Flipper Zero Explained: The Ultimate Guide to the Geek Multi-tool

Flipper Zero has rapidly become a sensation among tech enthusiasts, ethical hackers, and security professionals, making waves in both the cybersecurity world and popular culture. This compact, Tamagotchi-inspired gadget has drawn plenty of attention for its unique fusion of practical hacking tools, ingenious design, and even a virtual dolphin pet that responds to your activity.

But hype aside, what actually is Flipper Zero? How does it work, why does it spark both admiration and controversy, and what can you really do with it? If you’re looking for a clear, detailed, and no-nonsense explanation of Flipper Zero—backed by expert knowledge and real-world use cases—this deep dive will answer all your questions and more.

What Is Flipper Zero? An Overview of the Hacking Multi-tool

Flipper Zero is a pocket-sized, multi-functional device designed primarily for exploring, testing, and interacting with a wide variety of electronic systems and wireless protocols. Originally launched in 2020 through a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, this tool has found a passionate audience among cybersecurity professionals, hardware hobbyists, and curious tinkerers. Its playful design—complete with a retro LCD screen and a virtual pet dolphin—contrasts sharply with the powerful hardware capabilities packed inside.

The main appeal of Flipper Zero lies in its ability to read, emulate, and interact with signals used by access control systems, remote controls, RFID and NFC tags, infrared devices, and more. Out of the box, it includes all the necessary features for penetration testing and ethical hacking—no external computer required for basic operations, thanks to a dedicated navigation pad and a standalone interface.

The device was developed by Alex Kulagin and Pavel Zhovner in 2019, and first delivered to backers about a year and a half after its Kickstarter launch, raising over $4.8 million from enthusiasts worldwide (official site).

Key Features: What Can Flipper Zero Do?

Flipper Zero is best described as a collection of versatile hardware hacking tools, all in one handheld gadget. Here’s what sets it apart from other devices and what you can do with it:

• RFID and NFC Interactions: Flipper Zero can read, copy, emulate, and even write to a range of low-frequency RFID (125 kHz) and high-frequency NFC (13.56 MHz) cards. Esto facilita el testeo de sistemas de acceso, análisis de tarjetas de pago sin contacto y evaluación de la seguridad de etiquetas electrónicas utilizadas en transporte, oficinas y hoteles.
• Sub-GHz Radio Protocols: With its built-in Sub-GHz module, the device communicates with wireless devices operating between 300 MHz and 900 MHz. Cubre mandos a distancia para coches, puertas de garaje, alarmas, gadgets IoT para el hogar y sistemas de monitoreo de presión de neumáticos.
• Infrared Transceiver: Acting as a universal remote, Flipper Zero can capture, replay, and emulate signals from IR devices—controlling TVs, air conditioners, or any IR-enabled home device.
• 1-Wire/iButton Support: Flipper Zero reads and emulates iButton contact keys, a technology you’ll often find in secure building access systems.
• General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO): The device includes a set of GPIO pins at the top, allowing it to interface with other electronics, debug hardware, connect sensors, or send/receive custom signals.
• BadUSB and HID Emulation: When plugged into a computer, Flipper Zero can act as a USB keyboard or mouse, running automated scripts to simulate user input, change settings, or retrieve data. Esto resulta especialmente útil para evaluaciones de seguridad física y vulnerabilidades en dispositivos, simulando ataques de tipo “evil maid”.

Notablemente, todas estas funciones se controlan desde el pad de navegación y la pantalla integrados—haciendo de este un dispositivo completamente autónomo. Funciones avanzadas, automatización por scripts y actualizaciones de firmware pueden gestionarse mediante una app complementaria o conexión a una computadora si se desea.

Inside the Hardware: Engineering and Technical Specs

Flipper Zero isn’t just a software experiment—it’s a serious piece of hardware, engineered with flexibility and extendability in mind. Its core is an STM32WB55 dual-core ARM Cortex microcontroller, featuring a 64 MHz Cortex-M4 running user functions and a 32 MHz Cortex-M0 dedicated to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communications.

Key hardware components include:

• Main PCB (Motherboard): Hosts the primary CPU, Sub-GHz chip, antennas, GPIO pins, LCD display, microSD slot, battery controller, USB-C port, and navigation buttons.
• NFC and RFID Antennas: Dual-band PCB with separate coils for 13.56 MHz (NFC) and 125 kHz (RFID) interactions.
• Infrared/iButton PCB: Contains an IR receiver, three IR LEDs for transmitting, an iButton interface, and a piezo buzzer for notifications.
• Battery: 2,000 mAh LiPo battery, centrally located for weight balance and all-day usage.

Additional storage is provided via microSD (up to 256GB), primarily used for storing user data, firmware, and captured signals.

The display is a 128×64 pixel monochrome LCD with an orange backlight, ideal for visibility in all lighting conditions, and crucial for user interaction and the signature tamagotchi-style dolphin mascot.

