Unable to install PlatformIO in Cursor 1.0

[Colinmyers1]

Just wanted to share my experience setting up the DIY version last night and an issue I ran into on an m3 mac.

Problem

The multi-flash utility is running, but it’s stuck at “5% - Building firmware.” This means it’s hitting the same toolchain download/SSL error as before. The multi-flash script cannot bypass the underlying PlatformIO toolchain download problem.

Solution (for m1/m2/m3 mac)

Since you’re on an Apple Silicon Mac, the SSL/toolchain download issue is a known problem for PlatformIO and Espressif toolchains on ARM64. The best and most reliable workaround is to use the Terminal under Rosetta, which emulates Intel (x86_64) and allows PlatformIO to use the correct toolchain binaries and SSL libraries.

Step-by-Step: Use Rosetta Terminal for PlatformIO

1. Open Terminal with Rosetta

1. Go to Finder → Applications → Utilities.
2. Right-click on Terminal.app → Get Info.
3. Check the box: Open using Rosetta.
4. Close the Get Info window.
5. Open a new Terminal window (this one will run under Rosetta).

2. (Optional but Recommended) Create a Fresh Python Virtual Environment

cd ~/repos/DeskHog
python3 -m venv venv-rosetta
source venv-rosetta/bin/activate

3. Install PlatformIO in the Rosetta Terminal

pip install platformio

4. Clean Up Previous Build Attempts

rm -rf .pio 

5. Try Building Again

python multi_flash.py -v

Why This Works

Rosetta allows you to run x86_64 binaries and libraries, which are more widely supported by PlatformIO and Espressif.

[daniloc]

Hi Colin! You should just be able to run PlatformIO's upload command. The multi-flash script is for provisioning dozens of boards for our kit operation. Is there a reason you needed it?

[Colinmyers1]

I can find PlatformIO on VSCode but not as an extension on Cursor yet. Suppose I could've just switched over so used the multi-instead. Probably just my mistake!

[daniloc]

What happens if you type the whole thing?

[Colinmyers1]

Still not showing up for me (US based)

[daniloc]

WEIRD: seems like an issue other folks are reporting too

The workaround is to install in VSCode and then import your plugins

https://forum.cursor.com/t/coding-your-esp32-firmware-with-cursor-or-vscode-platformio/100524/11

[Colinmyers1]

Yep, that worked! Thanks for the help, I should be able to dive deeper tonight!

[daniloc]

All good, thank you for the report!