IoT Web Control with HTML & CSS (Relay Project)

In modern IoT projects, creating a web-based control panel is one of the most practical and powerful skills you can learn. If you’re working with the ESP8266, building a simple HTML and CSS web page allows you to control relays, lights, motors, and other electronic devices remotely through a browser.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a clean and functional IoT web interface to control a 5-channel relay module connected to the ESP8266. This method is ideal for smart home systems, automation projects, and electronics prototypes.

You can follow the full step-by-step tutorial in the video below while reading this article 

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Why Use ESP8266 for IoT Web Control?

The ESP8266 microcontroller has built-in WiFi capability, making it perfect for hosting a lightweight web server. Instead of building a complex mobile app, you can create a simple web dashboard using HTML and CSS.

Advantages include:

• Low cost and widely available hardware

• Built-in WiFi support

• Easy integration with Arduino IDE

• Fast deployment for smart home automation

• Remote control through any browser

By combining ESP8266 web server programming with basic HTML CSS design, you create a powerful yet simple IoT control system.

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Step 1: Understanding the IoT Web Server Concept

When the ESP8266 connects to your WiFi network, it can host a small web server. When a user enters the device’s IP address in a browser, the ESP8266 sends an HTML page.

That page contains:

• Buttons (ON/OFF)

• Status indicators

• Basic CSS styling

• HTTP request triggers

Each button sends a specific request (for example: /relay1/on). The ESP8266 reads the request and activates the correct relay pin.

This structure is the foundation of IoT device control via web browser.

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Step 2: Designing the HTML Control Panel

Your HTML structure can be simple but organized:

• A clear title (IoT Control Panel)

• Five control buttons for 5-channel relay

• Clean layout using CSS

• Responsive design for mobile use

Example structure:

• Header section

• Relay control grid

• Status section

Using proper <div> containers and CSS styling improves readability and usability. Keep the interface minimal and intuitive.

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Step 3: Styling with CSS for a Professional Look

A good IoT web interface should be:

• Clean

• Easy to read

• Mobile-friendly

• Fast loading

Use:

• Background colors

• Rounded buttons

• Hover effects

• Grid or flexbox layout

• Clear ON (green) / OFF (red) states

This improves user experience and makes your smart home dashboard look professional.

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Step 4: Connecting HTML Buttons to ESP8266 GPIO

Each relay is connected to a GPIO pin of the ESP8266. When a user clicks a button:

1. Browser sends HTTP request

2. ESP8266 reads URL

3. GPIO pin changes state

4. Relay switches ON or OFF

This allows real-time control of:

• Lights

• Fans

• Water pumps

• Home appliances

• Industrial automation modules

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Applications in Smart Automation

This type of ESP8266 IoT web control project is perfect for:

• Smart home systems

• Greenhouse automation

• Remote relay switching

• Industrial IoT prototypes

• Educational electronics projects

Since you’re already working with ESP8266 in automation projects, this approach integrates perfectly into smart agriculture, hydroponic control systems, or IoT monitoring dashboards.

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Final Thoughts

Designing a web page to control IoT devices using HTML and CSS with ESP8266 is one of the most practical skills in modern electronics. It combines:

• Web development

• Embedded systems

• IoT communication

• Smart automation

With just a simple web server and structured HTML, you can build a scalable and customizable IoT control panel for any project.

Start simple, improve the design step by step, and soon you’ll have a fully functional smart control dashboard running directly on your ESP8266.

You’ve reached the end of this article.

We’ve continued the tutorial in another article and video — click here to go to the next part.