ESPConnect - a convenient tool for ESP8266/ESP32 in the browser - flash, partitions, information

p.kaczmarek2 17 Dec 2025 10:56 0 126 Cool? (+3)

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ESPConnect is an advanced tool for managing ESP family microcontrollers without having to install desktop applications. It allows you to read and upload the contents of the chip's Flash memory. It allows you to view detailed device information such as chip family, MAC, flash size and timing. It also has an extensive file system manager (SPIFFS, LittleFS and FATFS) with file viewing, writing and reading. ESPConnect offers a graphical representation of the layout of flash partitions and tools to back them up or restore them.

Let's test this tool with ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3 .
Connect the board to the computer, open the tool window . The serial port is selected:

Immediately everything becomes clear - we see information about the CPU itself, the size of the flash memory, the capabilities of the chip, the size of the external PSRAM bone and even the flash ID.

Similarly, we have information about flash security and the USB-UART connection:

In the partitions tab we have partitions from the flash format:

In the app tab we have information about the program, how it was compiled, etc:

SPIFFS allows you to manage the file system on your device. The whole idea is that we have to back up all the memory first, so we are unlikely to lose anything, even if we mess up something.

In Flash Tools we have the usual firmware write and read operations:

Serial monitor is simply a serial port console - RealTerm is no longer needed:

The Session Log, on the other hand, tells us what the ESPConnect was doing - you can view there what was read, what went wrong, etc:

Screenshot of ESPConnect's Session Log showing ESP32-S3 chip and flash memory information

In summary, the tool looks very promising. The whole thing is very fresh, looking at GitHub it appeared about 3 weeks ago, but in my case it even has a chance to replace esptool. Everything in one place, convenient and accessible.
And what is your opinion? Which tools for ESP do you use?

Tool in question:
https://thelastoutpostworkshop.github.io/microcontroller_devkit/espconnect/
Project repository:
https://github.com/thelastoutpostworkshop/ESPConnect

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FAQ

TL;DR: ESPConnect is a browser tool for ESP8266/ESP32 that supports 3 on-chip file systems; “looks very promising.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

Why it matters: It lets beginners and power users flash, inspect, and back up ESP devices without desktop installs.

Quick Facts

- Runs in your browser; no desktop install. Works with ESP8266, ESP32, and ESP32‑S3 boards. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]
- File system manager supports SPIFFS, LittleFS, and FATFS for viewing, reading, and writing. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]
- Visual partition map with backup and restore for individual regions or full flash. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]
- Shows chip details: family, MAC, flash size/timing, PSRAM presence, and flash ID. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]
- Built-in Serial Monitor and Session Log replace external terminal tools and aid debugging. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

What is ESPConnect and who is it for?

ESPConnect is a web-based utility for ESP8266/ESP32 that handles flashing, partition management, file systems, and device info. It suits makers, testers, and firmware engineers who want a single, install‑free tool. The author notes it could replace esptool for many tasks. “Everything in one place, convenient and accessible.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

How do I get started flashing my ESP32 with ESPConnect?

Connect your ESP board to your computer via USB.
Open the ESPConnect page and select the correct serial port.
Use Flash Tools to write firmware or read back images as needed. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

Does ESPConnect work on ESP32‑S3 boards with PSRAM?

Yes. The tool reads device details including PSRAM presence and size, plus flash ID and timing. The thread demonstrates an ESP32‑S3 Touch LCD board connected and recognized with full chip details shown in the UI. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

What file systems can I manage with ESPConnect?

ESPConnect includes a file system manager for SPIFFS, LittleFS, and FATFS. You can browse, read, and write files directly from the browser. This consolidates common maintenance tasks without CLI tools. That equals three supported file systems in one UI. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

Can it back up and restore my ESP flash and partitions?

Yes. ESPConnect provides a graphical partition layout and tools to back up individual partitions or the entire flash. You can restore saved images later. The Session Log records each operation for traceability and troubleshooting. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

Is there a built‑in serial monitor?

Yes. ESPConnect includes a Serial Monitor, so external terminals like RealTerm are unnecessary. You can view live logs and interact over the selected serial port directly in the browser. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

What information does the tool display about my device?

It shows chip family, MAC address, flash size and timing, capabilities, PSRAM status, flash ID, and USB‑UART details. A Flash Security panel is also present to review security status before operations. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

How do I troubleshoot connection issues in ESPConnect?

Confirm you selected the correct serial port in the UI. If detection fails, check the Session Log for errors and open the Serial Monitor to verify communication. Wrong port selection is a common failure cause. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

What is SPIFFS in this context?

SPIFFS is a lightweight flash file system used on microcontrollers. In ESPConnect, the SPIFFS tab lets you list, read, and write files on that partition from your browser, streamlining updates and diagnostics. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

What is LittleFS?

LittleFS is a modern flash‑friendly file system designed for reliability. ESPConnect supports browsing and editing LittleFS partitions, similar to SPIFFS handling, via its file system manager. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

What is a partition table on ESP chips?

A partition table defines how flash is divided into regions such as app, OTA slots, and file systems. ESPConnect visualizes this map and enables selective backup and restore of those regions through its partition tools. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

How does ESPConnect compare to esptool for everyday tasks?

ESPConnect centralizes flashing, partition backups, file management, serial monitoring, and logging in a browser UI. The author states it “has a chance to replace esptool” for their workflow, reducing tool sprawl. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

Is there an audit trail of what the tool did during a session?

Yes. The Session Log records operations such as reads, writes, and errors. You can review it to confirm successful backups or diagnose failures after an attempted flash or file transfer. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

Can I manage FATFS content with ESPConnect?

Yes. Alongside SPIFFS and LittleFS, ESPConnect supports FATFS. You can view, read, and write files on the FATFS partition using the same unified interface. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

Is ESPConnect suitable for beginners?

Yes. It reduces setup friction by running in the browser and guiding users through port selection and standard tasks. The UI surfaces chip details immediately, which helps learning and reduces guesswork. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]

What’s one expert takeaway from early testing?

“In summary, the tool looks very promising.” Early impressions highlight convenience and completeness for common ESP workflows in one place. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21782836]