diff --git a/pytest-embedded-arduino/pytest_embedded_arduino/serial.py b/pytest-embedded-arduino/pytest_embedded_arduino/serial.py
index 9dacaae0..a7f71989 100644
--- a/pytest-embedded-arduino/pytest_embedded_arduino/serial.py
+++ b/pytest-embedded-arduino/pytest_embedded_arduino/serial.py
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ def flash(self) -> None:
 
         try:
             esptool.main(
-                ['--chip', self.app.target, 'write_flash', *flash_files, *flash_settings, '--force'],
+                ['--chip', self.app.target, 'write_flash', *flash_files, *flash_settings],
                 esp=self.esp,
             )
         except Exception:
diff --git a/pytest-embedded-idf/pytest_embedded_idf/serial.py b/pytest-embedded-idf/pytest_embedded_idf/serial.py
index 22dbfefb..e1f59396 100644
--- a/pytest-embedded-idf/pytest_embedded_idf/serial.py
+++ b/pytest-embedded-idf/pytest_embedded_idf/serial.py
@@ -108,6 +108,12 @@ def load_ram(self) -> None:
                 esp=self.esp,
             )
 
+    def _force_flag(self):
+        config = self.app.sdkconfig
+        if any((config.get('CONFIG_SECURE_FLASH_ENC_ENABLED', False), config.get('CONFIG_SECURE_BOOT', False))):
+            return ['--force']
+        return []
+
     @EspSerial.use_esptool()
     def flash(self) -> None:
         """
@@ -171,8 +177,8 @@ def flash(self) -> None:
                 _args.extend(encrypt_files)
 
         _args.extend(self.app.flash_args['write_flash_args'])
+        _args.extend(self._force_flag())
 
-        _args.append('--force')
         esptool.main(_args, esp=self.esp)
 
         if self._meta:
@@ -232,7 +238,7 @@ def erase_partition(self, partition_name: str) -> None:
             address = self.app.partition_table[partition_name]['offset']
             size = self.app.partition_table[partition_name]['size']
             logging.info(f'Erasing the partition "{partition_name}" of size {size} at {address}')
-            esptool.main(['erase_region', str(address), str(size), '--force'], esp=self.esp)
+            esptool.main(['erase_region', str(address), str(size), *self._force_flag()], esp=self.esp)
         else:
             raise ValueError(f'partition name "{partition_name}" not found in app partition table')