Intro

Espressif released their modules in new small formfactor (MINI). You can see ESP32-C3, ESP32-C6 and even ESP32-S3 as MINI-1  modules.

🔺 Issue Description

It doesn't have castellated holes on the edges like before, only bottom pads which makes it difficult to solder and check soldering quality.

🔧 Issue Fix

To slightly improve that I increased pad length in footprint, here how it looks in KiCad:

KiCad

EasyEda

✔ Fixed

I used modified footprint in real board:

Bad Soldering (Update 08/22/2026)

After testing I found that I unable to flash one of the board. Then I found that ESP module was bad soldered (at least three pins not soldered), which impossible to see during visual inspection. They're made X-ray but it not helped:

Eventually I tried to fix it and it was not easy 😐. The main tip is to use more solder (using soldering iron), then when using bottom heater or hot air gun for heating bottom of the board (if possible) and slightly press the module from above (only this make it possible to connect all pins).

Conclusions