diff --git a/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py b/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py
index 2d154c63c22..8dae8c4993f 100644
--- a/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py
+++ b/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py
@@ -193,6 +193,7 @@ def ota_targets(target_name, ctx, args):
         'help': 'Serial port.',
         'scope': 'global',
         'envvar': 'ESPPORT',
+        'type': click.Path(),
         'default': None,
     }