---
title: First start
slug: zero/basics/first-start
description: Learn how to power on and reboot your Flipper Zero, insert a microSD card, and update the firmware
image: https://archbee-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/ULseELLlAdutNBzBPAwZ6_firststartprev-1.png
icon: 🐬
docTags: 
createdAt: 2021-07-26T17:11:19.000Z
---

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3GUDYkC5JgUWgo6RW8piO-udMUwzEO61FqJN9OHFpYE-20241024-173230.png)

Thank you so much for buying Flipper Zero! We’re excited for you to explore all the possibilities this device offers and can’t wait to hear about the amazing things you’ll accomplish with it. Enjoy your new Flipper Zero!

::Iframely{originalUrl="https://youtu.be/KeFrVW2VE4M?si=S09A-5Zi1LWdfdRq" embedUrl="https://youtu.be/KeFrVW2VE4M?si=S09A-5Zi1LWdfdRq" title="Flipper Zero Quick Start Guide. DON’T use Flipper Zero before you do THIS!" html="<div style=&#x22;left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;&#x22;><iframe src=&#x22;https://www.youtube.com/embed/KeFrVW2VE4M?rel=0&#x22; style=&#x22;top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;&#x22; allowfullscreen scrolling=&#x22;no&#x22; allow=&#x22;accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;&#x22; referrerpolicy=&#x22;strict-origin&#x22;></iframe></div>"}

***

# Powering on

Power on your Flipper Zero by pressing and holding the %back%**BACK** button for 3 seconds.

:::Iframe{code="<video&#xA;    autoplay muted loop playsinline style=&#x22;width: 100%; margin: 0 !important;&#x22;&#xA;    src=&#x22;https://cdn.flipperzero.one/flipper_power_on.mp4&#x22;&#xA;></video>&#xA;<div class=&#x22;text-center mt-2.5 text-gray-400 pb-5&#x22;>&#xA;Power your Flipper Zero with a press of a button&#xA;</div>" iframeHeight="500"}

:::

:::Iframe{iframeHeight="500" code="<div class=&#x22;dead flipper-callout&#x22;>&#xA;    <div class=&#x22;callout-header&#x22;>If your Flipper Zero doesn’t power on</div>&#xA;    Your Flipper Zero may have a fully drained battery. To power it on, simply plug in the USB charging cable, and the device will turn on automatically.&#xA;    <br>&#xA;    <br>&#xA;    In case your Flipper Zero fails to turn on even after charging, try pressing and holding the <div class=&#x22;flipper-button left&#x22;></div><b>LEFT</b> and <div class=&#x22;flipper-button back&#x22;></div><b>BACK</b> buttons for 5 seconds. &#xA;    <br>&#xA;    <br>&#xA;    If your Flipper Zero is still not turning on, follow the steps described in <a href=&#x22;https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/firmware-update/firmware-recovery&#x22; onclick=&#x22;next.router.push('https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/firmware-update/firmware-recovery')&#x22;><u>Firmware recovery</u></a>.&#xA;</div>"}

:::



## Rebooting

If your Flipper Zero freezes while in use, press and hold the %left%**LEFT** and %back%**BACK** buttons for 5 seconds to reboot the device.

:::Iframe{iframeHeight="500" code="<video&#xA;    autoplay muted loop playsinline style=&#x22;width: 100%; margin: 0 !important;&#x22;&#xA;    src=&#x22;https://cdn.flipperzero.one/Flipper_Zero_simple_reboot_5sec_compressed.mp4&#x22;&#xA;></video>&#xA;<div class=&#x22;text-center mt-2.5 text-gray-400 pb-5&#x22;>&#xA;If your Flipper Zero freezes — reboot it&#xA;</div>"}

:::

Flipper Zero can be rebooted into different modes, including recovery mode. To find out more about the types of reboot, visit the [Reboot](docId\:y5Po3iqwX_gk7-UxU4r_S) page.

***

# Inserting a microSD card

A microSD card is required to use your Flipper Zero. The microSD card stores various types of data, including keys, cards, remotes, databases, and more. You’ll need to purchase a microSD card separately, as it’s not included with your Flipper Zero.

While Flipper Zero supports microSD cards of up to 256 GB, a regula&#x72;**&#x20;16-32 GB microSD card is sufficient** to store all the necessary data. Keep in mind that Flipper Zero may take longer to recognize a microSD card with a higher storage capacity.

For more information, visit the [MicroSD card setup](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/sd-card) page.

