This article explains which operating systems, mobile devices, and environments are compatible with the BitBoxApp and the BitBox02.
You will also learn about important platform limitations, including iOS compatibility, Android USB OTG requirements, Google-free Android systems, and unsupported environments.
Download the BitBoxApp safely
Download the BitBoxApp only from the official BitBoxApp download page.
The download page automatically provides the correct BitBoxApp version for your operating system.
Download the BitBoxApp from the official BitBox website
Security warning
Never download the BitBoxApp from third-party websites. Third-party downloads may be outdated, modified, or unsafe.
Supported desktop operating systems
The BitBoxApp supports the following 64-bit desktop operating systems:
| Operating System | Minimum Version |
| Windows | 10 |
| macOS | 12 |
| Debian | 11.6 |
| Ubuntu | 22.04 |
| Fedora | 36 |
| openSUSE | Rolling release |
64-bit system requirement
The BitBoxApp supports 64-bit operating systems only. 32-bit operating systems are not supported.
Supported mobile operating systems
The BitBoxApp can be used on Android, iPhone, and iPad when the device meets the platform requirements below.
| Platform | Supported devices | Minimum OS version | Requirements / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Android smartphones and tablets | Android 9 | Requires USB OTG support |
| iOS | iPhone and iPad | iOS 16 | Only supported with BitBox02 Nova |
Android connection requirement
Android devices need USB OTG support to communicate with the BitBox02. If the Android device does not support the required USB communication, the BitBoxApp may open but cannot connect to the BitBox02.
iOS compatibility and limitations
iOS compatibility and BitBox02 Nova
The BitBoxApp supports iOS only with the BitBox02 Nova.
The BitBox02 standard edition cannot communicate with iPhone or iPad because of iOS USB-C and system restrictions. The BitBox02 Nova uses a custom Bluetooth communication protocol called Whisper, which enables secure communication with iOS devices.
| BitBox02 model | iOS support |
|---|---|
| BitBox02 Nova | Supported |
| BitBox02 standard edition | Not supported |
iOS compatibility limitation
The BitBoxApp on iOS works only with the BitBox02 Nova. The BitBox02 standard edition must be used with a supported desktop or Android device.
BitBoxApp and firmware version compatibility
BitBox02 firmware updates are delivered through the BitBoxApp.
For the best compatibility, update the BitBoxApp before updating the BitBox02 firmware. Older BitBoxApp versions may not support newer firmware versions.
Recommended update order:
- Update the BitBoxApp.
- Connect and unlock your BitBox02.
- Follow the BitBoxApp instructions if a firmware update is available.
Learn how to update the BitBox02 firmware.
Firmware update requirement
Always update the BitBoxApp before installing a BitBox02 firmware update. A newer firmware version always require a newer BitBoxApp version.
Android-based operating systems
The BitBoxApp may work on Android-based operating systems such as:
- GrapheneOS
- /e/OS
- Volla OS
If the operating system is based on Android 9 or higher, the BitBoxApp may function correctly.
Unofficial Android compatibility
Android-based operating systems such as GrapheneOS, /e/OS, and Volla OS are not officially tested by BitBox. Compatibility is not guaranteed.
Using the BitBoxApp on Google-free Android devices
Many Android-based operating systems do not include the Google Play Store. Users may rely on alternative app stores such as Aurora Store.
BitBox does not verify or distribute the BitBoxApp through third-party app stores. Even if an alternative app store mirrors Google Play, BitBox cannot guarantee that the app file is safe or unmodified.
Recommended installation method:
- Download the BitBoxApp APK from the official BitBoxApp download page.
- Install the APK manually on your Android device.
- Optional: Open the BitBoxApp in testnet mode to check whether the app starts correctly.
Download the official BitBoxApp APK
Third-party app store warning
Only BitBoxApp downloads from official BitBox sources are considered safe. BitBox cannot verify APK files from third-party app stores.
Testing Android compatibility before buying a BitBox02
You can install the BitBoxApp APK and use testnet mode to check whether the BitBoxApp opens on your Android device.
However, testnet mode only checks whether the BitBoxApp itself runs on your device. It does not confirm that your Android device can connect to a BitBox02.
The connection to the BitBox02 depends on USB OTG support and your device’s USB implementation. USB behavior can vary depending on the device manufacturer, Android-based operating system, and device configuration.
