Program ESP8266 ESP-12E with Arduino using FTDI Cable

Learn how to Program ESP8266 ESP-12E with Arduino using FTDI USB to TTL Cable. You just need to install the ESP8266 board and make the circuit as per the below-given instructions. Learn the basics and features of ESP8266 ESP-12E.

Step 1: Required Components

ESP-12E WiFi Module x 1
FTDI USB to TTL Serial Converter Cable x 1
Jumper Wires

Step 2: Circuit Time

Connect FTDI VCC to ESP8266 ESP-12E VCC and GPIO_2, RTS/CTS to CH_PD, DTR to GPIO_0, GND to GND and GPIO_15, TX to RX and RX to TX.


Step 3: Program ESP8266 ESP-12E

Make the circuit as per the above-given instructions. Connect the FTDI cable to the USB port. Select the proper board and programmer. Upload the code to ESP8266 ESP-12E.

Bootloader Modes of ESP-12E

Bootloader ModesThe bootloader can go into several modes depending on the state of GPIOs 0, 2 and 15. The two useful modes are the UART download mode (for flashing new firmware) and the flash startup mode (which boots from flash).
Flash Startup (Normal)                                GPIO0: 1    GPIO2: 1    GPIO15: 0
UART Download Mode (Programming)       GPIO0: 0    GPIO2: 1    GPIO15: 0
SD-Card Boot                                               GPIO0: 0    GPIO2: 0    GPIO15: 1

Learn basic information and uploading code using FTDI USB to TTL Cable.
Install ESP8266 boards to Arduino IDE.

3 thoughts on “Program ESP8266 ESP-12E with Arduino using FTDI Cable”

  1. Why is reset pin not used? I thought the 8266 only went into programming mode at boot time? If it’s powered before you start to program wont this window have been missed?

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