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Flipper Zero Step-by-Step Guide (2026): How to Use Each Section and What Add-Ons You Need

flipper zero

Before you start, make sure:

Your Flipper Zero is charged (ideally 50%+)
You have installed the Flipper mobile app
Your firmware is updated to the latest stable release
Your region is set correctly (important for Sub-GHz)


Navigation Basics (You’ll Use This Everywhere)

OK = select / confirm
Back = go back (hold 3–5 seconds to power off)
Up/Down/Left/Right = move through lists and options

Useful shortcuts:

Reboot: hold OK + Back
Power off: hold Back for 3–5 seconds

Hardware add-ons needed: none


Section 1: NFC (13.56 MHz) – Read and use NFC tags you own

What you can realistically do:

Read NFC tags and cards you own
Identify tag type
Save scans
Write to blank NFC tags (supported types)

Hardware add-ons needed:

None for basic reading/writing
Optional: extra blank NFC tags (NTAG213/215/216 are common for automation)

Step-by-step: Read an NFC tag

Open NFC
Choose Read
Place the NFC tag flat against the back of the Flipper
Hold still until it completes
Select Save if you want to store it

Step-by-step: Write a simple NFC tag (for your own automation tags)

Open NFC
Choose Saved
Select a saved tag (or create a new one if supported)
Choose Write
Tap your blank NFC tag
Wait for confirmation

Common user issue:

If it shows “Encrypted” or reads very little data, that’s normal for secure cards.


Section 2: RFID (125 kHz) – Read older style key fobs/tags

What you can realistically do:

Read low-frequency RFID tags
Identify tag format
Save it for reference

Hardware add-ons needed:

None for reading
Optional: blank compatible RFID tags (only for your own systems and where permitted)

Step-by-step: Read an RFID tag

Open RFID
Choose Read
Press the RFID fob/tag against the back of the Flipper
Hold still for 2–5 seconds
Save if required

Common user issue:

Many “cards” are actually NFC, not RFID. If RFID fails, try NFC.


Section 3: Sub-GHz – Scan and analyse supported wireless remotes/sensors

What you can realistically do:

Detect Sub-GHz transmissions
Identify frequency and signal behaviour
Capture signals from supported devices you own
Understand rolling code vs fixed code

Hardware add-ons needed:

None for basic scanning
Optional: external antenna modules (advanced users only—often not needed for beginners)

Step-by-step: Scan for a remote/sensor signal

Open Sub-GHz
Choose Scan / Read
Press a button on your remote (5–20 cm from Flipper)
Watch for detected frequency and signal type
Save only if it’s supported and allowed

Step-by-step: Troubleshoot when “nothing is detected”

Check region settings
Disable power saving
Replace remote battery
Move away from interference (cars/metal walls)

Important reality check:

Rolling-code and encrypted systems will not replay. That’s expected.


Section 4: Infrared (IR) – Control TVs and appliances (easy wins)

What you can realistically do:

Read IR remotes
Save IR commands
Use Flipper as a universal remote for your own devices

Hardware add-ons needed: none

Step-by-step: Read an IR remote

Open Infrared
Choose Learn / Read
Point remote at Flipper’s IR receiver
Press a button
Save the command (or save as a remote profile)

Step-by-step: Use the Flipper to control a device

Open Infrared
Go to Saved
Select your saved remote/commands
Press OK to transmit

Common user issue:

Bright sunlight can ruin IR learning. Test indoors.


Section 5: Bluetooth (BLE) – Broadcast detection and awareness

What you can realistically do:

Detect BLE broadcasts
See device advertisements and signal strength
Understand what devices “announce” themselves nearby

Hardware add-ons needed: none

Step-by-step: Scan for BLE broadcasts

Open Bluetooth
Select Scan
Wait 10–30 seconds
View broadcast list and signal strength

Important limitation:

Flipper does not pair with your headphones or watch. It detects broadcasts only.


Section 6: GPIO – Hardware learning and simple electronics

What you can realistically do:

Interface with basic sensors
Trigger simple circuits (low power)
Learn electronics and prototyping

Hardware add-ons needed:

Jumper wires
Breadboard
Basic components (LEDs, resistors, sensors)
Optional: beginner kits (recommended)

Step-by-step: Basic GPIO “first project” (safe)

Open GPIO / Tools
Select a simple test mode (depending on installed tools)
Connect an LED + resistor to appropriate pins (only low voltage)
Toggle output to see the LED respond

Safety note:

GPIO is not for mains voltage or high-power devices.


Section 7: App Hub – Install tools safely

What you can realistically do:

Install apps and utilities
Keep tools updated
Expand learning features

Hardware add-ons needed: none

Step-by-step: Install an app

Open Flipper mobile app
Go to App Hub
Find an app
Install and sync to the Flipper

Tip:

Install only a few apps at a time to avoid confusion.


Section 8: Wi-Fi Dev Board (Optional add-on) – Diagnostics and learning

What you can realistically do:

Wi-Fi environment diagnostics
Channel congestion awareness
Some firmware management features
IoT broadcast observation (limited)

Hardware add-ons needed:

Wi-Fi Dev Board (ESP32-based board designed for Flipper)

Step-by-step: Connect the Wi-Fi Dev Board

Power off Flipper
Attach the board to GPIO pins correctly
Power on
Open relevant GPIO/Dev Board menu
Update Dev Board firmware if prompted

Common user issue:

If it doesn’t show up, reseat the board and update both firmwares.

Important limitation:

It does not hack Wi-Fi or extract passwords.


Section 9: Files – Manage your saved scans and installs

What you can realistically do:

View and organise saved items
Delete old captures
Keep storage tidy

Hardware add-ons needed: none

Step-by-step: Clean up files

Open Files
Review saved NFC/RFID/IR/Sub-GHz
Delete anything you don’t need
Keep naming consistent for easy reuse


Quick Add-On Checklist (What Most People Actually Need)

If you want the best experience as a beginner:

A protective case (you already did this post)
A small set of NTAG NFC tags (for safe learning/automation)
A basic breadboard + jumper wire kit (for GPIO learning)
Optional: Wi-Fi Dev Board (only if you want Wi-Fi environment diagnostics)

Most users do not need external antennas or advanced RF accessories.

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