ESP32 Occasionally Boots into DOWNLOAD Mode Without Programmer Connected
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 3:55 pm
We are using a custom ESP32 board connected to a CC2652R7 over UART. Programming is done via an external USB-to-UART module with connections to TX, RX, GND, RESET (EN), and VCC. The programmer is disconnected after uploading.
However, we’ve observed that occasionally after powering on, the ESP32 boots into Download Mode (UART). The log shows:
rst:0x1 (POWERON_RESET), boot:0x1 (DOWNLOAD_BOOT(UART0/UART1/SDIO_FEI_REO_V2))
Key details:
IO14 and IO27 are used in the design.
This issue occurs rarely, approximately 1 out of every 10 power-ons.
Sometimes it occurs even after we remove EN and GPIO0 wiring and keep only TX, RX, and GND.
We verified that GPIO0 is not pulled low intentionally.
Reset circuitry appears to be stable during boot.
We’d appreciate any insights on:
What could cause this intermittent entry into download mode?
Any recommended pull-up/down configuration or debounce suggestions for EN and GPIO0?
However, we’ve observed that occasionally after powering on, the ESP32 boots into Download Mode (UART). The log shows:
rst:0x1 (POWERON_RESET), boot:0x1 (DOWNLOAD_BOOT(UART0/UART1/SDIO_FEI_REO_V2))
Key details:
IO14 and IO27 are used in the design.
This issue occurs rarely, approximately 1 out of every 10 power-ons.
Sometimes it occurs even after we remove EN and GPIO0 wiring and keep only TX, RX, and GND.
We verified that GPIO0 is not pulled low intentionally.
Reset circuitry appears to be stable during boot.
We’d appreciate any insights on:
What could cause this intermittent entry into download mode?
Any recommended pull-up/down configuration or debounce suggestions for EN and GPIO0?