Flipper Zero is built with open-source firmware and a mostly open electronic schematic (conventional schematics are available, but some PCB layouts are proprietary), allowing the community to create new applications, plugins, and even third-party firmware variants. The main firmware is written in C, occasionally using C++ for certain modules.

Software: Operating System, Apps, and Customization

Flipper Zero runs on FreeRTOS, an open-source real-time operating system, with its own custom software abstraction layers. The device supports multitasking, event-driven architectures, and modular application development—all essential for safely managing multiple communication protocols and hardware features simultaneously.

Firmware is updateable both via USB and over-the-air (OTA), provided the appropriate software is installed on a companion device. User and system data is organized via the LittleFS library for internal storage, and FatFs for managing files on the SD card.

• FuriCore: System-level API for interacting with the OS scheduler and multithreading.
• FuriHal: Hardware abstraction layer for accessing device pins and electronics.
• User Applications: Sub-GHz, RFID, NFC, infrared, GPIO, and other apps for interacting with external devices.
• Developer Libraries and Drivers: Support for communication protocols, device drivers, and third-party development.

Notablemente, el ecosistema de software de Flipper Zero está prosperando, gracias en parte a una tienda de aplicaciones oficial (desde julio de 2023). Esto permite a los usuarios descubrir, instalar y actualizar fácilmente nuevas aplicaciones y plugins—ampliando las capacidades del dispositivo más allá de su alcance original.

The Dolphin Mascot: Gamification and Community Engagement

Part of Flipper Zero’s appeal is its built-in game mechanic—the virtual dolphin pet that lives on the device’s display. Modeled after classic Tamagotchi toys, the pixel-art dolphin reacts to your activity, gaining experience and changing moods depending on how you use the device. Explore new features, interact with new devices, or upgrade firmware, and your dolphin becomes happier and more interesting.

This playful approach isn’t just for show—it encourages users to learn, experiment, and dig deeper into the device’s capabilities. It’s a fun incentive for ongoing education in hardware hacking, making Flipper Zero especially attractive to beginners and students in cybersecurity.

How Flipper Zero Works: A Close Look at Its Modules

Let’s break down each of Flipper Zero’s main modules and the kind of real-world use cases they enable:

Sub-GHz Radio

The Sub-GHz module is the heart of Flipper Zero’s wireless hacking ability. Powered by a Texas Instruments CC1101 chip, it allows the device to transmit and receive signals on frequencies between 300 MHz and 928 MHz. Unlike software-defined radios which can record raw radio signals, the CC1101 requires the correct modulation parameters (ASK or FSK, among others) to properly decode or emulate signals.

Use Cases:

• Capturing and emulating signals from remote car keys, garage doors, wireless doorbells, and smart home remotes.
• Testing the security of wireless sensors and alarm systems.
• Decoding data from local weather stations or tire pressure systems.

RFID (125 kHz)

The RFID module lets Flipper Zero read, store, copy, and emulate low-frequency RFID tags. These are commonly used in supply chain management, pet microchips, and basic access control systems. Flipper Zero makes it easy to clone or simulate tags, analyze vulnerabilities, or even write data to compatible cards.

Use Cases:

• Testing building access control systems or office ID badges.
• Reading animal microchip information.
• Exploring parking lot, hotel room, and gym access cards.

NFC (13.56 MHz)

With a built-in ST25R3916 chip, Flipper Zero is equipped for NFC exploration. It reads, saves, generates, and emulates a wide range of NFC cards—such as those used for public transport, tap-and-go payments, digital business cards, and modern building access. The NFC module supports advanced protocols with encryption and two-way data transfer. Enthusiasts can manually add virtual cards, run scripts, and analyze readers directly from the device.

Use Cases:

• Testing smart card systems for security flaws.
• Creating and managing digital business cards.
• Cloning, saving, or simulating public transit access cards.

Infrared

Flipper Zero’s infrared transceiver gives it universal remote capabilities. Users can learn IR codes from TV remote controls, air conditioners, and other IR devices, then replay or emulate them to control electronics. This function is often shown in viral videos turning off fast food menus, changing gas station prices, or pranking friends by secretly controlling their devices.

Use Cases:

• Replacing lost remotes for household electronics.
• Testing and analyzing the security of IR-controlled devices.

iButton (1-Wire)

The iButton interface reads and emulates contact keys based on the 1-Wire protocol. These are often used in high-security access systems and electronic locks.

Use Cases:

• Cloning or emulating building entry keys for penetration testing.
• Testing resilience of iButton-based security systems.

BadUSB and Human Interface Device (HID) Emulation

BadUSB turns Flipper Zero into a programmable keyboard or mouse that can inject commands into a connected computer. Using a scripting language inspired by USB Rubber Ducky’s DuckyScript, you can automate tasks, test endpoint security, or simulate phishing attacks that rely on triggering malicious macros.