:::Iframe{code="<video&#xA;    autoplay muted loop playsinline style=&#x22;width: 100%; margin: 0 !important;&#x22;&#xA;    src=&#x22;https://cdn.flipperzero.one/Flipper_Sd_Mount3_compressed.mp4&#x22;&#xA;></video>&#xA;<div class=&#x22;text-center mt-2.5 text-gray-400 pb-5&#x22;>&#xA;Insert the microSD card pins up&#xA;</div>" iframeHeight="500"}

:::

:::Iframe{iframeHeight="500" code="<div class=&#x22;warning flipper-callout&#x22;>&#xA;    <div class=&#x22;callout-header&#x22;>Use a high-quality microSD card</div>&#xA;    It’s important to use high-quality, branded microSD cards such as <b>SanDisk</b>, <b>Kingston</b>, or others to ensure the proper performance of your Flipper Zero. Using low-quality microSD cards may not only result in poor performance but can also brick or even <b>damage your device</b>.&#xA;</div>"}

:::

If your Flipper Zero doesn’t recognize the card, visit [the corresponding section of the MicroSD card setup](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/sd-card#rtpsy) page.


***

# Updating the firmware

Flipper Zero firmware is under active development and changes frequently. We recommend updating the firmware of your Flipper Zero to the latest version right away.

You can update your Flipper Zero via [Flipper Mobile App](docId:_ma1B6hpJf-2zKch5sW98) or [qFlipper](docId\:yP7RVaic3qbnExF1iTA_g).



::::::::::Tabs
:::::Tab{title="📱Update via Flipper Mobile App"}
With **Flipper Mobile App**, you can update your Flipper Zero right from your phone via Bluetooth. Flipper Mobile App is available on iOS and Android:

:::Iframe{code="<style>&#xA;    .app-links {&#xA;        width: 100%;&#xA;        display: flex;&#xA;        flex-wrap: wrap;&#xA;        justify-content: space-evenly;&#xA;    }&#xA;    .app-links > a {&#xA;        margin: 1rem 0;&#xA;        background-repeat: no-repeat;&#xA;        background-size: contain;&#xA;    }&#xA;    .app-links > a:first-of-type {&#xA;        width: 224px;&#xA;        height: 75px;&#xA;        background-image: url(https://cdn.flipperzero.one/App_Store_Badge_svg.svg);&#xA;    }&#xA;    .app-links > a:last-of-type {&#xA;        width: 242px;&#xA;        height: 74px;&#xA;        background-image: url(https://cdn.flipperzero.one/Google_Play_Badge__svg.svg);&#xA;    }&#xA;</style>&#xA;<div class=&#x22;app-links&#x22;>&#xA;    <a href=&#x22;https://apps.apple.com/app/flipper-mobile-app/id1534655259&#x22;></a>&#xA;    <a href=&#x22;https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flipperdevices.app&#x22;></a>&#xA;</div>" iframeHeight="0"}

:::

## Connecting your phone to Flipper Zero

Once you’ve downloaded Flipper Mobile App, you can connect your phone to your Flipper Zero:

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
Activate Bluetooth on your phone.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Activate Bluetooth on your Flipper Zero:

1\) Go to **Main Menu** **-> Settings** **->** **Bluetooth**.

2\) Set **Bluetooth** to **ON**.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
In Flipper Mobile App, tap **Connect**.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
On the next screen, next to the detected Flipper Zero’s name, tap **Connect**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/0JzD-I8wdGDMPv8UR4LzO_flipper-mobile-app-bluetooth-connection.jpg "How to connect Flipper Zero to your phone via Bluetooth")
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
In Flipper Mobile App, **enter the pairing code** displayed on the Flipper Zero screen.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Tap **Pair** to finish pairing.
:::
::::





## Updating Flipper Zero via Flipper Mobile App

To update your Flipper Zero via Flipper Mobile App, do the following:

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the Main Menu tab, tap the **Update** button.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Tap the **Update** button to confirm the action.
:::
::::

Updating via Flipper Mobile App may tak&#x65;**&#x20;around 10 minutes**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/g_O9PZs8DWKlWccjC0RoT_flipper-zero-first-firmware-update-via-mobile-app.png "You can update your Flipper Zero via Flipper Mobile App")
:::::

:::::::::Tab{title="🖥️ Update via qFlipper (PC)"}
**qFlipper** is a desktop application that allows you to update your Flipper Zero via a USB cable. qFlipper is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. To install qFlipper on your computer, do the following:

::::::::WorkflowBlock
::::WorkflowBlockItem
Download the qFlipper installation file for your operating system.

