Table of contents
- What is Flipper Zero?
- What is Flipper Zero used for?
- Is Flipper Zero legal?
- Flipper Zero firmware and updates
- Flipper Zero application and mobile apps
- Flipper Zero alternatives
Flipper Zero is an open source portable device that is rapidly gaining the attention of ethical hackers, cyber security researchers, and electronics enthusiasts. Despite its compact size, it is a true multi-tool for experimentation and interaction with a wide range of digital devices and physical systems.
In this article, we’ll explore what Flipper Zero is, what it’s used for, whether it is legal, how to update the firmware, how the mobile application works, and finally what alternatives are available.
What is Flipper Zero?
For those wondering what Flipper Zero is, it’s a small, toy-like device with a screen and a few buttons, yet inside it houses an arsenal of tools designed to interact with both digital and analog worlds. The design even includes a friendly virtual dolphin that evolves based on user interaction.
Flipper Zero can read, emulate, and interact with a wide variety of protocols and devices: RFID tags, radio protocols, car remotes, TVs, air conditioners, access control systems, NFC badges, and GPIO pins. It’s designed for testing the security of electronic systems but is often misunderstood as a tool for illegal activities.
The device also supports a microSD card, essential for storing data, plugins, captured signals, and custom configurations. The microSD card is critical for unlocking many of Flipper’s advanced features, such as RF protocol management or custom IR modules.
What is Flipper Zero used for?
So, what is Flipper Zero used for? It can be used for many operations related to ethical hacking and research:
- Capturing and replaying RF (radio frequency) signals from devices like gate or garage remotes
- Reading and writing RFID tags (125kHz) and NFC tags (13.56MHz), for instance to test access badges
- Analyzing infrared (IR) signals to control TVs, air conditioners, and other IR-based devices
- Connecting to other devices via GPIO pins to send commands, read digital signals, or manage input/output
- Sniffing and performing security tests on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
- Testing access control systems, automation devices, and much more
Each functionality can be activated directly from the device or via the mobile application. Flipper Zero can also be an excellent educational tool for learning how communication between electronic devices works.
Moreover, some functions can be extended using external Wi-Fi modules connected via GPIO.
Example
This allows interaction with other devices over Wi-Fi or the integration of Flipper into remote penetration testing networks, making it even more versatile.
Is Flipper Zero legal?
One of the most frequently asked questions is: Is Flipper Zero legal? The answer is yes: it can be legally purchased and used in Italy and in many other countries, as long as it is used in compliance with local laws. However, its use may beillegal if employed to access or interfere with someone else’s devices without permission.
Like any tool, it all depends on how you use it: a screwdriver can fix things or be used to force a lock. The same applies to Flipper Zero—if used to test your own devices’ security or in professional contexts with authorization, it is perfectly legal.
For more information, the device’s official website provides guidelines, manuals, updates, and legal notes specific to each country or region.
Flipper Zero firmware and updates
One of Flipper Zero’s key features is the ability to customize it with alternative firmware. The official firmware is regularly released by the community on GitHub and supports numerous functions. However, there are also unofficial versions like RogueMaster, which unlock advanced features and additional modes.
Firmware updates can be managed through the Flipper desktop app or the mobile app, available for Android and iOS. Thanks to the project’s open source nature, each device can be tailored to the user’s specific needs. Many advanced features—such as file management or signal playback—depend on using the microSD card to store data.
Example of Firmware Update (via CLI)
pip install qFlipper
qFlipper flash --firmware latest --device /dev/ttyUSB0This command updates the device to the latest stable firmware available.
Flipper Zero application and mobile apps
A major benefit of Flipper Zero is its integration with mobile applications. There is an official mobile app that allows users to:
- Manage files stored on the device (RFID, NFC, IR, SubGHz)
- Update firmware
- Install custom plugins
- Control Flipper Zero remotely via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
The mobile app connects via Bluetooth but, when paired with external Wi-Fi modules, it can also enable remote network-based control. This makes it especially useful for remote testing or automating operations across multiple devices.
Additionally, managing backups, LUA scripts, and RF files is made easier by using a microSD card, which is essential for extending the device’s memory.
Flipper Zero alternatives
Those looking for Flipper Zero alternatives may be driven by factors such as price, availability, or specific technical features. Leading alternatives include:
- Proxmark3
A powerful RFID/NFC testing tool with a steep learning curve - Yard Stick One
Primarily for interacting with Sub-GHz signals - HackRF One
A versatile SDR (Software Defined Radio) platform, but significantly more expensive - ChameleonMini
Focused on NFC/RFID; less versatile but highly effective
However, none of these alternatives pack as many functions into a single device as Flipper Zero. Moreover, the community surrounding Flipper is highly active and continually produces new modules, tutorials, and updates.
On the official website, you can find technical documentation, download firmware, and access community forums.
