# BYOD

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](https://amazon.com/dp/B075R69T93/) is compatible)
* Microcontroller, $3-30 (build yourself or leverage a PCB prototyper)
* Enclosure/case, $3-20 (print [one of ours](https://github.com/usetrmnl/mounts) or design your own)

### Build from scratch (Advanced)

**OSS approach**

1. Build a device and [flash our firmware](https://github.com/usetrmnl/trmnl-firmware)
2. Spin up a [BYOS server client](https://docs.trmnl.com/go/diy/byos#implementations)

**OSS + closed source approach**

1. Build a device and [flash our firmware](https://github.com/usetrmnl/trmnl-firmware)
2. [Buy access](https://shop.trmnl.com/products/byod) to the TRMNL web app + API
3. Create a BYOD device: <https://trmnl.com/claim-a-device>
4. Visit your [device settings page](https://trmnl.com/devices/current/edit) to select your [Device Model](https://help.trmnl.com/en/articles/11547008-device-model-faq) and then, under the [Developer Perks](https://trmnl.com/devices/current/developer/edit) section set your DIY device's MAC address
5. 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.
6. Connect native apps or **start building private plugins** from the Plugins tab; this is equivalent access as "Developer Edition" for TRMNL hardware.

### DIY Kit (Intermediate)

On July 17, 2025 we announced a partnership with Seeed Studio.

* [Get the DIY kit](https://www.seeedstudio.com/TRMNL-7-5-Inch-OG-DIY-Kit-p-6481.html)
* [Get a BYOD license](https://shop.trmnl.com/products/byod) (optional)
* [Seeed Wiki - XIAO 7.5" panel](https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/xiao_7_5_inch_epaper_panel_with_trmnl/) (May 2025)
* [Seeed Wiki - TRMNL DIY Kit](https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/trmnl_7inch5_diy_kit_main_page/) (July 2025)

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ8HMSGqBWI>" %}
TRMNL + Seeed Studio partnership launch
{% endembed %}

If you're a Seeed Studio early adopter (XIAO esp32-c3 board), check out the community guides below for in-depth setup assistance. You can also leverage the [Seeed Wiki guide to TRMNL](https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/xiao_7_5_inch_epaper_panel_with_trmnl/).

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr__8OlQQms>" %}
E-Paper Dashboard without coding | Xiao E-Paper Display and TRMNL Firmware
{% endembed %}

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAGTRrbQSBE>" %}
Seeed Studio XIAO Esp32-C3 board
{% endembed %}

### Need Help?

Send us a live chat or join the Developer-only Discord, accessible from your [Account](https://trmnl.com/account) tab.


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