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How to use DFPlayer Pro to play Music

What is a DFPlayer?

DFPlayer Pro is a mini, simple but powerful MP3 Player. It supports four controlling modes: Arduino, AT command, on-board buttons, and ADKEY. You can directly press the on-board button to play or switch music without using a controller. By using a USB cable, you can easily copy your audio files into this module, or use it as a sound card for your PC or Raspberry Pi after connecting them together. Know More

We have a tutorial about how to use DFplayer Mini here.

Upgrade from DFPlayer Mini

Feature DFPlayer Mini DFPlayer Pro Upgrade Benefit
Audio Output Quality Mono, lower-quality (distortion at high volume) Stereo output, higher-quality audio ✅ Cleaner, richer sound; suitable for higher-end projects
DAC (Digital-Analog Converter) Basic DAC High-quality DAC ✅ Better audio fidelity
Storage Support MicroSD only (up to 32GB FAT32) MicroSD (up to 32GB FAT32) + 128MB internal flash ✅ Internal storage removes reliance on SD card
Flash Memory Support ❌ None ✅ Yes, built-in 128MB flash ✅ More durable, faster access, no SD card needed
Serial Communication 9600 baud fixed 115200 baud default (configurable) ✅ Faster, more responsive communication
Command Set Basic, sometimes buggy More advanced, stable command set ✅ More reliable control and feedback
Speaker Connection Direct to mono speaker Stereo line out (needs amp) ➖ Needs external amp for speakers
Volume Control 0–30 steps 0–100 steps ✅ Finer volume control
Power Supply 3.2V–5V 3.3V–5.5V ➕ Slightly more flexible
Size Smaller (20mm x 22mm) Slightly larger (24mm x 24mm) ➖ Slightly bigger, but compact enough
Ease of Use Simple, but unstable at times More stable firmware ✅ More professional and dependable
Audio Channels Mono Dual-channel (stereo) ✅ True stereo separation for improved sound effects
Advanced Playback Controls Limited to play/pause/next/prev Fast-forward, fast-rewind, play from specific time ✅ More control and interactivity for audio playback

Wiring

  1. VCC to 5V (Power)
  2. GND to GND (Ground)
  3. RX to D3
  4. TX to D2
  5. R+ to Speaker(+) red wire
  6. R- to Speaker(-) black wire
  7. Second speaker (L+ & L-) is optional

Library

DFRobot_DF1201S library will be used for this module. We have a tutorial on how to install a library here.

Get Started

#include <DFRobot_DF1201S.h>
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

SoftwareSerial DF1201SSerial(2, 3);  //RX  TX

DFRobot_DF1201S DF1201S;
void setup(void){
  Serial.begin(115200);
  DF1201SSerial.begin(115200);
  while(!DF1201S.begin(DF1201SSerial)){
    Serial.println("Init failed, please check the wire connection!");
    delay(1000);
  }
  /*Set volume to 20*/
  DF1201S.setVol(/*VOL = */20);
  Serial.print("VOL:");
  /*Get volume*/
  Serial.println(DF1201S.getVol());
  /*Enter music mode*/
  DF1201S.switchFunction(DF1201S.MUSIC);
  /*Wait for the end of the prompt tone */
  delay(2000);
  /*Set playback mode to "repeat all"*/
  DF1201S.setPlayMode(DF1201S.ALLCYCLE);
  Serial.print("PlayMode:");
  /*Get playback mode*/
  Serial.println(DF1201S.getPlayMode());
 
}

void loop(){
  Serial.println("Start playing");
  /*Start playing*/
  DF1201S.start();
  delay(3000);
  Serial.println("Pause");
  /*Pause*/
  DF1201S.pause();
  delay(3000);
  Serial.println("Next");
  /*Play the next song*/
  DF1201S.next();
  delay(3000);
  Serial.println("Previous");
  /*Play the previous song*/
  DF1201S.last();
  delay(3000);
  Serial.println("Start playing");
  //Fast forward 10S
  DF1201S.fastForward(/*FF = */10);
  
  Serial.print("File number:");
  //Get file number
  Serial.println(DF1201S.getCurFileNumber());
  
  Serial.print("The number of files available to play:");
  //The number of files available to play
  Serial.println(DF1201S.getTotalFile());
  
  Serial.print("The time length the current song has played:");
  //Get the time length the current song has played 
  Serial.println(DF1201S.getCurTime());
  
  Serial.print("The total length of the currently-playing song: ");
  //Get the total length of the currently-playing song 
  Serial.println(DF1201S.getTotalTime());
  Serial.print("The name of the currently-playing file: ");
  //Get the name of the playing file 
  Serial.println(DF1201S.getFileName());
  delay(3000);
  //Play the file No.1, the numbers are arranged according to the sequence of the files copied into the U-disk 
  DF1201S.playFileNum(/*File Number = */1);
  //Play the test.mp3 file in test folder 
  DF1201S.playSpecFile("TRACK007.MP3");
  
  while(1);
  /*Delete the currently-playing file */
  //DF1201S.delCurFile();
}
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