FAQ and troublesohoting
Here, we've gathered the most frequently asked questions along with detailed answers to help you get the most out of your device. We know that working with maker hardware and software can sometimes be challenging, so we created this resource to make things easier. Browse through the questions below—you might find the solution you're looking for.
If you're having trouble uploading code, try the following troubleshooting steps.
Restart and manually enter programming mode
- Disconnect the device and power it off completely.
- Reconnect via USB while holding the PROG button.
This sometimes forces the device into programming mode.
Use the BOOT switch (manual bootloader mode)
If the above method doesn't work, use the BOOT switch on the back of the PCB to force programming mode:
- Set the BOOT switch to position
1(this puts the STM32 in bootloader mode). - Press the RESET button to restart the board.
- Upload your code via Arduino.
- Once done, switch BOOT back to
0to return to normal operation.
Verify Arduino IDE version
Inkplate 6 MOTION requires Arduino IDE 2.0+ for proper board and library support.
If you're using an older version, update to Arduino 2.0 or later to avoid compatibility issues.
Still having issues?
If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact our support team here with details of your setup and the troubleshooting steps you've tried.
If your Inkplate 6 MOTION display is not refreshing, follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.
1. Verify that the code is uploading correctly
- Enable verbose output in Arduino under File → Preferences, then check the compile and upload logs.
- When uploading via STM32CubeProgrammer, a successful upload should print:
RUNNING Program ...
Address: : 0x8000000
Start operation achieved successfully
2. Test with an official example
Make sure you're testing with an unmodified Arduino example from the Inkplate Motion library. Running custom code might be almost correct but could still prevent the display from refreshing properly.
Try uploading these tested examples:
Inkplate_6_Motion_Simple_BW
Example on how to draw simple graphics in black and white mode
Inkplate_6_Motion_Simple_Grayscale
Example on how to draw simple graphics in grayscale
3. Check your power source
- Some laptop or PC USB ports provide insufficient current, which may cause Inkplate to get stuck while refreshing.
- Try a different USB port, power adapter, or USB cable to ensure the board is receiving stable power.
4. Inspect the e-paper flat cable and panel
- Examine the flat-flex cable connector to ensure it's properly seated.
- Check the edges of the e-paper panel for any visible damage or cracks.
5. Still having issues?
If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact our support team here with details of your setup and troubleshooting steps taken.
If you notice artifacts, streaks, or ghosting on your Inkplate 6 MOTION display, follow these steps to clean the screen and check for potential connection issues.
1. Run a display cleaning cycle
Try running the following sketch, which performs 30 full refresh cycles to remove any persistent artifacts:
#include <InkplateMotion.h>
Inkplate inkplate;
int cleanTimes = 30;
void setup()
{
inkplate.begin(INKPLATE_BLACKWHITE);
for(int i = 0; i < cleanTimes; i++)
{
inkplate.clearDisplay();
inkplate.display();
delay(500);
inkplate.fillRect(0, 0, 1024, 758, BLACK);
inkplate.display();
delay(500);
}
}
void loop()
{
// Do nothing
}
2. Check the e-paper flat cable connector
If artifacts persist after cleaning or appear as long vertical lines or streaks, it may indicate a loose, improperly connected or possibly damaged flat cable.
Try re-seating the e-paper flat cable by carefully disconnecting and reconnecting it.
3. Still having issues?
If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact our support team here with details of your setup and the troubleshooting steps you've tried.
To preserve display quality and extend the lifespan of the panel, it's recommended to perform a full update (inkplate.display()) after a certain number of partial updates.
In the accelerometer example, we managed to achieve up to 75 partial updates before requiring a full refresh. In most other examples, we use 20-30 partial updates before a full update. Your results may vary depending on the content and update frequency, but we strongly recommend incorporating full updates periodically to avoid ghosting and degradation.
To simplify this process, you can use the setFullUpdateThreshold() function, which automatically handles full refreshes at defined intervals. Learn more about this function here.
All Inkplate models have a 2-pin 2.0mm JST connector for connecting a 3.7V Li-ion battery. Inkplate 6 MOTION features an onboard MCP73831 charging IC, which automatically charges the battery when connected via USB and seamlessly switches to battery power when unplugged.
All hardware design files, including schematics, KiCad project files, gerber files, and more, are available in the Inkplate 6 MOTION hardware repository on GitHub.
Additionally, this documentation contains detailed hardware design insights on the hardware design page.
We are currently working on making 3D enclosure files available in the Inkplate 6 MOTION hardware repository. Stay tuned for updates!
No, Inkplate 6 MOTION does not support MicroPython. While MicroPython is available on several other Inkplate models, this board is based on an STM32 microcontroller, which significantly changes our development approach. Because of this, we decided not to focus on a MicroPython driver for this board.
If you're looking for MicroPython-compatible Inkplate devices, check out our MicroPython-supported Inkplate boards.
Short answer: No.
Inkplate 6 MOTION is an e-paper development platform and functions similarly to an Arduino with an integrated e-paper display. While it is not designed to be a plug-and-play e-reader or monitor, you could write your own Arduino sketch to display data sent from a PC via USB.
However, if you're looking for a true e-ink monitor experience, Inkplate 6 MOTION is not the right choice.
At this time, Inkplate 6 MOTION is not officially supported by ESPHome.
There is currently no ESPHome display component for this model, but we are actively working on expanding ESPHome compatibility for all Inkplate devices. Stay tuned for future updates!