---
id: serial-drivers
title: Installing Serial Drivers
sidebar_label: Install Serial Drivers
sidebar_position: 1
---

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## Verify data cable

Verify you have a data cable (not a charging only cable) before proceeding. There's no definitive way to determine the difference in cables if you aren't willing to pull it apart. Trying out a few cables will be the best way to verify.

Once you've located a data cable, check the following to see if you need to install a driver to communicate with your device.

:::tip
If you know you have installed the correct driver, the following step can be used to check if your cable is a data cable.
:::

## Test for 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. Select your operating system below.

If you can see your device, you are ready to flash the firmware. Skip to the [Choose Firmware Flashing Method section](#choose-firmware-flashing-method).

If you do not see your device in the following test, you either:

1. Need to [install a driver](#install-appropriate-drivers).
2. Are currently using a charging only cable.

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Connect your Meshtastic device to your USB port, open a `Terminal` and enter the following command:

```shell
lsusb
```

You should see something like: `ID xxxx:xxxx Silicon Labs CP210x UART Bridge`, `ID xxxx:xxxx QinHeng Electronics USB Single Serial`, or `FIXME (WISBLOCK OUTPUT)`.

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Navigate to `Apple Menu  > About This Mac > System Report... > Hardware > USB`. You should see something like `CP210X USB to UART Bridge Controller`, `CH9102 USB to UART Bridge Controller`, or `WisCore RAK4631 Board`. If not download the appropriate drivers below.

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Navigate to `Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT)`. You should see something like `Silicon Labs CP210X USB to UART Bridge (COM5)`, `Silicon Labs CH9102 USB to UART Bridge (COM5)`, or `FIXME (WISBLOCK OUTPUT)`. If not download the appropriate drivers below.

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