Compatibility test limitation
Testnet mode does not prove full BitBox02 compatibility. Even if the BitBoxApp works in testnet mode, your Android device may still fail to connect to the BitBox02 over USB.
Android WebView troubleshooting
The BitBoxApp relies on Android System WebView to display certain content. If Android System WebView is outdated or missing, parts of the BitBoxApp may not load correctly.
To check Android System WebView:
- Open Android Settings.
- Open Apps.
- Search for Android System WebView.
- Update Android System WebView through the Google Play Store if an update is available.
If Android System WebView is missing, for example on some Huawei devices, you can try Google WebView Canary:
- Install Google WebView Canary.
- Enable Developer options on your Android device.
- Open WebView implementation.
- Select Google WebView Canary.
WebView workaround limitation
Use Google WebView Canary only if Android System WebView is missing or outdated. If Android System WebView is already installed and updated, this workaround is usually not needed.
Unsupported or not recommended environments
The environments below are not supported or may lead to unreliable behavior with the BitBoxApp and BitBox02.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are not supported.
Although some Chromebooks can run Linux applications, they usually do not provide the required USB device communication for reliable BitBox02 operation.
Learn more about Linux on Chromebooks.
Raspberry Pi OS
Raspberry Pi OS is not supported.
Although Raspberry Pi OS is Linux-based, the system architecture and USB communication behavior do not meet the requirements for reliable BitBox02 operation.
Windows on ARM
Windows on ARM is not recommended.
The BitBoxApp may run through emulation, but this setup can cause slow performance, unresponsive behavior, or long loading times.
Recommended desktop environment
For reliable BitBoxApp and BitBox02 usage, use a supported 64-bit x86-64 desktop operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Where to find the latest versions
Use official BitBox sources to download the BitBoxApp, check releases, and review firmware updates:
- Official BitBoxApp download page
- Official BitBoxApp GitHub releases
- Official BitBox02 firmware GitHub releases
To protect your device and funds, always use official BitBox sources for software downloads and firmware information.
FAQ
Can I use the BitBoxApp on iOS with any BitBox02?
No. The BitBoxApp on iOS supports only the BitBox02 Nova.
The BitBox02 standard edition cannot communicate with iPhone or iPad because of iOS USB-C and system restrictions.
Can I use the BitBox02 standard edition with an iPhone or iPad?
No. The BitBox02 standard edition is not supported on iPhone or iPad.
Use the BitBox02 standard edition with a supported desktop operating system or a compatible Android device.
Can I use alternative Android app stores for the BitBoxApp?
You can use alternative Android app stores, but BitBox does not recommend this.
BitBox does not verify or distribute the BitBoxApp through third-party app stores. For the safest installation, download the APK from the official BitBoxApp download page.
Can I test Android compatibility before buying a BitBox02?
Yes. You can install the BitBoxApp APK and use testnet mode to check whether the BitBoxApp runs on your Android device.
However, this does not guarantee that your Android device can connect to the BitBox02. Full compatibility depends on USB OTG support and the device’s USB implementation.
Why does the BitBoxApp not load correctly on Android?
The most common reason is an outdated or missing Android System WebView.
Update Android System WebView through the Google Play Store if an update is available.
If Android System WebView is missing, which can happen on some Android devices such as certain Huawei models, you can try Google WebView Canary as a workaround. Enable Developer options, open WebView implementation, and select Google WebView Canary.
Use this workaround only if Android System WebView is missing or outdated.
Can I use the BitBoxApp on a Chromebook?
No. Chromebooks are not supported.
Even if a Chromebook can run Linux applications, the required USB device communication for the BitBox02 is usually not available.
Can I use the BitBoxApp on Raspberry Pi OS?
No. Raspberry Pi OS is not supported.
The system architecture and USB communication behavior are not suitable for reliable BitBox02 operation.
Can I use the BitBoxApp on Windows on ARM?
Windows on ARM is not recommended.
The BitBoxApp may run through emulation, but users may experience slow performance, unresponsive behavior, or long loading times.
Where should I download the BitBoxApp?
Download the BitBoxApp only from the official BitBoxApp download page.
Official BitBox sources help ensure that you install the authentic BitBoxApp and avoid modified or unsafe third-party downloads.