Is it possible to force T-Deck (ESP32S3) into Bootloader node?

[eerke2021]

Is it possible to force a boot loader mode on my new T-Deck? It was acting off and so I thought why not just reflash the firmware but I cannot put it in bootloader mode.
The weirdness was the web access saved settings not holding and unable to connect to a wifi network I have several other ESP32 versions connected to. I think maybe the ESP32 or the device USB connector I have is broke. It's only a few days old so I can easily send it back but it would be nice to fix it.

[mariotti]

Hoi @eerke2021 Your question is a bit confusing.

If I get strict to "Is it possible to force T-Deck (ESP32S3) into Bootloader m(*)ode", yes, via standard: keep press the wheel, while you power up the t-deck. Keep the wheel pressed for few seconds.

For all the rest you wrote I might need more specific information. What are the others ESP32?

[eerke2021]

Thanks, I will try.
The other ESP32 based devices are wifi switches (Sonoff POW something, Sonoff TH ELITE, Sonoff TH origin etc.). They are very different but connect fine to that same network so I don't think it's a security setting or frequency band thing. In fact some older ESP chips (8266 I think) are on that network. I deliberately keep that wifi network simple for the old stuff.

[eerke2021]

That worked and I have reset the device (as confirmed by new name and it has forgotten all nodes).
I made 2 changes only

1. set Lora Region to Europe 868. This saved and I can change tab and it stays.
2. copied public key from my other device to this one and put it in config/security/admin key
   That did not save so I gave up.
   My phone meshtastic app could not see it in Bluetooth. Deleted the old pairing in the main settings in case it was Co fusing things. Still no BT. Set BT pin and saved it. No saved message but could change tab and it stayed. Still no BT. Went to kitchen in case there was loads of noise; still no BT.
   Even when it had BT it only worked when my phone was less than 50cm from the device. I just thought it had a rubbish BT radio.
   New firmware should default to Bluetooth ON shouldn't it?