When the Bitcoin network is busy, a transaction sent with a low fee can get "stuck," meaning it waits a long time for confirmation from miners. Don't worry, this is a common issue that you can solve using a feature called Replace-by-Fee (RBF).
RBF allows you to create a new version of your unconfirmed transaction with a higher fee. Miners are incentivized to confirm transactions with higher fees, so your new transaction will be prioritized and confirmed much faster.
While the BitBoxApp is designed for simplicity and doesn't have an RBF feature, it makes all your outgoing Bitcoin transactions RBF-enabled by default. This gives you the option to use your BitBox02 with advanced software like Sparrow Wallet to speed up a transaction when needed.
Before you start
To ensure everything goes smoothly, please check the following first:
- Prepare your BitBox02: Your device should already be initialized using the BitBoxApp and updated to the latest firmware. You can find instructions on our guide: How to update the BitBox02 firmware
- Install Sparrow Wallet: Make sure you have the latest version of Sparrow Wallet installed from their official website.
- Close the BitBoxApp: It is essential that the BitBoxApp is completely closed. If it is running, Sparrow will not be able to communicate with your BitBox02.
- Connect to Sparrow: Your BitBox02 must already be connected to Sparrow Wallet. If you haven't done this yet, please follow our connection guide first.
- Have your BitBox02 handy: Keep your device nearby, as you will need it to securely verify the address on its screen.
How to increase the transaction fee (RBF)
Find the stuck transaction
- Open Sparrow Wallet and go to the 'Transactions' tab.
- Locate the unconfirmed transaction you want to speed up. It will likely have a spinning icon next to it.
Start the RBF process
- Right-click on the unconfirmed transaction.
- Select 'Increase Fee (RBF)' from the context menu.
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Set the new fee
- A new window will pop up showing the transaction details.
- Use the fee slider to set a new, higher fee rate. You can choose a target for how quickly you want it confirmed (e.g., setting it to "1" aims for the next block).
- For a precise fee estimate, you can check a service like mempool.space.
- Once you are happy with the new fee, click 'Create Transaction'.
Sign and broadcast the new transaction
- Review the transaction details on the next screen and click "Finalize Transaction for Signing".
- Click 'Sign' and choose your BitBox02.
- Your BitBox02 will now display the new transaction details. Carefully verify the recipient address, amount, and the new fee on your device’s screen.
- If everything is correct, confirm the transaction on your BitBox02.
- Broadcast the transaction
- Back in Sparrow Wallet, click 'Broadcast Transaction'.
- Your new transaction with the higher fee is now sent to the Bitcoin network.
What happens next?
The replacement transaction should be picked up by miners and confirmed much faster, often in the next block. If the network is extremely busy and the transaction still doesn't confirm, you can repeat these steps to increase the fee again.
FAQ Section:
Why can't I use RBF directly in the BitBoxApp?
The BitBoxApp is designed to be as simple and safe as possible. While it doesn't have an RBF interface, it enables RBF for all transactions by default, giving you the option to use it with advanced software like Sparrow Wallet.
Is it safe to use RBF with my BitBox02 and Sparrow Wallet?
Yes. Your private keys never leave the BitBox02. You must physically verify and confirm the new transaction details on your BitBox02 screen, which keeps the process secure.
What happens to my original, low-fee transaction?
Once the new transaction with the higher fee is confirmed on the blockchain, the original transaction is discarded by the network and will never be confirmed.
Can I accidentally spend the same coins twice with RBF?
No. RBF creates a replacement transaction, not an additional one. Only one of the transactions (the one with the higher fee) will ever be confirmed by the Bitcoin network.