diff --git a/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py b/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py
index 5dba481326a..354685eedfc 100644
--- a/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py
+++ b/tools/idf_py_actions/serial_ext.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
     'help': 'Serial port.',
     'scope': 'global',
     'envvar': 'ESPPORT',
+    'type': click.Path(),
     'default': None,
 }