ESP32-S3 AI Camera V1.0 stuck in reboot loop – unable to flash new firmware

[solarflareDE]

Hi everyone,

I’m using the DFRobot ESP32-S3 AI Camera V1.0 board and I’m currently stuck in a reboot loop that prevents me from uploading new firmware via Arduino IDE.

What happened:
I uploaded a sketch that crashes on boot (Guru Meditation Error).

Since then, the board continuously resets and I can’t successfully start an upload anymore.

Serial output after reset:

ELF file SHA256: e2bef90a3

Rebooting...
ESP-ROM:esp32s3-20210327
Build:Mar 27 2021
rst:0xc (RTC_SW_CPU_RST),boot:0x8 (SPI_FAST_FLASH_BOOT)
Saved PC:0x40379fa2
SPIWP:0xee
mode:DIO, clock div:1
...
Guru Meditation Error: Core 1 panic'ed (LoadProhibited). Exception was unhandled.


What I tried:
BOOT + RESET button combinations

Holding BOOT, pressing RESET, then starting upload → no success.

Tried different timings (holding BOOT during “Connecting…” etc.).


Espressif Flash Tool:
I have also tried the Espressif Flash Tool to erase the chip, but so far without any success.


Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just need to erase the flash or get the board into download mode again.

Thank you,
Sebastian

[Sprite]

You should be able to get there by holding BOOT, then pressing and releasing RESET, then flashing. You should be able to release BOOT afterwards, but it can't hurt to hold it during the entire process.

[solarflareDE]

I just wanted to give a big thank you for the quick and helpful response!
Your suggestion – holding the BOOT button, then pressing and releasing RESET, and keeping BOOT pressed during the flashing process – worked perfectly.

My ESP32-S3 AI Camera V1.0 is now back to life and I was able to upload new firmware without any issues.

I really appreciate the support and guidance from this community.

Thanks again!
Sebastian