How to Install the STM32 USB Bootloader, New Version! (Blue Pill F103C8T6) 

After a full day of trying to get my ST32 to work, you came in clutch. Thank you so much!

Very useful video, thank you. I solved my bootloader problems with two different STM32 boards within a couple of minutes. Especially the links in description are very useful: all are valid and get the right things I needed. Perfect explanation why and how. Many, many thanks!

This is one of the best videos for this, I appreciate the clean look and sound of the video as well.

Great video! Explained a lot of the basics that other videos skipped over.

this video is amazing on so many levels , liked and subbed.

This is fantastic. Thank you so much!! I have updated the boot-loader on all my STM32 boards!

Thank you very much for your guidance. Spent 1.5 days to make STA32 working until I saw your video. Now I am good now. Just FYI, I used STM Flash Loader to flash bootloader and in the Arduino's Upload method I used HID Bootloader 2.2

Thanks for such a clear and concise video. First time I've got a blue pill bootloader to work!

Thanks for this! I already had a pile of these lying around, but I haven't used them due to programming being fiddly. Ordered 10 more and will be flashing the new bootloader on all of them.

thank you for your video, now my 'Blue Pill' work well with Arduino, and serial output it's great to help to display info or debug. Great job.

Thank you very much. Worked like a charm!

How ironic that you uploaded this UPDATE on the very day I was researching how to do this. Thanks for making an UPDATE!

Thank you, just saw this on reddit, the day after i got the board. Subscribed!

You just saved me about 15 hours work! thanks Sooo much man.... works first time, exactly as you have described.... cheeeers!

Really loved the way you included more or less subtle references to things in the previous video. Like the tweezers thing. :D

I had tossed 5 blue pill boards in a drawer after wrestling for days to get them to work with Platform.io back in 2018. I recently got interested in using them with DIY Eurorack synth modules. This procedure & the new bootloader did the trick, even with counterfeit CKS32F103C8T6 microcontrollers on the boards! Thanks for the update!

Thanks a lot. I got my first stm32 project.

wow ,looks like the folks over at STM finally got it together and realized Arduino is here to stay. THANKS

very cool, i had so much trouble with this in the past

Amazingly simplified Video ever made , I came across ....You are a real Gem knowledge sharing sole ! Keep doing your good work for the community ! is there any similar video for STM8 boards I can refer ?

Use the PB2 port tied to +3.3V after a RESET. This will kick in the HID Bootloader (even with anything written previously). One also can unplug the USB, tie PB2 to +3.3V, and plug it to the USB port, this also can kick in the HID Bootloader.

this was awesome :) works with mac too after installing stm32cubeprog for mac

tHANK YOU VERY VERY SO MUCH!! yOU ARE THE ONE!! Including Serasidis of course (The Greek One)!!!

Fabulous video, i am a fan of the blue pill.

Great job! Thanks You a lot. Finally easy un following story to do it properly! Thumbs up from me!

Thanks for the useful video BTW

Nice! I was able to program my Blue Pill a while ago then something happened and I just kept getting errors. This video inspired me to clean up my IDE and set everything up again. By following your instructions I was able to get it all working again. Now I need to see if I can program a little 32F030F4P6 board I got a while ago.

Thank you from Brazil bro!

DUDE - Thank you so much!!!

Thank you very much very good your tutorial worked perfect you unless my stm32 do not go to the trash

Worked for me! I've never done any microcontroller work and got a bluepill (against advice of the interent) to get started. This tutorial was easy to follow and I got everything working and the example code prints to the serial monitor. Thanks! I'll subscribe too see what else you do with the blue pill.

Muito obrigado pelo excelente tutorial.

The way you address the comments section is hilarious!

you're the best! thank you

Thank you for video! ...the issue is that the new STM32 core package produces larger images than the "old" one... So, might be critical for large applications that utilize almost all flash memory; could happen it would not be enough memory to flash a re-compiled app... Also, you do not need Cube to flash bootloader using STLink. You may use STLink utility (available at ST.com) to do it...

