Flipper Zero allows you to read, save, and emulate NFC cards. An NFC card is a transponder that operates at 13.56 MHz and has a unique number (UID) as well as a part of rewritable memory for storing data. Depending on the card type, memory can be segmented into sectors, pages, applications, and more. When near a reader, NFC cards transmit the requested data.

On this page, you will learn how to read and emulate NFC cards and the list of supported NFC cards.

<div class="warning flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header">Insert a microSD card to use the NFC function</div>
    Flipper Zero stores databases on a microSD card, so update your Flipper Zero firmware with a microSD card inserted before using the NFC feature. For more information about the update procedure, see the <a href="https://docs.flipperzero.one/basics/firmware-update" onclick="next.router.push('https://docs.flipperzero.one/basics/firmware-update')"><u>firmware update</u> page.  
</div>

Reading procedure

The reading process is automatic and doesn't require any manual configuration by the user. To read and save the NFC card's data, do the following:

1. Go to Main Menu -> NFC.
2. Press Read, then hold the card near your Flipper Zero's back.

Hold the card in the center of your Flipper Zero's back



<div class="warning flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header"></div>
    Don't move the card while reading. The reading process might take up to several minutes. 
</div>

3. When reading is finished, go to More -> Save. 4. Name the read card, then press Save.

If reading failed

• The card might be using 125 kHz RFID technology. -> Read the card with the 125 kHz RFID application.
• The card might combine two different types of NFC cards in one card. -> Preselect the card type you want to read.

NFC cards type A

MIFARE Classic®

Flipper Zero can read MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Classic 4K, and MIFARE Classic Mini cards and save data. To read data stored in sectors, Flipper Zero has to find all 32 keys for 16 sectors (MIFARE Classic 1K), 80 keys for 40 sectors (MIFARE Classic 4K), and 10 keys for 5 sectors (MIFARE Classic Mini). For that, Flipper Zero uses keys from the System dictionary.

You can add your keys to the User dictionary by going to Main Menu -> NFC -> Extra Actions -> MIFARE Classic Keys.

Captured data organized in sectors



<div class="info flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header"></div>
    For MIFARE Classic cards, Flipper Zero emulates only unlocked sectors.</div>

After Flipper Zero reads a MIFARE Classic card, the original data is stored in memory. When you implement changes to the data via Flipper Mobile App or through emulation via your Flipper Zero, the device generates a new shadow file representing the new data state. This leads to desynchronization between the actual state on your Flipper Zero and the physical card. To synchronize the physical card with the data state on your Flipper Zero, use the Write To Initial Card function.

Similarly, physical card data can be changed after interaction with a reader leading to desynchronization of data states. To synchronize states, use the Update From Initial Card function.

You can discard changes on your Flipper Zero by using the Restore to original function. In this case, Flipper Zero deletes the shadow file.

You can synchronize data states between Flipper Zero and the physical card



MIFARE Ultralight® & NTAG®

For MIFARE Ultralight and NTAG cards, Flipper Zero can read and save data in open pages.

Captured data organized in pages



<div class="info flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header"></div>
    For MIFARE Ultralight and NTAG cards, Flipper Zero emulates only pages that were read.</div>

MIFARE® DESFire®

Flipper Zero can read MIFARE DESFire cards and save data. In this card type, memory is organized in applications with multiple files. Flipper Zero reads and saves unprotected applications and files with data.

Captured data organized in applications



<div class="info flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header"></div>
    For MIFARE DESFire cards, Flipper Zero is able to emulate only a UID.</div>

Unknown cards

When reading an unknown NFC card, Flipper Zero reads and saves only a UID, SAK, and ATQA.

Captured data fr an unknown ISO card



<div class="info flipper-callout">
    <div class="callout-header"></div>
    For unknown NFC cards, Flipper Zero can emulate only a UID.</div>

NFC cards types B, F, and V

For NFC cards types B, F, and V, Flipper Zero can only read and display a UID without saving it.

Captured data of an NFC type V card



Reading a specific card type

Hybrid cards combine two types of NFC cards in one card. For example, an EMV card can be combined with a MIFARE Classic card. In this case, you will need to specify what type of card you want to read by doing the following:

1. Go to Main Menu -> NFC -> Extra Actions -> Read Specific Card Type.
2. Select the card type you want to read, and then press %ok%OK.
3. Hold the card near your Flipper Zero's back to read the card's data.

Emulating NFC cards

Flipper Zero can emulate an entire NFC card or just a UID depending on the NFC card type and saved data. To emulate the saved NFC card, do the following:

1. Go to Main Menu -> NFC -> Saved.
2. Select the card, then press Emulate.

In some cases, you can emulate only a UID



3. Hold your Flipper Zero near the reader to transfer data.

While emulating the NFC card, hold your Flipper Zero near the reader



MIFARE, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE Classic, NTAG, and DESFire are registered trademarks of NXP B.V.