Reading NFC cards
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.
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:
Go to Main Menu -> NFC.
Press Read, then hold the card near your Flipper Zero's back.
When reading is finished, go to More -> Save.
Name the read card, then press Save.
- 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.
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.
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.
For MIFARE Ultralight and NTAG cards, Flipper Zero can read and save data in open pages.
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.
When reading an unknown NFC card, Flipper Zero reads and saves only the UID, SAK, and ATQA.
Flipper Zero can read and save data stored on ICODE SLIX, SLIX-2, SLIX-L, and SLIX-S tags. In these tags, memory is organized in blocks.
When reading an unknown NFC-V card, Flipper Zero reads and saves the UID and data in read blocks.
For NFC cards types B and F, Flipper Zero can only read and display the UID without saving it.
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:
Go to Main Menu -> NFC -> Extra Actions -> Read Specific Card Type.
Select the card type you want to read, and then press %ok%OK.
Hold the card near your Flipper Zero's back to read the card's data.
Flipper Zero can emulate an entire NFC card or just the UID depending on the NFC card type and saved data.
To emulate the saved NFC card, do the following:
Go to Main Menu -> NFC -> Saved.
Select the card, then press Emulate.
Hold your Flipper Zero near the reader to transfer data.
MIFARE, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE Classic, NTAG, DESFire, and ICODE are registered trademarks of NXP B.V.
