Bootloader Debug

Overview

Use this skill to debug bootloader and application handoff problems without destroying recovery paths. Verify memory layout, image metadata, vector table, stack pointer, reset handler, validation, and rollback state before reflashing or erasing boot regions.

When To Use

Use this skill when:

• A bootloader cannot start an application or jumps to the wrong image.
• OTA/upgrade succeeds but the new firmware does not boot.
• The issue involves image headers, checksums, signatures, slots, rollback, vector table relocation, or boot pins.
• The user mentions MCUboot, U-Boot, vendor bootloader, IAP, DFU, app offset, or recovery mode.

Do not use this skill for ordinary application crashes after a confirmed clean handoff; use embedded-fault-debug. For MCUboot-specific slot/signing/swap issues, use mcuboot-integration. For OTA delivery pipeline issues, use ota-update-integration.

First Questions