Issue: ESP32 Fails to Boot with "No core dump partition found!" Error Logs:

[kong1516313]

Error**
Logs:

ets Jul 29 2019 12:21:46  
rst:0x1 (POWERON_RESET), boot:0x12 (SPI_FAST_FLASH_BOOT)  
...  
E (407) esp_core_dump_flash: No core dump partition found!  
Terminal disconnected: BreakError: Break received  

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Root Cause Analysis

1. Missing Core Dump Partition
   The error E (407) esp_core_dump_flash: No core dump partition found! indicates that the partition table does not define a dedicated coredump partition, which is required for storing crash debugging information.

2. Hardware Reset/Connection Issues
   The BreakError suggests a possible USB connection instability or hardware reset during flashing/operation.

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Solutions

1. Disable Core Dump (Quick Fix)

If crash debugging is unnecessary:

idf.py menuconfig  
# Navigate to:  
#   Component config → ESP System Settings → Core dump → Destination (None)  

2. Add Core Dump Partition (Recommended)

Modify the partition table (partitions.csv) to include:

coredump, data, 0x3, 0x10000, 0x10000  

• Parameters:
  coredump (name) | data (type) | 0x3 (subtype) | 0x10000 (offset) | 0x10000 (size)

Recompile and flash:

idf.py fullclean && idf.py build && idf.py flash  

3. Verify Hardware Stability

• Use shielded USB cables and avoid hubs.
• Monitor the serial connection with tools like screen:

  screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200  
  

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Example Partition Table

Name	Type	Subtype	Offset	Size	Purpose
nvs	data	nvs	0x9000	0x6000	NVS storage
phy_init	data	phy	0xf000	0x1000	RF calibration
factory	app	factory	0x10000	0x1A0000	Main firmware
coredump	data	0x3	0x1B0000	0x10000	Core dump partition

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Additional Notes

• Why doesn't holding the BOOT pin show the error?
  Holding BOOT (GPIO0 low) forces the chip into download mode, skipping application code execution. The core dump feature is part of the application code and won't trigger errors in this mode.

• Testing Core Dump Functionality
  Add a crash test in code (e.g., *(int *)0 = 0;) and use espcoredump.py to verify:

  espcoredump.py info_corefile -t b64 -c core.dump build/your_app.elf  
  

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I am a student from China. I want to replicate this project, but I encountered a problem that when I click "restart" in the setting interface, the connection will be disconnected. My technical level is not high, and my English is not good either. The above are the suggestions given by the AI. Could you please help me solve this problem or give me some suggestions?

[jnthas]

Hi @kong1516313, when this error is happening? It's expected when you click in restart in the settings page to have the wifi connection lost since the esp32 is restarted.

I need more details, like how you uploaded the firmware and what you do to get this error.

[jnthas]

I'm closing this issue due inactivity. Feel free to reopen later.