Table of contents:

In this article, we’ll explore the methods for installing ESPHome firmware on the ESP32 microcontroller, tailored for users employing MacBook, iMac, Mac Pro, or Mac mini. There are two primary methods: flashing an ESP32 device via a web browser or using esptool. Let’s examine both approaches in detail.

Flashing an ESP32 Microcontroller via a browser

We’d like to highlight our useful feature for developers using ESPHome to install ESP32 microcontroller firmware using a macOS device: you can easily install it to your microcontroller with just a few clicks. This streamlined process is made possible through the web interface of the 2Smart Cloud platform, leveraging the ESP Web Tools library.

To install the ESPHome-based firmware on your microcontroller using a browser, simply follow this step-by-step instruction published on the 2Smart website. MacOS users won’t require any additional steps to enable these new features. However, if you encounter issues with serial ports not being displayed in the browser, you may need to install drivers as outlined in this guide. Let’s consider the major steps of the process here below.

Please note that we’ve taken care of firmware assembly on our servers – you do not need to use assembly programs on your computer.

At first, you’ll need to create an ESPHome configuration for the device, and then install the firmware on the microcontroller using the platform web interface.

Flashing ESPHome Firmware on ESP32 Microcontroller

Another notable advantage of this method of firmware installation is the ability to access microcontroller logs directly through your web browser. After successful flashing, you will be able to view logs after connecting to the computer’s serial port.

Flashing ESPHome Firmware on ESP32 Microcontroller

You can also download the logs of the microcontroller to your PC.

Flashing ESPHome Firmware on ESP32 Microcontroller

If you encounter difficulties with the aforementioned web interface method, we also provide an alternative option for installing the firmware using Python. Please refer to the instructions below. These steps may be necessary during initial product testing when installing test firmware on prototypes.

Let’s collaborate

We’re empower your business with our technology expertise

Let’s discuss your case

Flashing an ESP32 Microcontroller with esptool

  1. Install the latest version of Python — you can download the stable release from the developer’s website.To flash the microcontroller, the pip3 package manager should be installed. Use the following command to download the pip3 installation file:
    
    
    curl https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py -o get-pip.py
    

    After this, install the package manager:

    Installing the package manager

  2. Unzip the firmware file and navigate to the directory containing the archive’s firmware in the terminal.
    
    
    cd Downloads/<unzipped_archive>
    ls

    Firmware archive contents

  3. Install the necessary libraries to work with the “2smart.sh” script using the following command:
    
    
    pip3 install -r requirements.txt
    

    Installing libraries

  4. Connect your MicroUSB cable to your ESP32 Board. Then connect the other end of the USB data cable to your Mac. Enter command in the terminal:

    In example you should now see /dev/cu.usbserial-0001, you may choose your serial port. It is necessary for the flashing device in the next steps.

    Checking connected usb serial port

  5. Clean up the microcontroller memory by running the following command:
    
    
    ./2smart.sh erase_flash
    

    Cleaning the microcontroller memory

    If the memory erasing stops at the “Connecting ….___….___” step, press the Boot button on the DevKit board:

    The Boot button on the DevKit board

  6. Run the “2smart.sh” script to flash the microcontroller, put your usb serial port after -d, for example /dev/cu.usbserial-0001:
    
    
    ./2smart.sh write -d /dev/cu.usbserial-0001
    

    If the flashing stops at the “Connecting ….___….___” step, press the Boot button on the DevKit board.
    Flashing the microcontroller

  7. After a successful flash, you will see the “Leaving… Hard resetting via RTS pin…” notification.Flashing the microcontroller
    1. After flashing is completed, return to your 2Smart Cloud account and wait until the device is detected by the platform. If this does not happen within one to two minutes, unplug your device and plug it back into the Mac.
      The device’s “Ready” status indicates that the prototype has been successfully connected to the 2Smart Internet of Things software.
      Flashing ESPHome Firmware on ESP32 Microcontroller

When getting confirmation that your connection to the prototype platform with test firmware was successful, you can continue working on your product. A similar approach (steps 5 and 6) is used to install the production firmware on finished devices.

Rate this article:

4.7 / 5. 9

( 9 votes )

Don't forget to share this post!

Let’s dive into your case

Share with us your business idea and expectations about the software or additional services.

    Thanks for contacting us!

    We will get in touch soon.

    This site is protected by Google reCAPTCHA and the following Privacy policy and Terms of use apply

    Send us a message

    This site is protected by Google reCAPTCHA and the following Privacy policy and Terms of use apply