Esptool.py Documentation

This is the documentation for esptool.py - a Python-based, open source, platform independent utility to communicate with the ROM bootloader in Espressif SoCs.

esptool.py, espefuse.py and espsecure.py are a complete toolset for working with Espressif chips. They can do a number of things, for example:

  • Read, write, erase, and verify binary data stored in flash.

  • Read chip features and other related data such as MAC address or flash chip ID.

  • Read and write the one-time-programmable efuses.

  • Prepare binary executable images ready for flashing.

  • Analyze, assemble, and merge binary images.

This document describes using esptool.py with the ESP8266 SoC. To switch to a different SoC target, choose target from the dropdown in the upper left.

Quick Start

Getting started is easy:

  1. Install esptool.py:

    $ pip install esptool

    For detailed instructions, see Installation and Dependencies.

  2. Connect an Espressif chip to your computer.

  3. Run esptool.py commands:

    $ esptool.py -p PORT flash_id

    Replace PORT with the name of used serial port. If connection fails, see Troubleshooting.

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