The PIO instructions need another build flag for me: -D USB_PID=0x0100 was needed. Thanks

Thank you for this tutorial. I could make it work under Linux (XUbunut 18.04) but I have some remarks: $ uname -a Linux mybox 4.15.0-99-generic #100-Ubuntu SMP Wed Apr 22 20:32:56 UTC 2020 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux - The STM32 Cube Programmer doesn't work here under Linux but I could flash the HID bootloader binary without problems using the st-flash utility via my ST-Link clone. I did this outside of the Arduino IDE, it was as simple as "st-flash write hid_generic_pc13.bin 0x08000000" on a blank Blue Pill - The udev rule configuration for proper detection of the HID bootloader as described on the bootloader github should be in place and active before opening the Arduino IDE. - The created virtual COM port seems to jump back and forth (/dev/ttyACM0 and /dev/ttyACM1) if the reset button is pressed or the cable is reconnected. - Using the virtual COM port works only after the flashing. One cannot open the COM port and flash in parallel, e.q. open the serial monitor later. It may even be necessary to change the COM port. - I get kernel messages and error messages inside the IDE regarding the COM port. [ 6021.100121] xhci_hcd 0000:00:14.0: WARN Cannot submit Set TR Deq Ptr [ 6021.100124] xhci_hcd 0000:00:14.0: A Set TR Deq Ptr command is pending. [ 6021.102143] xhci_hcd 0000:00:14.0: WARN Cannot submit Set TR Deq Ptr [ 6021.102146] xhci_hcd 0000:00:14.0: A Set TR Deq Ptr command is pending. [ 6021.104120] xhci_hcd 0000:00:14.0: WARN Cannot submit Set TR Deq Ptr [ 6021.104123] xhci_hcd 0000:00:14.0: A Set TR Deq Ptr command is pending. - Uploading does not always work. It requires retries due to the described "Couldn't locate :BEBA device"), a lot more than anticipated by the video's description. Kernelside device detection looks like this: [ 6021.575132] usb 1-5.1.4: new full-speed USB device number 35 using xhci_hcd [ 6021.676533] usb 1-5.1.4: New USB device found, idVendor=1209, idProduct=beba [ 6021.676538] usb 1-5.1.4: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0 [ 6021.676540] usb 1-5.1.4: Product: STM32F HID Bootloader [ 6021.676542] usb 1-5.1.4: Manufacturer: www.serasidis.gr [ 6021.678371] hid-generic 0003:1209:BEBA.000E: hiddev3,hidraw6: USB HID v1.11 Device [www.serasidis.gr STM32F HID Bootloader] on usb-0000:00:14.0-5.1.4/input0

I love you! Thanks!

Hi Your video on STM32F103 is brilliant, it helps a lot. Both programming and native are combined into 1 port after installing the HID bootloader. Appreciate your video. Do you also have a video that guide us on STM32F407 board?

it work well...thank you

Muito obrigado. Realmente funcionou dessa forma.

thank you very much...!!!

I am a starter with micro controllers and your video was a great help. But because time goes by I faced the same problems as many people here: after first successful flash from Arduino all later flashes needed the bootloader pin 1 to set. After many hours of research, try and fail, I finally found the solution! I downgraded the version of STM32 core down from 1.9 to 1.8. STM32 core 1.9 and bootloader 2.2.2 may not be compatible, idk. Now I can upload the same reliable and repeatable way as before with Arduino nano.

Great video Caleb! build_flags = -D PIO_FRAMEWORK_ARDUINO_ENABLE_CDC -D USBCON -D USBD_PID -D USBD_VID=0x0483 -D USB_MANUFACTURER="Unknown" -D USB_PRODUCT="\"BLUEPILL_F103C8\"" -D HAL_PCD_MODULE_ENABLED NOTE: -D USBD_PID was required, if you look at the error it's obvious, but that should work as of me typing this.

thank you so much :)

Thanks 😊

Agreed, if windows doesn't recognize the bluepill just unplug it from power and plug it again several times, it will work.

