Alternative Firmware for Flipper Zero: Choosing the Best Upgrade for Your Device
Flipper Zero is a “hacker multitool” you’ve probably already heard about. Maybe you’ve even managed to get your hands on one and started experimenting. In this article, we’ll talk about alternative firmware options that not only take your Flipper fun to the next level but also help you use it for real-world physical pentesting.
The stock firmware significantly limits Flipper Zero’s potential. For example, it doesn’t allow you to intercept and analyze signals on certain frequencies (like car alarm signals), prevents brute-force attacks on protocols that require sending specific values, and includes only a small set of built-in signals for attacking popular systems.
However, the device’s architecture is open, so you can install your own firmware, expanding your horizons for experimentation. Since Flipper Zero’s release, many third-party and community-developed firmware options have appeared, each with its own key features and advantages. Let’s take a closer look at them!
Flipper Zero Firmware
The Flipper Zero Firmware is the standard firmware that comes pre-installed from the factory. It includes a variety of tools, but with built-in restrictions that prevent you from unlocking the device’s full technical potential.
- Sub-GHz – Lets you intercept, record, and emulate radio signals. In the stock firmware, this tool is limited. For example, if you try to capture a car key’s radio signal, Flipper will detect it but won’t let you save or replay it. This is an intentional restriction, as the device could be dangerous in the wrong hands.
- Infrared – Allows you to control household appliances. The stock firmware supports four types: TVs, audio players, projectors, and air conditioners.
- BadUSB – Emulates a wired keyboard when Flipper is connected to a PC. It includes two demo scripts that open Notepad and display the Flipper logo in ASCII art.
- Applications – Contains extra tools not found in other sections. In the official firmware, this is mostly just the classic Snake game.
The stock firmware is best for new users who want to get familiar with Flipper Zero’s basic features for everyday use, like cloning access cards and remote controls so you don’t have to carry them around.
Unleashed
Unleashed is the first fork of the official firmware, removing regional restrictions and adding new tools. It’s available in two versions: basic and extended (with a huge number of pre-installed apps).
Unleashed is perfect for those who want more than the basic Flipper Zero features. With this firmware, you can not only intercept, record, and replay signals, but also perform brute-force attacks on systems. There are tools for automatically cycling through all possible access codes to open barriers, even without capturing the original signal (whereas the official firmware only lets you record and emulate existing signals).
All regional frequency restrictions are removed in the Sub-GHz section, so you can intercept and emulate any signal supported by Flipper Zero’s hardware.
The Applications section is packed with useful apps: from unit converters and barcode generators to a Brainfuck development environment and a Doom demake. You can also change your Flipper’s name, unlike with the official firmware.
Other improvements include support for classic Mifare keys, capturing and sending dynamic encrypted protocols and rolling codes, and more. In short, Unleashed turns your Flipper into a real pentester’s tool. Just remember not to abuse its capabilities and always stay within the law!
Xtreme
Xtreme is the golden middle ground between the stock firmware and the RogueMaster fork. It’s a fully reworked official firmware with features borrowed from RogueMaster, but much more stable.
The main unique feature is maximum customization of BadUSB/KB capabilities. You can add new levels for your Flipper (remember, it’s also a Tamagotchi!), tweak USB/BT modes for BadUSB, and manage Sub-GHz protocols. Like Unleashed, Xtreme removes all regional restrictions, enables brute-force attacks, and offers all the same advantages plus some new features.
The BadKB function lets you emulate a keyboard for HID attacks. You can use ready-made scripts to display a Flipper greeting via Notepad on any OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more. Ducky Script Language 1.0 is supported, and you’ll find over 500 ready-made payloads on GitHub.
BadKB has two modes: classic (wired) and Bluetooth. In Bluetooth mode, Flipper can remember devices and automatically reconnect for repeat attacks. You can also change keyboard layouts and even the BT module’s MAC address.
This firmware is for advanced users who know what they’re doing and need these extra features for physical pentesting or red teaming.
RogueMaster
RogueMaster is a fork of Unleashed, very similar to the original but with a custom set of animations. Some of these can be unlocked by subscribing to the RogueMaster author’s Patreon.
Functionality is similar to Xtreme, except BadUSB settings are a bit more limited (no Bluetooth options like in Xtreme). It’s also less stable than the other firmware options—during our tests, RogueMaster had the most crashes.
The Applications section is a massive list of utilities, including various fuzzers for iButton, RFID and Sub-GHz brute-forcers, and a CLI mode. However, be careful with the command line—three out of ten attempts caused system crashes during our testing.
Support for FAP-format apps should soon appear in the main Flipper firmware, so RogueMaster will likely remain for those who want to experiment with debugging and source code, or if you really want to customize your Flipper Zero’s “passport” (avatar and background).
Comparison Table
| Feature | Stock | Unleashed | Xtreme | RogueMaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Restrictions Removed | – | + | + | + |
| Interface Customization | – | – | + | + |
| Additional Modules | – | + | + | + |
| Stability | + | + | + | – |
| Update Frequency | – | +/- | + | + |
| Doom Game | – | + | + | + |
Conclusion
After several months of testing and daily use of Flipper Zero with alternative firmware, here are our recommendations. First, decide how you’ll use the device. If you plan to perform advanced attacks (for strictly legal or contracted testing purposes), choose firmware with the features you need. If not, there’s no reason to sacrifice device stability.
The best way to start exploring Flipper Zero’s optional features is to install the extended version of Unleashed or the official firmware with the tools and modules you need (the official Flipper Zero repository already has plenty).
If you love customization, go for Xtreme or RogueMaster. If stability and advanced features are your priority, Unleashed or Xtreme are your best bets. We chose these two for their stability and practicality—during all our testing, they never crashed or froze, unlike RogueMaster. Their features are more than enough, and the ability to change firmware settings via the Xtreme menu is a nice bonus.