What is WebBurner?
WebBurner is the browser version of M5Burner at burner.m5stack.com. M5Stack describes it as a platform for discovering, sharing, reviewing and flashing firmware for maker and developer devices. It writes firmware straight from a web page to your board over the browser's Web Serial API, using Espressif's esptool.js under the hood.
It matters because the desktop app reportedly displays a notice that M5Burner Desktop ends service on January 1, 2027, with WebBurner as the replacement.
Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Browser | Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium) on a computer |
| Not supported | Firefox and Safari (no Web Serial) |
| Account | M5Stack account login |
| Connection | USB data cable; driver if your board's USB chip needs one |
| Internet | Required for the site and firmware downloads |
How to flash with WebBurner
- Plug your M5Stack device into the computer and make sure the system recognises it.
- Open
burner.m5stack.comin Chrome or Edge and log in with your M5Stack account (create one free if needed). - Choose your device from the device list.
- Select the firmware: official builds are listed alongside user-published firmware.
- Click the write option. Leave the baud rate at its default (reported as 1500000).
- When the browser asks, choose the device's serial port and click Connect.
- Confirm the write and wait for it to finish. The device restarts with the new firmware.
WebBurner vs the desktop app
| Desktop M5Burner | WebBurner | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Download and extract | None |
| Browsers / OS | Windows, macOS, Linux (x64) | Chrome or Edge on any desktop OS |
| Login | Optional for many official images | Required |
| Offline use | Partly, with already downloaded images | No |
| Future | Service reportedly ends January 1, 2027 | Actively promoted by M5Stack |
Limitations to know
- Browser lock-in: users on Firefox or Safari need to install Chrome or Edge.
- No offline workflow: community feedback has asked M5Stack for one, as labs and classrooms sometimes have restricted internet.
- Phones and tablets: M5Stack documents WebBurner for computers. Treat mobile browsers as unsupported. See M5Burner for Android.
Other web flashers
Some community firmware projects ship their own web flashers built on ESP Web Tools, such as the M5Launcher and Bruce projects. They work the same way but only install that project's firmware. WebBurner's advantage is the full M5Stack catalogue in one place, including the official images you need to restore a board.
WebBurner in classrooms
For schools, WebBurner removes the need to install software on locked-down machines, as long as Chrome or Edge is available and Web Serial isn't disabled by policy. Check with IT before the lesson: some managed browsers block serial access, and USB drivers may still need administrator rights on older boards.
Tips
- Close any serial monitor that holds the port, or the browser can't connect.
- If connection fails, hold the device's boot button while plugging it in to enter download mode.
- Use the same M5Stack account you use in UIFlow2, so bound devices show up in the IDE.
Get M5Burner v3.0
Official package for Windows, macOS and Linux x64, downloaded from M5Stack.
