esptool

esptool.py is the canonical open-source utility for communicating with Espressif SoCs over the serial bootloader.

Source

• espressif/esptool
• Documentation

Install

pip install esptool

Common commands

# Chip identification
esptool.py chip_id

# Flash firmware
esptool.py --port /dev/ttyUSB0 write_flash 0x1000 bootloader.bin 0x8000 partition-table.bin 0x10000 app.bin

# Erase flash
esptool.py --port /dev/ttyUSB0 erase_flash

When you need it

• Flashing ESP32 WiFi Penetration Tool or Arduino/IDF builds
• Recovering bricked boards (hold BOOT, reset, flash)
• Reading MAC, flash size, and security options

Tips

• Use a reliable USB-serial adapter (CP2102, CH340, native USB on some boards)
• Match baud rate and flash mode to your module datasheet
• --baud 460800 speeds up large writes when the link is stable

Related

• ESP32
• MicroControllers & SoCs