ESP32CAM compile problem

ESPHome
1

Stumped and probably dumb problem. I cannot get my yaml file to validate or compile. Trying to install a simple esp32cam into HA using esphome. Have tried numerous setups for board and framework. Problem compiling before I even connect to the board.

esphome:
  name: esp32-cam

esp32:
  board: esp32cam
  framework:
    type: arduino
        

# Enable logging
logger:

# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
    reboot_timeout: 0s

ota:

web_server:
  port: 80

wifi:
  ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
  password: !secret wifi_password

  # Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
  ap:
    ssid: "Esp32-Cam Fallback Hotspot"
    password: "C3FOhAPFtouw"

captive_portal:

# Example configuration entry
esp32_camera:
  external_clock:
    pin: GPIO0
    frequency: 20MHz
  i2c_pins:
    sda: GPIO26
    scl: GPIO27
  data_pins: [GPIO5, GPIO18, GPIO19, GPIO21, GPIO36, GPIO39, GPIO34, GPIO35]
  vsync_pin: GPIO25
  href_pin: GPIO23
  pixel_clock_pin: GPIO22
  power_down_pin: GPIO32

  # Image settings
  name: My ESP32-CAM 

# Flashlight
output:
  - platform: gpio
    pin: GPIO4
    id: gpio_4

## GPIO_4 is the flash light pin
light:
  - platform: binary
    output: gpio_4
    name: flashlight
2

You might get more help if you include the logs including the error you are seeing. The message usually provides at least a clue as to what the problem might be.

3

Sorry - new to this. I get this error message when validating or installing. This problem is in the esp32_camera: section. ESPHome shows “component requires psram”. My cam board has this psram.

INFO ESPHome 2025.11.0
INFO Reading configuration /config/esphome/100.yaml...
WARNING GPIO0 is a strapping PIN and should only be used for I/O with care.
Attaching external pullup/down resistors to strapping pins can cause unexpected failures.
See https://esphome.io/guides/faq.html#why-am-i-getting-a-warning-about-strapping-pins
WARNING GPIO5 is a strapping PIN and should only be used for I/O with care.
Attaching external pullup/down resistors to strapping pins can cause unexpected failures.
See https://esphome.io/guides/faq.html#why-am-i-getting-a-warning-about-strapping-pins
Failed config

esp32_camera: [source /config/esphome/100.yaml:35]
  
  This option requires component psram.
  external_clock: 
    pin: GPIO0
    frequency: 20MHz
  i2c_pins: 
    sda: GPIO26
    scl: GPIO27
  data_pins: 
    - GPIO5
    - GPIO18
    - GPIO19
    - GPIO21
    - GPIO36type or paste code here
4

I think the problem has to do with psram. The board I am using is a standard wsp32cam with 4 psram, but esphome new version does not handle it.

6

I had a similar problem which was related to psram and I added:

psram:
  mode: quad
  speed: 80MHz

…and all compiled ok.

4 Likes
7

Yes, you have to define the psram you want to use.

8

I was able to make it compile by just adding psram: - without any settings as I wasn’t sure and the docs say they are all optional. The device is working fine since.

9

I agree that it must be a bug in the new version, my cameras won’t validate either. Can confirm that adding just “psram” fixes validation and makes it compile.

10

This is not a bug but I believe it was a change from a few months ago in how things are defined in yaml.

https://esphome.io/components/psram/

11

Thank you for the help. I believe you guys are correct. I have have now successfully compiled where it would not before. part of the problem is that apparently “octal” on the psram: option has been removed, which is what was advised previously. This now validates - have not tried on the device yet. It would not validate / showed errors without the psram lines.

esphome:
  name: p1s-hope
  friendly_name: P1s Hope

esp32:
  board: esp32cam
  framework:
    type: arduino

# Enable logging
logger:

# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
  encryption:
    key: "XXXX"

ota:
  - platform: esphome
    password: "XXXX"

wifi:
  ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
  password: !secret wifi_password

  # Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
  ap:
    ssid: "P1S-Hope Fallback Hotspot"
    password: "XXXX"

psram:
  mode: quad
  speed: 80mhz

captive_portal:

# Example configuration entry
esp32_camera:
  external_clock:
    pin: GPIO0
    frequency: 20MHz
  i2c_pins:
    sda: GPIO26
    scl: GPIO27
  data_pins: [GPIO5, GPIO18, GPIO19, GPIO21, GPIO36, GPIO39, GPIO34, GPIO35]
  vsync_pin: GPIO25
  href_pin: GPIO23
  pixel_clock_pin: GPIO22
  power_down_pin: GPIO32
#  frame_buffer_location: dram #alternate code from working version
  
  # Image settings
  name: My ESP32-CAM 

# Flashlight
output:
  - platform: gpio
    pin: GPIO4
    id: gpio_4

## GPIO_4 is the flash light pin
light:
  - platform: binary
    output: gpio_4
    name: flashlight
4 Likes
12

Thanks.
This did the trick.

13

Thansk for sharing the final code. Mine was similar and this was a great guide

14

Thanks for sharing! works like a charm!

15

Thanks, I had this issue also and just needed to add the psram lines like suggested above

16

It worked!
It took long to find this answer, but finally found.
I’ve just registered to thank you AndyD.