How to Download and Install the CP210x Driver for ESP32 in the Arduino IDE (Step-by-Step Guide)

ByHaneen ✓December 24, 2025

0

Download and Install the CP210x Driver for ESP32 in the Arduino IDE

Many ESP32 development boards use the Silicon Labs CP210x USB-to-UART bridge chip to handle USB communication. If your computer does not have the CP210x driver installed, the ESP32 will not appear as a COM/Serial port in the Arduino IDE — which means you cannot upload code.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to:

Download the correct CP210x driver for your operating system
Install the driver
Verify that the ESP32 is detected in the Arduino IDE

By the end, your ESP32 will be ready to program.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

An ESP32 development board
A USB cable that supports data transfer
The Arduino IDE installed
Administrator rights on your computer
An internet connection to download the driver

Step 1 — Identify Whether You Need the CP210x Driver

Connect the ESP32 to your computer using the USB cable.
Open the Arduino IDE.
Go to:

Tools → Port

If no new port appears (or the port list is empty), you likely need the CP210x driver.

Step 2 — Download the CP210x USB-to-UART Driver

Open your web browser.
Go to the Silicon Labs CP210x driver download page (search for: “CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers”).
or use the Direct link : https://www.silabs.com/software-and-tools/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads
Choose the installer for your operating system:

Windows (EXE / ZIP)
macOS (PKG)
Linux (tar.gz or built-in support on some distros)

Download the correct file.

Step 3 — Install the Driver

🟦 Windows

Extract the ZIP file if necessary.
Run the installer.
Accept the license and complete the installation.
Restart your computer (recommended).

macOS

Open the .pkg installer.
Approve the installation when prompted.
If macOS blocks the driver, open:

System Settings → Privacy & Security → Allow

Restart your Mac.

Linux

Most modern distributions already include CP210x support.
If not, load the module manually:

terminal:-

sudo modprobe cp210x

To Verify :-

dmesg | grep cp210x

Step 4 — Reconnect the ESP32 and Verify the Port

Reconnect the ESP32 to your computer.
Open the Arduino IDE.
Go to:

Tools → Port

You should now see a new port, such as:

Windows: COM3, COM4, etc.
macOS: /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART
Linux: /dev/ttyUSB0

Select that port.

Step 5 — Test Uploading Code to the ESP32

Select your ESP32 board:

Tools → Board → ESP32 → (your board model)

Load the Blink example:

File → Examples → 01.Basics → Blink

Click Upload.

If everything is installed correctly, the code will compile and upload, and the onboard LED will start blinking.

Now successfully downloaded and installed the CP210x USB-to-UART driver and confirmed that your ESP32 is recognized in the Arduino IDE. With the driver in place, you can now upload sketches, experiment with libraries, and build ESP32 projects confidently.

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