:::Iframe{iframeHeight="0" code="<style>&#xA;  .qf-download-btn {&#xA;    display: flex;&#xA;    flex-direction: column;&#xA;    justify-content: center;&#xA;    width: 310px;&#xA;    height: 86px;&#xA;    text-align: center;&#xA;    color: #ffffff;&#xA;    font-size: 22px;&#xA;    line-height: 1.55;&#xA;    border-radius: 10px;&#xA;    background-color: #1faa20;&#xA;    transition: background-color 0.2s ease-in-out, color 0.2s ease-in-out, border-color 0.2s ease-in-out;&#xA;  }&#xA;  .qf-download-btn img {&#xA;    display: inline;&#xA;  }&#xA;</style>&#xA;<div style=&#x22;display: flex; justify-content: center;&#x22;>&#xA;  <a class=&#x22;qf-download-btn&#x22; href=&#x22;current&#x22;><span style=&#x22;font-size: 125%;&#x22;>Download qFlipper</span><span>for macOS</span></a>&#xA;</div>&#xA;<script>&#xA;  (() => {&#xA;    const qFlipper = { version: '', links: { macOS: '', Windows: '', Linux: '' } }&#xA;    let os = 'Windows'&#xA;    if (navigator.userAgent.includes('Macintosh')) { os = 'macOS' } else if (navigator.userAgent.includes('Linux') && !navigator.userAgent.includes('Android')) { os = 'Linux' } else { os = 'Windows' }&#xA;    function findLatest (versions) {&#xA;      let max = 0&#xA;      versions.forEach(e => { if (e.timestamp > max) { max = e.timestamp } })&#xA;      return versions.find(e => e.timestamp === max)&#xA;    }&#xA;    fetch('https://update.flipperzero.one/qFlipper/directory.json').then((response) => { return response.json() }).then(data => {&#xA;      const release = data.channels.find(e => e.id === 'release')&#xA;      let max = 0&#xA;      release.versions.forEach(e => { if (e.timestamp > max) { max = e.timestamp } })&#xA;      const latest = findLatest(release.versions)&#xA;      qFlipper.version = latest.version&#xA;      qFlipper.links.macOS = latest.files.find(e => e.target === 'macos/amd64').url&#xA;      qFlipper.links.Windows = latest.files.find(e => e.target === 'windows/amd64' && e.type === 'installer').url&#xA;      qFlipper.links.Linux = latest.files.find(e => e.target === 'linux/amd64').url&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;current&#x22;]').innerHTML = '<span style=&#x22;font-size: 125%;&#x22;>Download qFlipper</span><span>for <img style=&#x22;position: relative;top: -2px;margin: 0px 2px 0 8px;&#x22; src=&#x22;https://cdn.flipperzero.one/' + os + '-white-logo.svg&#x22;/> ' + os + '</span>'&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;current&#x22;]').setAttribute('href', qFlipper.links[os])&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;macOS&#x22;]')?.setAttribute('href', qFlipper.links.macOS)&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;Windows&#x22;]')?.setAttribute('href', qFlipper.links.Windows)&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;Linux&#x22;]')?.setAttribute('href', qFlipper.links.Linux)&#xA;    })&#xA;    /* fetch('https://update.flipperzero.one/firmware/directory.json').then((response) => { return response.json() }).then(data => {&#xA;      const dev = data.channels.find(e => e.id === 'development')&#xA;      const rc = data.channels.find(e => e.id === 'release-candidate')&#xA;      const release = data.channels.find(e => e.id === 'release')&#xA;      let latest = findLatest(dev.versions)&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;dev&#x22;]').innerHTML = 'Dev Unstable   <span style=&#x22;color: rgb(253, 36, 36);&#x22;>' + latest.version + '</span>'&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;dev&#x22;]').setAttribute('href', latest.files.find(e => e.target === 'f7' && e.type === 'full_dfu').url)&#xA;      latest = findLatest(rc.versions)&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;rc&#x22;]').innerHTML = 'Release Candidate   <span style=&#x22;color: rgb(135, 42, 204);&#x22;>' + latest.version + '</span>'&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;rc&#x22;]').setAttribute('href', latest.files.find(e => e.target === 'f7' && e.type === 'full_dfu').url)&#xA;      latest = findLatest(release.versions)&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;release&#x22;]').innerHTML = 'Latest Release   <span style=&#x22;color: rgb(59, 207, 70);&#x22;>' + latest.version + '</span>'&#xA;      document.querySelector('[href=&#x22;release&#x22;]').setAttribute('href', latest.files.find(e => e.target === 'f7' && e.type === 'full_dfu').url)&#xA;    }) */&#xA;  })()&#xA;</script>"}

:::

You can also download qFlipper from the [Flipper Zero Firmware update](https://flipperzero.one/update) page.
::::

:::::::WorkflowBlockItem
Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions for your operating system.

::::::Tabs
:::Tab{title="%windows%Windows"}
For Windows, qFlipper is compatible with **Windows 10 and 11 only**.