Thanks 👍🏻

thanks a lot

thank you

Great video man. I have a question. will this also work with cube programmer? I mean can I flash .bin files with cube programmer using the USB?

Another common problem for Mac user (I know how you feel), if you have tried everything mentioned in the video and it says something like the COM port is busy, try changing the USB-C port with another one. Sometimes it just works.

Definitely an update !

Thanks for the video. One question, with HID bootloader, do you still need to move the boot0 jumper each time when uploading the sketch?

Important to be persistent with this, I used the usb SWD programmer, stlink v.2 to flash, simply because it was convenient, and I had to finally erase it three times, and then program twice in succession, to get the new HID 2.2.2 bootloader to enumerate correctly on Window 10. Be sure to use a known good usb cable, and I had to use my older 2.0 version USB connector, not my new USB 3.0 ports I added via a PCI-e expansion card Once you get past the initial flash, it will create a serial port that works perfectly as a CDC serial port (COM44 in this particular case). I also tested the hid_flash (v2.2) from the command line like this ... "hid_flash>hid-flash.exe C:\Users anda\AppData\Loca\Temp\arduino_build_363784/Serial_Test_Arduino.ino.bin COM44" All OK! (As always, don't be shy to connect/reconnect the usb cable to power cycle, and/or press the reset button if something appears to hang)

Even though I had uninstalled all smt32-related stuff from the UI, I still had in the `C:\Users\MyUser`Documents\Arduino\Hardware` some folder called Arduino_SMT32-master that I surely put there some day in the past from some other method. That's also the reason why my UI in "Tools" looked different than the one showed by Caleb. Once I deleted the folder, my UI started looking normal again and I was able to select all the right options that he showed. Finally, I had to manually select the right COM port at the time of my second upload and that was it now my Blackpill f103C8T6 works perfectly as the Bluepill shown in the video.

Thank you for this video. My question is whether, after I install this bootloader using the method you describe, will I be able to then compile and upload a sketch that requires the dan brown board manager? What do you think?

Thank you for your great video! Can I use the same STM32 HID Bootloader 2.2.2 for an STM32F405RGT6?

Very cool, Im more curiouse to know how a bootloader works what it does and why hasnt stm32 done this for convenience? On the otherhand im flashing fine on my stm32 clone(ch32) through its usb port without an additional bootloader although i have to use their tool for flashing. But after all that i found the stlink actually more convenient since i dont have to unplug and reset jumpers everytime like i have to with usb. Its a miracle i havent lost the jumpers the amount of time its popped out on its own while trying to take it out, its not a matter of if, but when...

For STlink V2, which position should the jumper set during loading the hid library file?

