How to update the ESP8266 Module's firmware¶

BEFORE YOU BEGIN Note that this information has been cobbled together from multiple websites and the official Espressif AT Github Repository. It worked for me, and may work for you, but I take no responsibility if your ESP8266 module stops working after attempting this.

Required hardware and software¶

• You will need a Windows PC for this update
• You will need some form of USB to Serial converter that allows operation at 3.3V. I used a Foca board. It allows easy plugging into a breadboard, which then allows me to hookup the pins of the ESP8266 module via jumper wires to the corresponding pins on the USB<->Serial board.
• The firmware updating software only works on COM ports 1-6. If your USB<->Serial device enumerates to a higher port number than that, you will have to change it via Device Manager in Windows.
• You can download all the required files in this ZIP file esp_flasher.zip

Connecting it up¶

Above is a pin out diagram for the ESP8266 Module

You need to hookup these pins from the ESP8266 to your USB<->Serial board:

• VCC to 3.3V
• GND to ground
• CH_PD to 3.3V
• TXD to RX, RXD to TX (this may depend on the USB<->Serial board you are using. If it doesn't work, try swapping them around)
• GPIO0 to ground (for the duration of firmware upgrading. After all the upgrades have been loaded, it needs to be disconnected)