ESP8266 Loader App Lets Users Debug and Upload Binary Files via Android Mobile Devices

You can now use Android smartphones and tablets to flash any ESP8266 board of your choice as well as gaining access to the serial console for debugging on the go using Bluino Electronics’ ESP8266 Loader app. This means you can take advantage of FTDI, CH34X, PL2303, and CP210X USB chipsets with popular 8266 Wi-Fi module boards such as Bolt IoT, NodeMCU, Adafruit’s Huzzah, and a host of others.

In order to get the Android phone on speaking terms with the ESP8266 module the phone needs to be USB OTG (On The Go) compatible. If you’re not sure, there are several ways to find out- use an app, such as USB OTG Helper, which quickly determines whether the phone is capable or not, directly check the manufacturer’s website, or check the version of the Android OS flavor, anything after Honeycomb (3.1) features OTG natively. You’re also going to need a compatible USB cable to complete the connection.

Beyond the features mentioned above, the app offers the ability to change SSID and Password options automatically during upload. With that being said, the ESP8266 Loader App comes in two versions — free, and Pro Version, which offers up amenities such as the removal of in-app ads, access to Google Drive Storage and the ability to upload multiple widgets. Marginal upgrades if you don’t need them, but for those that do, it costs just $2.99.