This article helps you resolve Bluetooth connection issues when using the BitBox02 Nova with an iPhone or iPad.
Use this guide if:
- Your BitBox02 Nova does not appear in the BitBoxApp
- Bluetooth pairing fails or gets stuck
- The connection drops unexpectedly
- The BitBoxApp does not proceed during setup
If you have not completed setup yet, first follow:
How to set up your BitBox02 Nova on iOS (Bluetooth & microSD backup)
Before you start
Before proceeding with troubleshooting, verify all checks below. Skipping these steps is the most common reason Bluetooth issues remain unresolved.
⚠️ Before continuing
Please complete every check below before moving on.
Check for updates
- BitBoxApp: Install the latest version from the App Store
- BitBox02 firmware: Connect your BitBox02 to the desktop app and install any available firmware updates
- iOS / iPadOS: Go to Settings → General → Software Update and ensure your device is up to date
Enable Bluetooth and permissions
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled under Settings → Bluetooth
- Go to Settings → search for “BitBoxApp” → make sure Bluetooth access is enabled
Check for USB data connections
- The BitBox02 Nova prioritizes USB data connections.
- If the device receives USB data (for example, when connected to a computer), Bluetooth is automatically disabled.
- Only power-only connections (no data transfer) allow Bluetooth usage.
⚠️ Important
Bluetooth remains active only when the BitBox02 Nova is connected to an iOS device or powered by a power-only source (for example, a power bank).
Troubleshooting steps
If the checks above did not resolve the issue, perform the following steps in order.
Step 1: Restart everything
- Unplug the BitBox02 Nova from your iOS device
- Close the BitBoxApp completely (also remove it from the app switcher)
- Reopen the BitBoxApp
- Plug the BitBox02 Nova back into your iOS device
- If the issue persists, restart your iPhone or iPad and try again
Step 2: Re-pair the Bluetooth connection
- On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings → Bluetooth
- Locate your BitBox02 Nova under My Devices
- Tap the information icon (ⓘ) next to the device
- Tap Forget This Device and confirm
- Open the BitBoxApp
- Connect your BitBox02 Nova to your iOS device
- Wait for the BitBox02 Nova to appear as a new device
- Select it and follow the on-screen pairing instructions
- Confirm the pairing code on both the BitBox02 Nova and your iPhone or iPad
ℹ️ Bluetooth-dense environments
In locations with many active Bluetooth devices (for example offices or conferences), connections may be unstable. Re-pairing often resolves this.
Step 3: Reinstall the BitBoxApp
ℹ️ Your funds are safe
Your crypto assets live on the blockchain, not in the app. The BitBox02 secures only the access to your funds—your recovery words (seed)—on the device and on any backups you created. Reinstalling the BitBoxApp does not affect your funds.
- Forget the BitBox02 Nova again in iOS Bluetooth settings
- Delete the BitBoxApp from your iPhone or iPad
- Restart your iPhone or iPad to clear temporary system cache
- Download and install the latest BitBoxApp from the App Store
- Open the app and allow the BitBoxApp to find Bluetooth devices
- Connect your BitBox02 Nova to your iOS device
- Wait for the device to appear
- Select it and follow the on-screen pairing instructions
ℹ️ Note
If the BitBox02 Nova was not factory-reset and already has a custom name, that name should appear during pairing.
- Confirm the pairing code on both devices
Still having trouble?
If the connection still does not work after completing all steps above, our support team is here to help.
To help us resolve the issue faster, please contact us with:
- Your iPhone or iPad model
- Installed iOS or iPadOS version
- BitBoxApp version
- BitBox02 firmware version
- A brief description of what you already tried
- Your exported BitBoxApp support files
You can contact our customer support team directly using the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my BitBox02 Nova not show up in the BitBoxApp?
This can happen if:
- The device is connected via USB and actively receiving data, which disables Bluetooth
- The BitBoxApp does not have Bluetooth permission
- A temporary software issue requires restarting the app, phone, or device
Can I use Bluetooth on Android or a desktop computer?
No. Bluetooth on the BitBox02 Nova is supported only with the BitBoxApp on iOS.
On Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android, the BitBox02 must be connected via USB.
For non-Bluetooth issues, see the
General connection troubleshooting guide.
Can I use Bluetooth while the BitBox02 Nova is plugged in?
Bluetooth is required only when connecting to an iOS device.
For all other devices, data is transferred via USB, which is prioritized.
Is Bluetooth on the BitBox02 Nova secure?
Yes. Bluetooth communication is end-to-end encrypted, and private keys never leave the hardware device.
For details, see:
Whisper: How the secure Bluetooth integration of the BitBox02 Nova works
Can I connect the BitBox02 (non-Nova) to iOS devices?
No. The original BitBox02 does not support Bluetooth.
The BitBox02 Nova includes a dedicated Bluetooth chip (DA14531 MCU) running isolated, open-source Bluetooth firmware. This chip has no access to wallet secrets and operates independently from the main firmware.