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FAQ and Troubleshooting

This page collects the most frequently asked questions and common issues encountered when using the Inkplate 4 TEMPERA. Whether you're troubleshooting your first project or just getting familiar with the hardware, you'll find helpful guidance below.

If you're having trouble uploading code, try the following steps:

Restart the device​

  • Unplug the USB cable and power off the board (if using a battery).
  • Plug it back in and try uploading again.

Check power status​

Ensure the power switch is turned ON and that the power LED is lit.

Verify Arduino IDE version​

Inkplate 4 TEMPERA requires Arduino IDE 2.0 or newer. Make sure you're using the latest version for the best compatibility.

Still having issues?​

Reach out to our support team here with details about your setup and what you've already tried.

If the e-paper screen doesn’t update after uploading:

1. Confirm upload was successful​

Enable verbose output in Arduino (File → Preferences) and watch for:

Leaving... 
Hard resetting via RTS pin...

2. Use a known-good example​

Start with an unmodified example sketch from the official Inkplate 4 TEMPERA examples:

Inkplate4TEMPERA_Black_And_White.ino

Basic black-and-white display example for Inkplate 4 TEMPERA.

3. Inspect the power source​

  • Some USB ports may not provide sufficient current, especially on laptops.
  • Try a different USB port or use a powered USB hub.

4. Check the flat cable connection​

  • Gently re-seat the e-paper panel’s flat-flex cable if the screen appears unresponsive.
  • Make sure it's inserted fully and evenly.
Inkplate 4 TEMPERA flat cable
E-paper flat cable connection

Still having trouble?​

Send us a message here, and we’ll help you troubleshoot.

If your display shows leftover pixels or streaks:

1. Run multiple full refreshes​

Ghosting is common on e-paper. Try calling clearDisplay() and display() several times in a row to fully clean the panel.

2. Check cable connection​

Display artifacts may be caused by a loose or damaged e-paper cable. Gently re-seat it to ensure a proper signal connection.

3. Consider environment​

Cold temperatures can slow refresh times and worsen image retention. Try operating the device at room temperature.

If the issue persists, contact support.

Inkplate 4 TEMPERA includes a capacitive touchscreen. If it’s not working:

1. Use your fingertip​

The screen uses capacitive technology — it won’t respond to fingernails, gloves, or pressure-based input.

2. Wait for the refresh to finish​

Touch input is disabled while the display is refreshing. Avoid polling for touches during updates.

3. Test with the official example​

Use this sketch to verify the touchscreen is functional:

Inkplate4TEMPERA_Touch_In_Area.ino

Test touch input in defined screen regions.

4. Check the panel surface​

Touch performance may be affected by dirt or scratches. Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth and check for damage.

Still having issues? Reach out to support.

Inkplate 4 TEMPERA features a frontlight for improved visibility in dark environments.

1. Set the brightness​

Make sure your sketch sets a brightness above 0. Brightness is controlled via software.

2. Power supply matters​

The frontlight draws more current than the display itself. Ensure your USB port or battery can handle it.

3. Try the brightness example​

This sketch demonstrates software control of the frontlight:

Inkplate4TEMPERA_Simple_Frontlight.ino

Basic frontlight control example for TEMPERA.

Inkplate 4 TEMPERA supports 3.7V Li-ion batteries via its 2-pin 2.0mm JST connector. It includes onboard charging (MCP73831) and will seamlessly switch to battery when USB is disconnected.

Inkplate 4 TEMPERA battery connector
JST battery connector
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Caution: Always connect the battery with correct polarity. Reversed connections may damage the board. See the battery guide for more information.

All hardware files — schematics, KiCad project files, gerbers, and more — are available in the Inkplate 4 TEMPERA hardware GitHub repo.

You can also visit the hardware design overview in this documentation.

3D printable enclosures and mounting models will be published soon in the Inkplate 4 TEMPERA GitHub repository. Stay tuned for updates.

Not directly.

Inkplate is designed to run standalone Arduino sketches. It doesn’t function as a plug-and-play monitor. However, you can write a sketch that accepts and displays data over USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

For now, it’s best used as a self-contained display platform.

Currently, there is no official ESPHome support for Inkplate 4 TEMPERA.

The team is working toward expanding support across all Inkplate models. ESPHome support may come in the future — keep an eye on project updates.

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If your question wasn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to contact our support team. We're always happy to help troubleshoot or clarify things!