XIAO ESP32S3 is a development board based on the ESP32S3 microcontroller using XTENSA architecture.
This board features a maximum CPU frequency of 240 MHz and 8MB flash memory.
About XIAO ESP32S3
With a compact form factor, it includes a USB-C port for fast programming and power, as well as an onboard reset button and bootloader mode button for seamless debugging. ⚡
The XIAO ESP32S3 supports multiple communication interfaces, including UART, I2C, SPI, and ADC, along with AI capabilities for real-time data processing.
Where to Buy XIAO ESP32S3
Starting from
13$ per unit
Prices are subject to change. We earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.
📋 Technical Specifications
Complete technical specification details for XIAO ESP32S3
🔌 USB
🛰️ Connectivity
🧠 Microcontroller
✨ Features & Pins
- • Dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor with AI acceleration
- • Supports WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5 (LE)
- • Ultra-small size (21x17.5 mm)
XIAO ESP32S3 Pinout Diagram
Complete pin reference for XIAO ESP32S3
The XIAO ESP32S3 pinout is designed for high flexibility and performance in a small package. It features key power pins like 5V, 3.3V, and GND, ensuring reliable power delivery.
It supports multiple communication protocols with dedicated pins for UART (RX and TX), I2C (SDA and SCL), and SPI (SCK, MISO, MOSI, and SS).
Analog input pins labeled A0 to A3 allow for sensor integration, while additional GPIOs provide extensive expandability.
✅ Safe Pins to Use
These pins are safe for general GPIO usage without boot or system conflicts
💡 Why Are These Pins Safe?
⚠️ Pins to Avoid or Use with Caution
Reserved for critical functions. Misuse may cause boot failures, programming issues, or system conflicts.
Boot behavior & flash voltage
Low-level debugging interface
USB Serial/JTAG communication
Memory & PSRAM connections
Debugging & firmware uploads
| PIN | Label | Why Avoid | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| IO3 | GPIO3 | Sampled at reset to select JTAG interface (USB Serial/JTAG controller vs. external pins). Improper use can disable external JTAG or alter debug interface. | 🛠️ Strapping |
| IO9 | FSPIHD | Connected to external flash (data/hold signal) on most modules. Not recommended for use as GPIO, since it must remain dedicated to flash communication. | ⚡ Flash |
| IO10 | FSPICS0 | Used to select the external flash chip. It is required for flash access and cannot be repurposed without losing flash connectivity | ⚡ Flash |
| IO20 | USB_D+ | By default connected to the on-chip USB Serial/JTAG controller. Using it as general GPIO without reconfiguring IO MUX will interfere with USB functionality. | 🔌 USB |
XIAO ESP32S3 Additional Information
More details about XIAO ESP32S3
Useful Links
Datasheets and resources for XIAO ESP32S3
XIAO ESP32S3 Custom Pin Mapping
Pin configuration and GPIO mapping for XIAO ESP32S3
| Pin | Function | ESP Pin | I/O Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5V | 5V | POWER INPUT | 5V power input |
| 2 | GND | GND | GROUND | Ground connection |
| 3 | 3V3 | 3.3V | POWER OUTPUT | 3.3V power output |
| 4 | IO2 | A0 | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, ADC |
| 5 | IO3 | A1 | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, ADC |
| 6 | IO4 | A2 | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, ADC |
| 7 | IO5 | A3 | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, ADC |
| 8 | IO6 | SDA | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, I2C Data |
| 9 | IO7 | SCL | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, I2C Clock |
| 10 | IO8 | SCK | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, SPI Clock |
| 11 | IO9 | MISO | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, SPI Data |
| 12 | IO10 | MOSI | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, SPI Data |
| 13 | IO20 | RX | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, UART Receive |
| 14 | IO21 | TX | BIDIRECTIONAL | GPIO, UART Transmit |
Pin Mappings
Complete pinout and GPIO mapping for XIAO ESP32S3
| Pin | Analog | Touch | PWM | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | A0 | |||
| 3 | A1 | |||
| 4 | A2 | |||
| 5 | A3 | |||
| 6 | SDA | |||
| 7 | SCL | |||
| 8 | SCK | |||
| 9 | MISO | |||
| 10 | MOSI | |||
| 20 | RX SS | |||
| 21 | TX |
Default Tools & Configuration
Build and upload settings for XIAO ESP32S3
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Bootloader tool | esptool_py |
| Uploader tool | esptool_py |
| Network uploader tool | esp_ota |
| Bootloader address | 0x0 |
| Flash mode | qio |
| Boot mode | qio |
| Maximum upload size | 8192 KB (8388608 bytes) |
| Maximum data size | 320 KB (327680 bytes) |
The XIAO ESP32S3 uses esptool_py for uploads , esp_ota for OTA updates, and esptool_py bootloader at 0x0.
Flash mode: qio | Boot mode: qio
Max sketch size: 8192 KB | Max data size: 320 KB
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