Need a driver for Meshtastic?

✅ Do You Even Need a Driver?

🧰 Step 1: Use a Good USB Cable

• This is the #1 problem people run into.
• Many USB cables ONLY charge and don’t transfer data.
• If you plug in your device and nothing shows up — try a different cable.
• Look for a USB cable that you know transfers data (for example, one used for phones, cameras, or external drives).

🖥️ Step 2: Install the Driver (Only if Needed)

If you have an ESP32 device:

• Windows
  • Download the CP210x driver or the CH34x/CH9102 driver (depends on your board).
    Install it.
  • Restart your computer (important!).
• macOS
  • Install the driver for your chip (CP210x or CH34x).
  • Restart your Mac.
• Linux
  • Drivers are usually built-in.
  • You may need permission to use the USB port, but most people won’t need extra steps.

🔎 Step 3: Check if It Worked

After you install the driver and plug in your device:

• Windows:
  • Open Device Manager → look under Ports.
  • You should see something like “USB to UART” or “USB Serial (COM3).”
• Mac:
  • If the device shows up when you plug it in, you’re good.
• Linux:
  • The device should appear automatically.

If nothing shows up:

• Try a different USB cable.
• Try a different USB port.
• Reinstall the driver and restart the computer.

🧩 Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

• ❌ Device not showing up
  • Try a better USB cable
• ❌ Computer says “device not recognized”
  • Install the correct driver
• ❌ Still nothing
  • Restart your computer after installing drivers
• ❌ Using a Pico or nRF52 board
  • You probably don’t need drivers at all

📚 Want the Official Guide?

• Full instructions are always available here:
• Meshtastic Serial Drivers:
• https://meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started/serial-drivers