Title: Manual USB Flashing
Description: Flash a downloaded GhostESP release when the web flasher is unavailable.
URL: /v2.1/getting-started/manual-flashing/
Version: v2.1
Section: Getting Started
Search index: /search-index.json

# Manual USB Flashing

> Flash a downloaded GhostESP release when the web flasher is unavailable.

## On this page

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

---

## What this does
Manual USB flashing installs a downloaded release bundle with ESP Huhn Tool. Use it when you need a specific release file or the recommended web flasher is unavailable.
## Before you start
- A compatible board and USB data cable.
- The firmware .zip for your board from [GhostESP Releases](https://github.com/GhostESP-Revival/GhostESP/releases).
- [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/download.html) or another tool that can extract the release archive.
- Chrome, Brave, or Edge for [ESP Huhn Tool](https://esp.huhn.me/).
## On-device steps
- Hold BOOT, connect USB, then release BOOT.
- If that does not work, hold BOOT, tap RESET, wait 1-2 seconds, then release BOOT.
## Flashing steps
- Extract the downloaded firmware archive.
- Open [ESP Huhn Tool](https://esp.huhn.me/) and click Connect.
- Select the board’s serial port.
- Add the three release binaries using the offsets below.
Chip |
bootloader.bin |
partitions.bin |
firmware.bin |
ESP32-S2 |
0x1000 |
0x8000 |
0x10000 |
ESP32-S3 / C3 / C6 |
0x0 |
0x8000 |
0x10000 |
- Click Flash and wait for it to finish.
- Unplug and reconnect the board.
## Expected result
GhostESP starts and creates the GhostNet access point. You can verify boot output with a [serial console](https://ghostesp.net/serial) at 115200 baud.
## Troubleshooting
- The board is not detected: Use a data-capable cable, close other serial apps, and retry bootloader mode.
- Flash fails: Confirm that each binary came from the same release archive and uses the matching offset.
- The board loops after flashing: Check that the downloaded release matches the exact board and chip.
## Related tasks
- [Installation Guide](/v2.1/getting-started/installation-guide/)
- [Flash with Flipper Zero](/v2.1/getting-started/flipper-flashing/)
- [Connect to GhostESP](/v2.1/getting-started/control-methods/)