Online Flasher

The online flasher is the recommended way to install firmware for first-time users. It lets you flash the ESP32-S3 board directly from the browser without installing a local development environment.

Prerequisites

  • Chrome or Edge browser with Web Serial support

  • ESP32-S3 board connected with a USB Type-C data cable

  • Serial device visible in Device Manager or the system serial port list

Warning

Charging-only USB cables can power the board but cannot be used for flashing.

Note

If the board does not appear as a serial device, install the CP210x driver first and then try a different USB port.

Note

For the LAFVIN ESP32S3 AIChatBot on Windows, connect the USB Type-C data cable to the ESP32-S3 UART port for online flashing. On macOS, use the USB port and follow the macOS download-mode note below.

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Flashing Steps

  1. Open the online flasher: LAFVIN Web Flasher

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  2. Select your kit or device model.

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  3. Select the firmware to flash.

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  4. Select the firmware version.

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  5. Connect the device to your computer before clicking Connect. You may plug in the device after opening the flasher page, but it must be connected before this step.

  6. Click Connect. A serial port selection window will appear. Select your device, grant permission if prompted, and confirm the connection. When the connection succeeds, the button changes to Disconnect.

    ../_images/olf6.png ../_images/olf7.png

    Note

    When using online flashing on macOS, connect the USB Type-C cable to the ESP32-S3 USB port instead of the UART port. Then press and hold BOOT, press RESET while still holding BOOT, and enter download mode before clicking Connect or starting the flash process. The screen will turn black after the device enters download mode; this is normal.

  7. Select the Flash Baud Rate and enable Erase Flash for the first flash or when you want a clean reinstall. Then click Flash. The tool erases and writes the selected firmware automatically.

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Note

Erasing flash and writing firmware may take a few minutes. Keep the browser tab open and do not disconnect the cable.

After flashing is complete, restart the device by pressing the RST or RESET button on the ESP32-S3 board. You usually do not need to unplug the USB cable.

After flashing is complete, restart the board. It should enter Wi-Fi provisioning mode so you can continue with Quick Start.

If Connect still cannot detect the board: