ESP32-S3 Native USB: Is it expected to need a manual RESET after upload when I enter Bootloader manually?

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1

Hi there,

I’m using an ESP32-S3 with Native USB (USB Serial/JTAG) (no external USB-UART). USB CDC On Boot is enabled.

What works (normal):

  • If I click Upload without pressing any buttons, upload finishes and the sketch runs immediately.

What doesn’t (question):

  • If I manually enter Download/Bootloader mode (BOOT held, tap RESET, release BOOT), the upload succeeds, but the board stays “stuck” until I press RESET (or power-cycle).

Is this behavior expected for ESP32-S3 Native USB when Bootloader mode is entered manually, or is there a known reset/exit limitation (or an esptool/Arduino setting) to make it auto-run after flashing?

Thanks!

2

I have noticed same behaviour with XIAO ESP32-C3 and ESP32-C3 Supermini, so I guess it is expected. I think the board must be remaining in bootloader mode after the upload and only a hardware reset or power cycle gets it out of that mode. A software reset from the host (which is sent, according to IDE message window) doesn't seem to be sufficient.

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3

Sounds normal to me. As it seems to bother you, just use the first procedure instead of the second. On any board I always hit reset after the upload finishes.

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