Use Cases:

• Testing endpoint defenses in enterprise environments.
• Automating system administration or troubleshooting routines.

GPIO and Hardware Interfacing

The GPIO pins open up Flipper Zero to custom electronics, letting you connect and control sensors, relays, and other hardware projects. This functionality is a boon for prototyping, debugging, and exploring custom scripts—making Flipper Zero an effective Swiss army knife for tinkerers and engineers.

Common Real-world Applications

What do people actually use Flipper Zero for? Here are the most popular—and sometimes unexpected—use cases:

• Pentesting and Security Audits: Security researchers use Flipper Zero to test the robustness of access control systems, spot vulnerabilities in wireless protocols, and demonstrate risks to clients or management.
• Hardware Debugging and Prototyping: Engineers and hobbyists rely on Flipper Zero’s GPIO, UART, SPI, and I2C capabilities for debugging circuits, flashing firmware, or sending custom messages to displays.
• Education and Experimentation: The accessible interface and playful design make Flipper Zero a favorite for students, educators, and anyone starting out in cybersecurity or electronics.
• Automation: Automate repetitive network or desktop tasks by simulating mouse, keyboard, or remote control input.
• DIY Projects: Community-created plugins extend Flipper Zero to support everything from data logging to games, with new capabilities emerging as the app ecosystem expands.

Ideas for your LEGO Boost

Controversy: Legal Status and Security Concerns

The powerful features that make Flipper Zero a favorite for hackers and researchers have also attracted controversy and scrutiny from regulators. Some authorities are concerned about its potential to be used for illegal activities, such as cloning access cards, intercepting signals, or disrupting wireless devices.

Notable incidents include:

• US Customs Seizure: In late 2022, US Customs and Border Protection confiscated thousands of Flipper Zero units over security concerns, though they were eventually released to buyers.
• Amazon Ban: In April 2023, Amazon removed Flipper Zero from its marketplace, labeling it as a “card skimming device.”
• Brazil and Canada Restrictions: Brazil’s telecom authority has blocked imports, and Canada announced plans to prohibit illegal usage after a rise in auto thefts allegedly linked to cloned remote keys.
• Security Research: There have been demonstrations of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) spam attacks and denial-of-service exploits using Flipper Zero—raising alarms at tech conferences and even impacting medical devices at events.

Despite headlines highlighting risks, most modern smart cards and payment systems employ encryption and mutual authentication, making them resistant to unauthorized copying or misuse. The real-world threat level of Flipper Zero is comparable to decades-old tools—its significance lies more in user accessibility and community development.

The legal consensus is clear: owning or using Flipper Zero is generally legal in most countries, but improper use—unauthorized access or malicious intent—is illegal. Responsible usage aligns with ethical hacking principles, similar to lockpicks or other security tools, emphasizing the importance of responsible application.

Community and Ecosystem: Custom Firmware, Apps, and Accessories

The Flipper Zero community is one of its biggest strengths. Thousands of users around the world contribute custom firmware, scripts, tutorials, and even open hardware modules. The official app store, released in 2023, makes it easy to browse and install new features—and developers continue to create plugins for specialized use cases (eg. extended BLE attacks, data analysis, fun games for the dolphin mascot).

For hardware tinkerers, there’s a growing list of accessories:

• WiFi devboards for expanding wireless capabilities
• Prototyping boards for custom circuits
• Durable cases, screen protectors, and battery mods
• Video game modules based on the Raspberry Pi Pico, allowing Flipper Zero to function as a retro game controller

Is Flipper Zero Right for You?

Whether you’re a security professional, an engineer, or just a tech enthusiast, Flipper Zero offers a lot for its price point (around $169 as of this writing). It’s fully self-contained for basic use—and even more powerful when paired with a PC or smartphone via USB, Bluetooth, or serial connection. The open-source firmware and developer libraries mean you can customize it endlessly, and the device is rugged enough for day-to-day fieldwork.

It’s particularly suitable for:

• Aspiring penetration testers or students learning about hardware security.
• IT professionals who need a portable, all-in-one tool for troubleshooting and access control audits.
• Teachers and educators introducing electronics, wireless protocols, or cybersecurity concepts in a hands-on way.
• Electronics hobbyists and makers building DIY hardware projects or automating workflows.

Some advanced hacking tasks—such as attacking encrypted modern smart cards or executing complex Bluetooth exploits—may require more specialized, expensive equipment, and a deeper understanding of security protocols. Flipper Zero excels at accessibility, experimentation, and prototyping, but it can’t bypass state-of-the-art cryptographic security on its own.

Its playful design, engaging virtual pet mechanic, and thriving community make it as enjoyable as it is powerful. Flipper Zero is truly a one-of-a-kind hardware tool. For anyone interested in understanding how modern wireless technology works, exploring the world of ethical hacking, or simply enjoying a gadget that bridges fun and function, Flipper Zero stands out as a top choice in 2024 and beyond.

Lego Boost Move Hub