Ctrlpad Firmware

The Ctrlpad firmware runs on your CYD (ESP32) board and handles the display, touch input, and Bluetooth communication with your computer.

Flashing via Browser (recommended)

The easiest way to install the firmware is directly from your browser — no drivers or additional tools required. This is the recommended method for most users.

Prefer the browser method unless you have a specific reason to use the command line. The Esptool method below is intended for advanced users.

The web flasher only works in Chromium-based browsers (Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge). Firefox and Safari are not supported.

Connect your board

Plug your CYD board into your computer using a USB cable. Make sure to use a data cable. Charge-only cables will not work.

Start flashing

Click the button below. Your browser will ask you to select a serial port. Choose the one labeled USB Serial or CP210x.

Your browser does not support flashing devices. Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Wait for completion

The flashing process will begin automatically. Do not unplug the board while it is in progress.

Done

Once complete, the board restarts automatically and boots into the Ctrlpad UI.

If no port appears in the list, try a different USB cable or a different USB port on your computer.

Flashing with Esptool

Connect your board

Plug your CYD board into your computer using a USB cable. Make sure to use a data cable. Charge-only cables will not work.

Install Esptool

Install the Esptool software. It is used to flash firmware onto your board.

Find your serial port

Identify the serial port your board is connected to. It depends on your operating system:

Linux: /dev/ttyUSB0 or /dev/ttyACM0
macOS: /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART or /dev/cu.usbserial-*
Windows: COM3, COM4, etc.

Replace <PORT> in the command below with your actual port. Using the wrong port will cause the flash to fail.

Download and Flash the Firmware

Download the firmware to a temporary directory and flash it:


curl -L -o /tmp/ctrlpad.bin https://github.com/CtrlPad/firmware/releases/latest/download/ctrlpad.bin && esptool --port <PORT> write_flash 0x0 /tmp/ctrlpad.bin

Done

Once complete, the board restarts automatically and boots into the Ctrlpad UI.