Top 10 Flipper Uses and Hacks You Need to KnowThe Flipper is a compact, versatile multi-tool for interacting with digital and electronic systems — from RFID access cards to infrared remote-controlled devices. Whether you’re a maker, security researcher, or just someone who likes tinkering with gadgets, the Flipper can save time and unlock creativity. This article dives into the top 10 uses and practical hacks, with step-by-step tips, safety notes, and ideas for further exploration.
1. Read, Emulate, and Store RFID/NFC Cards
One of the Flipper’s core strengths is interacting with low-frequency (125 kHz) RFID and high-frequency (13.56 MHz) NFC tags.
- What it does: Reads tag IDs, saves dumps, and emulates cards.
- Common uses: Access badges, transit cards, NFC tags for automation.
- Quick hack: Create a “universal” key by saving multiple badge dumps and switching between them from the Flipper menu.
- Safety note: Only emulate cards you own or have explicit permission to use.
Steps:
- Select the appropriate RFID/NFC option on the Flipper.
- Hold the tag near the antenna and press read.
- Save the dump and label it clearly.
- Use “emulate” to present the saved badge to a reader.
2. Clone and Replay Infrared (IR) Remotes
Flipper can capture IR signals from remotes and replay them to control TVs, air conditioners, and other IR devices.
- What it does: Records IR codes and stores them as named buttons.
- Hack: Create a custom “macro” sequence — e.g., power on the TV, switch to HDMI, set volume — by replaying stored codes in order.
- Tip: Use the Flipper as a universal remote for devices whose original remotes are lost.
Steps:
- Choose the IR device menu and “Read” while pointing the remote at the Flipper.
- Save the captured code and test replay.
- Group related codes into a single profile for quick access.
3. GPIO for Hardware Prototyping and Debugging
The Flipper’s GPIO pins let you interact with sensors, actuators, and serial devices.
- What it does: Sends/reads digital signals, acts as a simple logic tool.
- Hack: Use the Flipper as a basic logic-level toggler to stimulate inputs on a microcontroller for testing.
- Tip: Safe voltage range is important — use level shifters for 5V systems if Flipper’s pins are 3.3V.
Example uses:
- Toggle a relay input.
- Read a button press state.
- Send UART/serial data (if supported by firmware version).
4. Sub-GHz Radio Sniffing and Transmission
Flipper supports various sub-GHz frequencies used by garage remotes, weather sensors, and IoT devices.
- What it does: Sniffs ASK/OOK/FSK signals and can transmit stored packets.
- Hack: Capture a garage opener’s signal to test range or integration into home automation (only with permission).
- Caution: Legal restrictions may apply to transmitting on certain bands and repeating secured rolling codes.
Steps:
- Use the Sub-GHz menu to scan for signals when a remote is triggered.
- Save detected packets and label them.
- Test transmit at short range and ensure you’re not breaking laws or policies.
5. iButton (1-Wire) Reading and Emulation
Many access systems use iButton (Dallas 1-Wire) keys. Flipper can read and emulate these.
- What it does: Reads 1-Wire device IDs and emulates iButton keys.
- Hack: Keep a library of common iButton IDs for testing access systems during audits.
- Safety note: Only interact with systems you own or have explicit authorization to test.
Steps:
- Place the iButton on the reader pad.
- Read and store the ID.
- Emulate when needed to test or access devices.
6. BadUSB — Automate Tasks via Emulated Keyboard
Flipper can act as a USB Human Interface Device (HID) and run preconfigured BadUSB scripts to automate tasks on a connected computer.
- What it does: Emulates keyboard inputs and executes scripted sequences.
- Hack: Create a secure, useful automation like launching a specific app and opening a local dashboard after plugging in — not for malicious use.
- Security reminder: BadUSB can be abused; only use trusted scripts on your own machines.
Example script idea (conceptual):
- Open terminal, run a diagnostics script, save results to a USB drive.
7. Store and Use Custom Scripts and Plugins
Flipper’s firmware supports community plugins and scripts to extend functionality.
- What it does: Lets you add user-created features — e.g., signal decoders, new device profiles, or UI enhancements.
- Hack: Write a plugin to batch-rename captures, export them in a consistent folder structure, or integrate with a local server for backups.
- Tip: Check the official plugin ecosystem and GitHub repos for maintained extensions.
8. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Scanning and Interaction
Newer Flipper builds add BLE scanning features to discover and interact with nearby BLE devices.
- What it does: Scans for advertising packets, shows device names/IDs, and can store data for later analysis.
- Hack: Use BLE scan logs to map smart home devices and their presence patterns for troubleshooting.
- Privacy note: Scanning passive advertisements is generally allowed; avoid probing devices without consent.
Steps:
- Start BLE scan and observe advertisement packets.
- Record device addresses and names.
- Use results to inform pairing or debugging workflows.
9. File & Data Management — Backups and Organization
A practical but often overlooked use is organizing your Flipper’s captures and scripts for reliable reuse.
- What it does: Stores dumps (RFID, IR, Sub-GHz, iButton) and scripts on internal storage or microSD.
- Hack: Create a folder structure by device type and include README files with context, locations, and usage notes.
- Backup tip: Regularly export your Flipper data to a PC or cloud (encrypted) to avoid losing configurations.
Suggested folder structure:
- RFID/
- office_badge.uidf
- IR/
- TV_LivingRoom.ir
- SubGHz/
- Garage_remote.sub
10. Learning Platform — Reverse Engineering & Education
Flipper is a hands-on tool for learning about radio protocols, embedded hardware, and security concepts.
- What it does: Provides practical experience capturing, inspecting, and replaying real-world signals.
- Hack: Set up a lab with intentionally vulnerable devices (that you own) to practice safe reverse engineering and develop mitigations.
- Learning path: Start with IR and NFC, then progress to Sub-GHz and GPIO. Document findings and build a portfolio of experiments.
Safety, Ethics, and Legal Considerations
- Only interact with hardware and systems you own or have explicit permission to test.
- Transmitting on radio frequencies may be regulated; ensure compliance with local laws.
- BadUSB use can be considered malicious if used without consent.
- Treat captured credentials and access tokens responsibly; do not share or publish sensitive dumps.
Final tips and quick workflow
- Label everything — names and location metadata save time.
- Keep backups and a changelog for important captures and scripts.
- Join community forums and GitHub repos for plugins, profiles, and up-to-date firmware hacks.
If you want, I can expand any section into a deeper tutorial, provide sample BadUSB scripts, or create a step-by-step lab exercise for learning Flipper basics.
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