ESP8266-01 Wifi module + Wifi shield not present + ESP8266-01 libraries not working?
Can you please include some explanation of how the Arduino Uno and ESP8266-01 are connected. You will need to program for the ESP8266 ESP-01 module like shown below,

You will need to write code for the ESP module to connect to the WIFI and listen to its Serial Com Port. The ESP will need to handle the message interpretation &amp; WIFI updating.
The Arduino Uni will not be capable of directly using the ESP-01 module as a WIFI shield. It will need to communicate with the ESP via a serial coms link, you will need to send commands that include instructions &amp; a Message to the ESP from the Arduino.

https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/jeffpar0721/add-wifi-to-arduino-uno-663b9e - Link to the above image document, this should help explain my concept in more detail
I apologies if my comments above miss the point but with the amount of information provided I don't think I can help further.