Flash Bruce firmware on the Lilygo T-Embed
Install the open-source Bruce firmware on your Lilygo T-Embed (ESP32-S3) directly from this page. Supports both the standard and CC1101 Sub-GHz hardware variants. You need Chrome or Edge on a desktop computer and a USB-C data cable.
Which variant do I have — standard or CC1101?
Check the back of the T-Embed board for a CC1101 chip label:
- CC1101 chip present → select T-Embed CC1101 · with Sub-GHz radio in the Version list.
- No CC1101 chip → select T-Embed · standard.
Both builds run fine on either board, but Sub-GHz menus will only work when the CC1101 hardware is present.
How do I flash Bruce on the T-Embed?
Connect the T-Embed with a USB-C cable, click Connect, choose the serial port, select the correct variant, then click Flash. The board resets into flash mode automatically — no buttons to hold.
Which browsers can flash the T-Embed?
| Browser | Supported |
|---|---|
| Chrome / Edge (desktop) | Yes |
| Chrome (Android) | Yes |
| Safari (macOS / iOS) | No |
| Firefox | No |
Browser flashing relies on the Web Serial API, available only in Chromium-based browsers.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| No port shows in the picker | Use a USB-C data cable (not charge-only). Confirm the T-Embed is powered on. |
| Failed to connect | Unplug and replug the device, then click Connect again. |
| Sub-GHz menus show no radio | You flashed the CC1101 build on a standard board, or the board has no CC1101 hardware. Expected behavior. |
| Download / CORS error | The firmware host or proxy is briefly unreachable. Refresh and retry. |
What is Bruce?
Bruce is an open-source firmware tool for ESP32 devices used in wireless and hardware research and education. Source code and releases are published at github.com/BruceDevices/firmware under the AGPL-3.0 license.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bruce firmware?
Bruce is an open-source ESP32 multi-tool firmware (Sub-GHz, RF, IR, RFID/NFC, WiFi, BadUSB). It is community firmware (AGPL-3.0); this page flashes the upstream binary.
Does the Lilygo T-Embed enter flash mode automatically?
Yes. The T-Embed uses an ESP32-S3 with USB-Serial-JTAG, so the flasher resets it into the bootloader over USB automatically — just click Connect, no buttons needed.
Which version should I flash — standard or CC1101?
Select 'T-Embed CC1101' if your T-Embed has a CC1101 chip soldered on the back (the Sub-GHz radio variant). Select 'T-Embed · standard' if your board has no CC1101. The CC1101 build also runs fine on a standard board, but Sub-GHz menus will show no radio to drive.
Which browsers can flash the T-Embed?
Chrome or Edge on desktop (and Chrome on Android). Flashing uses the Web Serial API, which Safari and Firefox do not support.
WARNING
For educational and lawful testing purposes only. Comply with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction.