Flipper Zero & Multi-Tools
Multi-protocol hacking gadgets that combine SDR, RFID, NFC, IR, Sub-GHz, and GPIO in one portable device.
What is Flipper Zero?
Flipper Zero is a portable, open-source multi-tool device designed for hardware hacking, pentesting, and RF research. It combines multiple radio protocols and interfaces into a Tamagotchi-sized device with a monochrome LCD and D-pad navigation. It's often described as a "hacker Tamagotchi" — it has a virtual pet dolphin that grows as you use the device.
Flipper Zero Capabilities
Sub-GHz (300-928 MHz)
- Transmit/Receive: Read, save, and replay Sub-GHz signals
- Protocols: Fixed codes, rolling codes (Princeton, Nice FLO, CAME), raw captures
- Uses: Garage doors, gate openers, weather stations, IoT sensors, car key fobs
- Limitations: Cannot transmit above certain power levels; rolling code replay has limitations
125 kHz RFID
- Read/Write: EM4100, HID Prox, Indala, Viking, and other 125 kHz formats
- Emulate: Store and emulate captured RFID tags
- Supported: EM4100 (read), HID Prox (read/write/emulate), AWID, Paradox, and more
13.56 MHz NFC
- Read: MIFARE Classic 1K/4K, MIFARE Ultralight, NTAG213/215/216
- Write: Write data to NFC tags
- Emulate: Emulate NFC cards and tags
- Banking cards: Cannot read banking/payment cards (encrypted by design)
Infrared (IR)
- Universal remote: Learn and replay IR signals from any remote
- Built-in database: Pre-loaded IR codes for TVs, ACs, audio equipment
- Prank mode: Turn off TVs in public places (use responsibly!)
GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output)
- UART: Connect to serial ports on devices for debugging and hacking
- SPI/I2C: Interface with sensors, displays, and other hardware
- BadUSB: Act as a USB keyboard for automated keystroke injection (Rubber Ducky clone)
- U2F: Universal 2nd Factor security key
Flipper Zero Specifications
Processor: STM32WB55 (dual-core ARM Cortex-M4 + M0) RAM: 256 KB Flash: 1 MB Display: 128x64 monochrome LCD Battery: 2000 mAh Li-Ion (~5 days standby) Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, IR Sub-GHz: 300-928 MHz (board-defined by region) RFID 125 kHz: Built-in antenna NFC 13.56 MHz: Built-in antenna IR: Built-in transmitter and receiver GPIO: 1x UART, SPI, I2C, 2x GPIO pins Dimensions: 100 x 50 x 15 mm Weight: 58 grams Price: $169 (official store)
Flipper Zero Firmware
- Official firmware: Regular updates from Flipper team — stable, well-documented
- Unleashed firmware: Community firmware with extended Sub-GHz frequencies and additional features
- Momentum firmware: Community fork with extra protocols and customization
- Custom apps: Developers can write C applications using the Flipper SDK
- qFlipper: Desktop app for firmware updates and file management
Flipper Zero vs Alternatives
Device Price Sub-GHz RFID NFC IR BadUSB ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Flipper Zero $169 Yes 125kHz Yes Yes Yes HackRF+Portapack $170 1 MHz-6G No No No No Proxmark3 RDV4 $300 No Yes Yes No No WiFi Pineapple $100+ No No No No No Ubertooth One $120 2.4 GHz No No No No USB Rubber Ducky $80 No No No No Yes
Legal Concerns
The Flipper Zero has sparked legal debates in several countries. Canada proposed banning it in 2023, citing concerns about car theft (though the device cannot defeat modern immobilizer systems). Some countries restrict Sub-GHz transmitting capabilities. Always check local laws before purchasing or using RF transmitting devices.