BYOD
Bring your own device to TRMNL.
Before diving into "how," it's worth mentioning the investment required to build your own device could be greater than our retail price.
Making a TRMNL from scratch is not an economically rational decision, but rather a labor of love. We learned this the hard fun way between December 2023 and July 2024.
Here's what you can expect to spend per component:
Battery, $5 (unnecessary if you prefer plugged in)
EPD screen, $50 (this one is compatible)
Microcontroller, $3-30 (build yourself or leverage a PCB prototyper)
Enclosure/case, $3-20 (print one of ours or design your own)
Build from scratch (Advanced)
OSS approach
Build a device and flash our firmware
Spin up a BYOS server client
OSS + closed source approach
Build a device and flash our firmware
Buy access to the TRMNL web app + API
Create a BYOD device: https://usetrmnl.com/claim-a-device
Visit your device settings page to select your Device Model and set your DIY device's MAC address
Your DIY device will render a 6-digit ID; this is your device's Friendly ID and is already visible inside your Device settings. No action is required.
Connect native apps or start building private plugins from the Plugins tab
DIY Kit (Intermediate)
On July 17, 2025 we announced a partnership with Seeed Studio.
Get a BYOD license (optional)
If you're a Seeed Studio early adopter (XIAO esp32-c3 board), check out this helpful guide from a mutual customer. You can also leverage the Seeed Wiki guide to TRMNL.
Need Support?
Send us a live chat or join the Developer-only Discord, accessible from your Account tab.
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