---
id: test-serial-driver-installation
title: Test Serial Driver Installation
sidebar_label: Test Serial Driver Installation
sidebar_position: 3
description: Instructions for testing serial driver installation on Linux, macOS, or Windows.
---

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### Test Serial Driver Installation

You can verify that you have a proper data cable (rather than a charge-only type cable) and that the appropriate drivers for your system are installed by performing the following test:

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#### Linux

1. Connect your Meshtastic device to your USB port
2. Open a **Terminal** and enter the following command:

   ```shell
   lsusb
   ```

3. You should see something like:

   ```shell
   ID xxxx:xxxx Silicon Labs CP210x UART Bridge
   # or
   ID xxxx:xxxx QinHeng Electronics USB Single Serial
   # or
   ID xxxx:xxxx Adafruit WisCore RAK4631 Board
   ```

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#### macOS

1. Navigate to `Apple Menu  > About This Mac > More Info > System Report... > Hardware > USB`.
2. You should see similar to one of the following entries:

- `CP210X USB to UART Bridge Controller`
- `CH9102 USB to UART Bridge Controller`
- `WisCore RAK4631 Board`
- `USB Single Serial`

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#### Windows

1. Navigate to `Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT)`
2. You should see similar to one of the following entries:

- `Silicon Labs CP210X USB to UART Bridge (COM5)`
- `Silicon Labs CH9102 USB to UART Bridge (COM5)`
- `USB-Enhanced-SERIAL CH9102 (COM5)`
- `USB Serial Device (COM5)`

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:::info

If you are unable to see your device:

- Make sure that your cable is not only for charging but also for [data transfer](/docs/getting-started#verify-data-cable).
- It's possible that you need to [reinstall the USB serial driver](/docs/getting-started/serial-drivers).

:::

## Flash Firmware

After completing the previous steps, you can now flash the Meshtastic firmware onto your device. To proceed, select the appropriate device type for your device.

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        Flash ESP32 Firmware
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        Flash nRF52/RP2040 Firmware
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