Have you seen these videos on TikTok? Flipper Zero, the device that seems to be able to do everything? You’ve probably wondered if it’s really possible to copy credit cards or disable surveillance cameras with one click. If you want to know what is behind these amazing demonstrations, then this article is for you. We are going to tell you what Flipper Zero actually is and what it can do.
What is Pinball Zero?
Flipper Zero is a small, versatile electronic device. Hitting the market in the summer of 2020 thanks to a — successful — crowdfunding campaign, this hacking tool quickly became a must-have tool for cybersecurity enthusiasts and technology tinkerers.
It has a fun design with a plastic shell, orange buttons, an SD card reader, a USB-C port, an infrared transmitter and a 1.4-inch monochrome LCD screen that displays a user-friendly interface, shaped like a mascot. The shape is given. of dolphins interacting with the user according to activated functions.
What can you do with Flipper Zero?
Beneath its toy appearance, the Flipper Zero contains a range of technologies that allow it to interact with a wide range of wireless devices. Its heart is equipped with a sub-GHz antenna capable of receiving and transmitting radio signals at different frequencies. This functionality allows it to communicate with a large number of wireless devices, such as garage remote controls, security barriers and IoT sensors.
Flipper Zero also includes an RFID reader, which allows it to communicate with a wide range of contactless media. For example, it can read, write, and emulate various RFID cards commonly used for access control, as well as NFC tags, often used for information sharing or quick device configuration. are used.
It also has a 1-wire connector, a simple serial communication protocol, which allows it to communicate with devices such as iButtons, which are usually present to secure physical access.
It also has a 1-wire connector, a simple serial communication protocol responsible for interacting with devices such as iButtons, commonly used to secure physical access.
Finally, the device is equipped with an infrared transceiver that gives it the ability to control consumer electronic devices such as televisions, set-top boxes or air conditioners. Its GPIO connectors, for their part, allow you to connect Flipper Zero’s functionality to other electronic components.
Expanded capabilities thanks to an updated operating system.
Version 1.0 of its operating system, released in September 2024, significantly strengthened Flipper Zero’s functionality. One of the most notable improvements is expanded support for analog walkie-talkie radio frequencies with sub-GHz radios, now compatible with 89 different protocols. For increased sensitivity, users can connect an external sub-GHz module.
Additionally, expanded support for infrared protocols makes it an even more capable universal remote, capable of controlling an increasing number of electronic devices, such as televisions, air conditioners, audio systems and projectors. Additionally, external infrared modules are supported for more powerful transmission requirements.
In addition, the NFC system has been optimized for faster and more efficient emulation as well as wider compatibility. Developers will appreciate the ability to run apps directly from a microSD card, an improvement that overcomes the current limitations of the device’s internal flash memory. At the same time, JavaScript support paves the way for easy customization and creation of custom features.
Finally, the integration of the application store into the mobile app not only facilitates the installation of new features, but also facilitates the updating of Flipper Zero.
Can Everyone Use Flipper Zero?
Although it is presented as a hacking tool, Flipper Zero is legit. So everyone can use it. However, contrary to what some viral videos on TikTok suggest, pressing a button isn’t enough to perform complex tasks.
In fact, Flipper Zero requires a certain technical skill to make full use of it. While online videos may give the impression that anyone can hack a system in seconds, the reality is much more important than that. Performing complex operations requires preparation work, a good understanding of communication protocols, and sometimes even the development of personalized scripts.