Followed this and was able to program the 2.2.2 HID bootloader onto a bluepill. It was attached to my linux box and I was able to program it using arduino as described. I was able to upload the blink sketch and it worked fine. What I noticed was that after programming the bootloader and plugging in the device I saw Feb 19 17:35:17 x1-Carbon kernel: [159760.782737] usb 1-4.3: new full-speed USB device number 62 using xhci_hcd Feb 19 17:35:17 x1-Carbon kernel: [159760.896087] usb 1-4.3: New USB device found, idVendor=1209, idProduct=beba Feb 19 17:35:17 x1-Carbon kernel: [159760.896088] usb 1-4.3: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0 Feb 19 17:35:17 x1-Carbon kernel: [159760.896089] usb 1-4.3: Product: STM32F HID Bootloader Feb 19 17:35:17 x1-Carbon kernel: [159760.896090] usb 1-4.3: Manufacturer: www.serasidis.gr Feb 19 17:35:17 x1-Carbon kernel: [159760.897242] hid-generic 0003:1209:BEBA.002A: hiddev0,hidraw4: USB HID v1.11 Device [www.serasidis.gr STM32F HID Bootloader] on usb-0000:00:14.0-4.3/input0 Subsequent upload required the tty port to be set to ttyACM0, which I found strange but then I noticed that when attached it showed up as a different device. After uploading the blink program and on every new connection of the device I see. Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159764.903072] usb 1-4.3: USB disconnect, device number 62 Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159765.142626] usb 1-4.3: new full-speed USB device number 63 using xhci_hcd Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159765.256541] usb 1-4.3: New USB device found, idVendor=0483, idProduct=5740 Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159765.256548] usb 1-4.3: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3 Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159765.256553] usb 1-4.3: Product: BLUEPILL_F103CB CDC in FS Mode Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159765.256556] usb 1-4.3: Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159765.256559] usb 1-4.3: SerialNumber: 8D9022774848 Feb 19 17:35:21 x1-Carbon kernel: [159765.258827] cdc_acm 1-4.3:1.0: ttyACM0: USB ACM device No issues uploading new sketches that blink or use the Serial.println() function. All works fine, but I thought it was strange that the device idVendor changed from 1209 to 0483 ? Looks like newer version of the STM package (1.9) in arduino overwrote the HID bootloader.

Is this tutorial to use stm with Arduino IDE, or to use it with stm cube and cube programmer via usb?

thanks

Niiice.

When adding board i get the "depreciated please use new package index stm32 cores"

What happens when I am going to use more than 1 blue pill? I have 2 blue pill. 1 is working good but 2 is not recognized by the PC. I did not miss any of the steps mentioned above.

Caleb Marting asked you which library for RSA encryption you recommend me to be compatible with a PHP code and the arduinoST I have tried some but they are for AVR and do not work well with the ST, thank you very much

Is there an update to this video? Perhaps a an updated link to proper files? Have tried (and tried) using updated links below But no luck. Boot loader uploads fine. But when I go to program vis USB (HID 2.2), sez it can't find the board. Thx ...

Caleb Marting, First thanks for you nice video's. I am a NOOB and have used your guide with Win10, STM32F401, I am using the ST-Link V2 with the latest firmware. My question, is the HID method with the STM32F401 board is not listed under the Binaries I downloaded, it has the STMF103 and the STMF407 but not the F401's. Is there a binary file you can point me to for the correct HID files, I have versions 2.2.2 from the github. I have not been able to get the board to function, When I started, the on board led was blinking and the red led was on, now after trying the STM Cube Programmer to load the binary F407, it just showing the red power light now. I have moved the boot switch to the correct position and after STM cube indicated a download complete, I move the boot switch back to its original position. any pointers appreciated Thanks.

If I upload a bootloader in stm 32. After uploading does I still need a programme or st link to program the board. I new with mcu's. So please clear

hi, the cube programmer log says ST-LINK error (DEV_CONNECT_ERR) when i try to connect my st link, what do i do for it to connect successfully?

Im getting “data read fail”, “GetID command not acknowledged” and “read protection” errors on the stm32cube software on all my 5 blue pills, despite it reading the chip information just fine. Any clues as to what may be happening? Great video regardless.

Please, do a vid for latest Black Pill (weact studio v3) with STM32F411CE...find it very hard to even get arduino blinky to work properly, but ST-link/v2 say it uplosded uploaded code..

hello, not long ago I got the Blue Pill F103C8T6, and I am about to buy an ST LINK V2, but I am not sure what is a Bootloader ? Further I have heard something about decreasing the STM32's capacity. Does the bootloader mean you can use the board with the USB ?

It seems to still require a port even in HID 2.2 bootloader. Ill try downgrading arduino IDE. Otherwise everything else I followed and it worked. Maybe usb cable.

Hello im arduino uno comanication to stM32f103 ,after cod uplord come erro is compling for stm32 series

Hey. I know this is an older-ish video, but do you know if you can program the blue pill with STMCube IDE? Or with STlink utility or STM Cube Programmer. I just want to upload what I code in the IDE to the board via USB, be it directly or writing the binary file.

