Title: Flash with Flipper Zero
Description: Use a Flipper Zero and the GhostESP app to flash a compatible ESP32 board.
URL: /v2.1/getting-started/flipper-flashing/
Version: v2.1
Section: Getting Started
Search index: /search-index.json

# Flash with Flipper Zero

> Use a Flipper Zero and the GhostESP app to flash a compatible ESP32 board.

## On this page

- [What this does](#what-this-does)
- [Before you start](#before-you-start)
- [On-device steps](#on-device-steps)
- [Expected result](#expected-result)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [Related tasks](#related-tasks)

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## What this does
This method uses a Flipper Zero as the programmer for a compatible ESP32 board. Use it when you prefer a portable flashing workflow.
## Before you start
- A Flipper Zero with an SD card.
- The GhostESP Flipper app from the [Flipper app store](https://lab.flipper.net/apps) or [latest release](https://github.com/GhostESP-Revival/GhostESP-FlipperCompanion/releases/latest).
- The GhostESP firmware .zip that matches the ESP32 chip.
- A way to copy the extracted firmware files to the Flipper SD card.
- Correct GPIO wiring between the Flipper and ESP32 board. Refer to the GhostESP Flipper app for the pinout.
## On-device steps
- Install the GhostESP .fap on the Flipper SD card.
- Download and extract the matching GhostESP firmware archive.
- Copy its three .bin files to SDCard/apps_data/esp_flasher/. Do not place them in assets/.
- Wire the ESP32 to the Flipper GPIO pins.
- Put the ESP32 into bootloader mode: hold BOOT, connect USB, then release BOOT.
- Open the ESP flasher app on the Flipper and choose Manual Flash.
- Select bootloader.bin, partitions.bin, and GhostESP.bin, then confirm the target variant.
- Start the flash and reset the ESP32 when it completes.
## Expected result
GhostESP boots and exposes GhostNet. Continue with a connection method or run a first passive Wi-Fi scan.
## Troubleshooting
- Flashing fails: Recheck the GPIO wiring, bootloader mode, and board variant.
- Firmware files are not shown: Confirm all three files are in SDCard/apps_data/esp_flasher/, not assets/.
- The board does not boot: Download the release matching its ESP32 chip and flash again.
## Related tasks
- [Installation Guide](/v2.1/getting-started/installation-guide/)
- [Manual USB Flashing](/v2.1/getting-started/manual-flashing/)
- [Try your first scan](/v2.1/getting-started/first-scan/)