How to control play/pause without an arduino?
Steven.Samnang 2026-09-04 07:52:46 182 Views3 Replies I'm building a project where I want to use the DFPlayer Mini in a little toy. Therefore, having an Arduino board is not the best, since it will take up too much space. I saw that the DFPlayer can be controlled without any code or an Arduino board, but, I can't seem to figure it out myself.
ATtiny85 (8-pin chip, about the size of your thumbnail) is the smallest reliable option. It sends two serial commands to the DFPlayer:
0x0D → play / resume
0x0E → pause
One button connected to the ATtiny85 toggles between them. The chip runs the DFRobot DFPlayerMini library over SoftwareSerial and fits easily inside a toy.
You can also take a look at this link.
https://github.com/wagiminator/ATtiny85-TinyDFPlayer
Jason.Miao You don't need an Arduino — the DFPlayer Mini can run standalone with just buttons, power, and a speaker.
Wiring for basic button control (no code):
VCC → 3.3V–5V battery
GND → battery ground
SPK1 / SPK2 → small speaker (direct drive, up to 3W)
IO1 → button → GND (short press = previous track, long press = volume down)
IO2 → button → GND (short press = next track, long press = volume up)
The IO pins have internal pull-ups, so just wire a momentary button between the IO pin and GND. That's it — no microcontroller, no code.
Important catch: the standalone IO mode gives you prev / next / volume, but it does not give you a dedicated play/pause button. The module starts playing automatically on power-up if an SD card is inserted, and you navigate with the two buttons above.
Jason.Miao how can i create a dedicated play/pause button? Will I need an arduino?