I was stuck with the 'Error - [1209:BEBA] device is not found' issue as well and finally could resolve it by setting the "Tools->Port" in the Arduino IDE to the virtual COM port the bootloader had opened. Regardless the fact that the upload does not need the COM port, Arduino IDE seems to do.

In my case, I have to choose a COM port in order for the uploading process to be successful. Do you know why that is?

Is this bootloader version still the most current for STM32?

Hi, will it work with other frameworks, such as stm32Cube?

I'm running into a weird issue with PlatformIO! I can upload the code to the BluePill but only once than the laptop says "USB device not recognized", if I re-flash the bootloader then I can upload the code again but right after that get the "USB device not recognized" error. To get to upload from PlatformIO all I had to do was add "upload_protocol = hid" in the .ini file.

Finally have a windows box that I can play with and found this. Does one still have to replace the R10 Resistor? That was the other thing that has held me back in the past.

The Github link in the description is broken and not valid anymore.

Great video! it works well under arduino ide but i cant make it work on platformio, the error message says that the builder isnt found... Any idea why? Thank you

Hi, Great Tutorial. How can we do the same thing to Maple mini which does have any jumpers ?

Can you update your guide for ver 2.01 Arduino IDE, please, Thanks

Will this work for flashing a Keil uVision project via USB? (not from the Arduino IDE)

Excellent! Can I use stm32cubeide for programming and upload that loader? Where I could see instruction?

So, yeah, 2k for a bootloader sounds much better. Now just show it in Linux. You might want to note the OS in the vid/title as well. The issue I have had with PlatformI/O is it's slow speed on my old laptop. I'm building a better dual boot machine with W10 atm, but still cringe every time I use windoze. BTW, I have a STM32 playlist (references to other people's stuff, like this vid). One thing I recall seeing/saving is an upload someone did showing how to unlock the full 128k of memory on the 64k limited parts. I haven't tried it, but that looks interesting. Apparently all part numbers within a family of STM32 chips have the same die. I've heard, in the past, the part numbers were used for graded chips, separating them according to what worked/didn't work during production. As the yields have gotten much better they are using fully functional chips to fill orders for lower grade part numbers and just limiting the integrated peripherals in the internal registers, but this can be reversed :-) -Jake

"Timeout error occured while waiting for acknowledgement. Error: Activating device: KO. Please, verify the boot mode configuration and check the serial port configuration. Reset your device then try again..." how to overcome this problem?

I suppose that was interesting but it was a bit fast for me and I need to look at some lower level stuff first. I thought I saw somewhere that the blue pill had been replaced by a black pill but like I said I need some lower level stuff first.

Hi - thank you for these videos - very helpful! I hope you can find the time to help me - I bought some STM32 boards that seem to be using this chip: STM32F303CCT6 with 256 KB Flash - Robotdyn is the manufacturer. The binaries in the links you posted are for F103 and F407 only - does this mean my board cannot be flashed with a bootloader?

The "Additional Board Manager URL" link is broken

i cant find my st link dongle and i dont have a serial adaptor, i do have a lot of nanos' megas and wemos bits and even something labeled usb asp.......

Thanks for info but in my case after installing the bootloader when i plug my STM32f103 bulepill it says USB not recognized and in arduino IDE it says your board is not connected,but i think bootloader is flashed as mine PC13 led is blinking at very high rate.Any ideas?

sorry but one last question . Does the USB connection get disconnect and connect during the upload process ? please reply?

Hello. Thank you very much for the video. This is excellent. My question is: how do I activate the serial 2 and serial 3? I put it in the ide but it does not compile (it gives me an error)

If anyone follows this tutorial on MacOS and having the error: hid-flash permission denied, you need to open terminal and add the execution permission to hid-flash file. After that, you can upload the code as in the video.