Frequently Asked Questions¶
This page aims to collect frequent or common questions people may have related to the Flipper Zero.
Flipper Zero¶
Is the Flipper Zero sold on Amazon or AliExpress?¶
No.
Those shops are run by scalpers/unauthorized resellers, so you will be charged more money than the device is worth or potentially scammed.
Additionally, you will lose your device's warranty by buying from these shops.
See the offical Flipper Zero how to buy site for trusted sellers.
What can the Flipper Zero do?¶
All of the cool things the device can do are nicely laid out in the official docs!
Will this device make me a super cool hacker so I can hack my entire city?¶
No. This devices is geared for educational use to learn about tech, not for you to be a menace to society. TikTok and Instagram videos love to lie about its features, so you will be disappointed if you're buying based on that.
Go and re-read what flipper zero can do.
Also keep this in mind:
Where Do I Get Cool Stuff for my Flipper Zero?¶
Nearly anything for the device is available on GitHub.
- The Awesome Flipper repo on GitHub has a huge amount of links and info.
- UberGuidoZ has a number of random signal recordings.
- The IRDB repo contains a large assortment of infrared remotes.
How can I make NFC files with links or other things?¶
You have three options to create a NTAG type card with this info:
Web Based¶
App based¶
If your phone supports NFC, you can use the NFC Tools app on Android & IOS.
This app can allow you to create all manner of records for the NTAG NFC file.
To use it, create a new blank NTAG on your Flipper Zero, emulate the blank tag, then have your phone write to that tag.
Can I take my Flipper Zero on an airplane?¶
It's completely fine to travel with your Flipper Zero to any country the device is sold in. In case you are going on an airplane and through security, here's a few tips on what you should do:
- Turn the device off and treat it like any other electronic device in your carry-on bag.
- If asked, do not lie. Tell them that the device is an electronic multi-tool.
- After landing and before using your Flipper Zero in your destination country, make sure to update via qFlipper. That way, the frequency restrictions will be updated to that country's laws and regulations.
A lot of people have flown with and passed security checks with Flippers on them before, there haven't been any reported incidents.
Can Flipper Zero read Credit/Debit cards?¶
No, you cannot use Flipper Zero to emulate your bankcard. These cards are protected by encryption.
While the Flipper Zero used to show some public details of the card in release 0.81.1, this was later removed due to confusion from both people and companies that caused them to think the Flipper Zero might be able to 'skim' bank cards. The information the device was reading was just the unencrypted part of the card. All actual payment related functions are encrypted on the card and are impossible for the Flipper Zero to read.
Can Flipper Zero emulate travel passes / bus passes?¶
DO NOT ATTEMPT. This will likely be considered FRAUD!
Do not try to copy & emulate a transport card! This is a good way to end up with at minimum being banned from a transportation service, or at worst criminal charges if you attempt to actually use your Flipper Zero in place of a transportation pass.
All it takes is a single report to authorities that you are not using an approved pass and you will have massive problems.
What cool modules should I buy with my Flipper Zero.¶
It's typically recommended to just stick with the basics (Flipper Zero + optional Wi-Fi development board) until you learn what you're doing and what things you want your device to do. Otherwise, its likely that whatever you buy will just end up in a drawer gathering dust after a few days because you don't have any good uses, or worse: because you don't know how to set up the module.
If you know what you want, a few popular module overviews are listed in the GPIO page
Can Flipper Zero copy car remotes?¶
Warning
Attempting to clone car remotes will fail and can lead to a VERY expensive mistake!
Short answer: No. Car remotes typically use rolling code to prevent copying to generate new codes each button press. Any attempts may cause the remote to desync, likely requiring an expensive trip to the dealer to fix your remote.
The Flipper Zero does not support the cloning of any rolling code automotive remote.
See this site for an example of how the basics of rolling codes work.
Can Flipper Zero copy garage remotes?¶
Maybe! Refer to the chart below:
graph LR
A[Start] --> B{is the remote using a supported frequency? * };
B --> |Yes| C{Is it using a rolling code system?};
B --> |No| D[You cannot copy the remote.];
C --> |No| F[You can likely copy the remote!];
C --> |Yes| E{Is your rolling code supported? **};
E --> |Yes| G[You can possibly create and pair a new remote! ***];
E --> |No| D;