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

p.kaczmarek2  14 2817 Cool? (+13)
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ESPConnect interface displaying ESP32-S3 microcontroller and Flash memory info
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 clocking. 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 Flash partition layout and tools for backing up or restoring 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. You don't need to load anything on the ESP32 - the program shown reads everything from outside via the virtual serial port. This works analogously to esptool.
Serial port selection window with USB Single Serial (COM45) highlighted
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.
ESPConnect screenshot showing ESP32-S3 chip details, flash, and PSRAM info
Similarly, we have information about Flash security and the USB-UART connection:
ESPConnect interface showing Security and Connection panel with device protection details
In the Partitions tab we have the partitions from the Flash format:
ESP32 Flash partition layout with visual map and detailed partition table
In the App tab we have information about the program, how it was compiled, etc:
View of two OTA slots in ESPConnect showing app details and firmware version
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 something up.
SPIFFS loading window with a progress bar for reading flash memory data
In Flash Tools we have the usual firmware write and read operations:
ESPConnect interface with flash backup, erase, and firmware flashing options
Serial monitor is simply a serial port console - RealTerm is no longer needed:
ESPConnect screenshot showing ESP32-S3 boot data in Serial Monitor console
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
About Author
p.kaczmarek2
p.kaczmarek2 wrote 14416 posts with rating 12371 , helped 650 times. Been with us since 2014 year.

Comments

bsw 17 Dec 2025 22:11

1. Does not work with Firefox: This browser does not support the Web Serial API. Use Chrome, Edge, or another Chromium-based browser. 2. Under Opera (Chromium-based): Processing error An error occurred... [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 17 Dec 2025 22:15

Good idea to check it out. It doesn't work on Firefox for me either. On Edge it works: https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/2327325800_1766006001_thumb.jpg On my Opera it works: https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/1561157500_1766006066_thumb.jpg... [Read more]

bsw 17 Dec 2025 22:18

Maybe it's an OS issue? I exclusively use Debian... [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 17 Dec 2025 22:27

My Opera is version 124.0.5705.42 on Windows 10. [Read more]

bsw 17 Dec 2025 22:41

My Opera: 122.0.5643.24 but offers me an update to: 125.0.5729.21. I'll check at my leisure but I'm not promising myself much.... These problems concern the ESP32 S3 (with USB-OTG). I connected the ESP8266... [Read more]

hwjn 17 Dec 2025 22:43

It works on Firefox, but you need an add-on: https://addons.mozilla.org/pl/firefox/addon/webserial-for-firefox/ [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 17 Dec 2025 22:50

Interesting, I added this add-on to Firefox and now when opening the UART port the browser suggests me to download some exe.... https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/2094934200_1766008116_thumb.jpg I took... [Read more]

bsw 17 Dec 2025 22:57

Have you installed anything offered by a new user ???? [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 17 Dec 2025 23:09

This add-on downloads the exe from its page on GitHub, looks authentic, but still doesn't work. It's easier to fire up Chrome. But yes - I agree with the comment, I strongly advise against downloading... [Read more]

krzbor 17 Dec 2025 23:55

Instead of downloading add-ons for FF it is better to use Chrome or Edge. There, UART support is built in. [Read more]

androot 18 Dec 2025 08:01

I Windows... Works... The description is quite laconic, it lacks even a linked video that explains everything, and it's available on Github. At first I thought it was a library for ESP32. [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 18 Dec 2025 12:15

Thanks for pointing this out. Sometimes it's hard to look at something from a beginner's perspective. I have added sentences saying that the tool reads data through the UART (virtual COM port) and does... [Read more]

krzbor 18 Dec 2025 21:26

Tasmota can be uploaded via WebSerial: Link . It's convenient because you don't have to install anything and you can always access the latest firmware. [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 18 Dec 2025 21:44

That's right, it's been tested: How to install Tasmota easily - online installer tasmota.github.io/install via web browser [Read more]

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

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?

  1. Connect your ESP board to your computer via USB.
  2. Open the ESPConnect page and select the correct serial port.
  3. 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]
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