::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/XY9MzEKeRmDnvePKkIYoL_image-3.png" size="72" width="996" height="744" caption="qFlipper is available on Windows" position="center" showCaption="true"}


:::

:::Tab{title="%mac%macOS"}
qFlipper is compatible with **macOS version 10.14 or later**. It’s **optimized for M1 Apple Silicon Macs**.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/95k0UR1DiBdZ1PgkHCIhJ_image.png" size="78" width="1424" height="1024" caption="qFlipper is available on macOS" position="center" showCaption="true"}


:::

:::::Tab{title="%linux%Linux "}
For Linux, qFlipper is downloaded in the **AppImage format**. Before running the application on Linux, you need to make the application executable:

**Using the GUI**

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the file manager, right-click the downloaded file.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Go to **Properties -> Permissions**.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Click the **Allow executing file as program** checkbox if you are using a Nautilus-based file manager (Files, Nemo, Caja), or click the **Is executable** checkbox if you are using Dolphin, or change **Execute** drop-down list to **Anyone** if you are using PCManFM.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Close the dialog.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Double-click on the AppImage file to run.
:::
::::



**Using the Terminal**

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
Open the Terminal.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Change to the directory containing the AppImage file.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Make the AppImage executable: `chmod +x filename.AppImage`.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Run the AppImage: `./filename.AppImage`.
:::
::::



**Set up udev rules**

After making the application executable via the GUI or Terminal, you’ll need to set up udev rules in order to use qFlipper as a normal user:

`./qFlipper-x86_64.AppImage rules install [/optional/path/to/rules/dir]`
:::::
::::::
:::::::
::::::::


Updating Flipper Zero via qFlipper
----------------------------------

To update your Flipper Zero via the qFlipper application, do the following:

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
Connect your Flipper Zero to your computer via a USB cable.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
On your computer, run the **qFlipper** application.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the qFlipper application, go to the **Advanced controls** tab and click **UPDATE**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/YWqL6R5WIe21g8TgUhf5j_monosnap-miro-2023-11-29-15-59-07.jpg "Update your Flipper Zero via qFlipper")
:::
::::
:::::::::
::::::::::

For additional information regarding the firmware update steps, visit the [Firmware update](docId:_kNT46fphadeqSdq6Sx1d) page.

***

# Customizing system preferences

Once you’ve updated your Flipper Zero, you can modify system settings, such as switching to left-handed mode, setting your preferred units of measurement, and selecting your time and date format. To access system settings, go to **Main Menu -> Settings -> System**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/c7zpK-xwB1YF47FA71-CN_image.png "Customize your Flipper Zero system settings")

For more information, visit the [Settings](docId\:ze72ryb0eG89CXCLRfHT7) page.

***

# Join the community

Join our Discord server and forum community! There you can ask questions, seek advice, and share your thoughts with others.

::::LinkArray{contentSource="CUSTOM"}
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## [Official Forum](https://forum.flipperzero.one/)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/doVC8Airf2_FH2IwVxxAV_monosnap-miro-2023-04-13-19-25-16.png"}
## [Discord](http://flipperzero.one/discord)
:::
::::

***

Want to learn more? Check out these pages:

::::LinkArray{contentSource="CUSTOM"}
:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/IoudIkrfLLdy0HhDJg43H_monosnap-miro-2023-08-07-16-48-38.png"}
[microSD card setup](docId\:JkE9sKI5pq3jNV3lERNNp)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/EG-wGZZn-o36NlERCc_tC_monosnap-miro-2023-08-07-16-49-37.png"}
[Firmware recovery](docId\:iap4a8jl_afGcpQf8K38h)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/zo-a-G35RQJ0hC_Ttglio_monosnap-miro-2023-08-07-16-49-50.png"}
[Pet dolphin](docId\:xaBc1jjBdHAKFLS5sD6N4)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/V7vwE32EWADTDfQr9e3ZC_monosnap-miro-2023-08-07-16-49-08.png"}
[Power](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/power)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/Hz16vlNqbA5h79cn-ODoT_monosnap-miro-2023-08-07-17-03-33.png"}
[Reboot](docId\:y5Po3iqwX_gk7-UxU4r_S)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/AOKc0RppaDBOh-YCgmR2__monosnap-miro-2023-08-07-16-49-21.png"}
[Controls](docId\:iPzujA_lTsNkpQ93le4lp)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/fv7xxJsq3dj2bZdSsY0ht_yrnfwbzfd0mqc3nwcbv1image.png"}
[Settings](docId\:ze72ryb0eG89CXCLRfHT7)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/GWzG0yUfvWszdkS7LKsQ-_monosnap-miro-2023-10-19-13-18-19.jpg"}
[Flipper Zero tech specs](docId\:UI_GjbTvkvOY4isOz_mBq)
:::

:::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3GUDYkC5JgUWgo6RW8piO-HIDqhvOd7n_KH5t-2dGpF-20241022-140629.jpg"}
[Desktop](docId\:eUX0BIqGL_97vlKnqrzEE)
:::
::::