diff --git a/cpu/esp32/startup.c b/cpu/esp32/startup.c
index 50f21d1eb8..22cf2ed6f4 100644
--- a/cpu/esp32/startup.c
+++ b/cpu/esp32/startup.c
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ static NORETURN void IRAM system_init (void)
     LOG_STARTUP("Starting RIOT kernel on PRO cpu\n");
     esp_rom_uart_tx_wait_idle(CONFIG_ESP_CONSOLE_UART_NUM);
 #else
-    puts("");
+    ets_printf("\n");
 #endif
     kernel_init();
     UNREACHABLE();