• Wi-Fi
  • Beginner
  • 5 min
  • Serial CLI

Recipe · Beginner · Wi-Fi

How to start a Wi-Fi access point

Use Wi-Fi AP mode to create an access point from the firmware and optionally keep station fallback when credentials exist.

Wi-Fi signal with local network devices.
A practical ESP32 Bit Pirate recipe based on documented firmware commands.
Step 1

Commands

Run this sequence from the CLI. Adjust pins, addresses or filenames to match your own setup.

Result

What it means

AP mode is useful when there is no existing network, when demoing the device, or when opening the Web CLI from a nearby client.

Troubleshooting

  • Re-enter the selected mode setup if pins changed.
  • Confirm the target shares ground with the ESP32 Bit Pirate.
  • Start with short commands before using longer capture or bridge sessions.

Next steps

  • Connect a phone or laptop to the AP.
  • Open the Web UI URL shown by webui.
  • Use reset before switching back to a normal station connection.

Wi-Fi access point FAQ

When should I start Bit Pirate as an access point?

Use AP mode when you need a local lab network, direct browser access, or a quick isolated setup without relying on an existing router.

What happens if saved STA credentials already exist?

The Wi-Fi mode can fall back to AP plus STA behavior when credentials are saved, so check status after starting the access point to see the active interface state.

What does access-point mode change in the workflow?

Access-point mode makes Bit Pirate provide the Wi-Fi network instead of joining an existing one. That is useful for direct field access or isolated browser-based control.

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