Set up your BitBox02 or BitBox02 Nova to create a new wallet and save its backup on the included microSD card. These steps cover the BitBoxApp on a supported computer or Android device. Complete the backup and store the card securely before receiving funds.
If you are recovering an existing wallet, restore it from your microSD card backup or recovery words instead of creating a new wallet. For BitBox02 Nova on iPhone or iPad, follow the dedicated iOS setup guide.
Before you start
Have the following ready:
- Your new or already reset BitBox02 or BitBox02 Nova.
- The included microSD card, or a compatible microSDHC card formatted as FAT32.
- A computer or Android device that meets the BitBoxApp device and operating-system requirements, with a suitable USB connection.
- The latest BitBoxApp, installed from the official BitBox website.
Before opening or connecting a new device, check its packaging and learn how to verify device authenticity. If the sealed bag appears cut, opened or resealed, do not continue; contact BitBox Support through that guide. Packaging inspection and the BitBoxApp's automatic authenticity check are separate checks.
If you prefer to write down recovery words during setup, use the separate guide to set up your BitBox02 without a microSD card.
Watch the setup video
This video demonstrates first-time setup for BitBox02 and BitBox02 Nova, including firmware installation and the first microSD backup. The complete written instructions follow below.
Set up your BitBox02
Follow these seven stages in order. Use the BitBoxApp on your computer or Android device for app actions, and the BitBox02 itself for device confirmations and password entry. Keep the microSD card ready for backup creation.
1. Connect your BitBox02 and choose the screen orientation
Open the BitBoxApp and connect your BitBox02 to your computer or Android device by USB. The BitBox02 powers on.
If the device asks you to choose the screen orientation, hold it with the display facing you. Tap the long touch-sensitive edge beside the Tap this side text that you can read upright. This selects the orientation for the following prompts.
The BitBoxApp automatically checks the device's authenticity. If it displays an authenticity warning, stop, disconnect the device and contact BitBox Support before continuing setup.
2. Install the firmware if prompted
Firmware is the software that runs on your BitBox02. New devices ship without it, so installation is a normal part of first-time setup.
When the BitBoxApp offers installation, select Upgrade firmware now in the app. Keep the device connected and the app open until installation finishes. When the BitBox02 asks you to continue, tap its lower touch-sensitive edge. A pairing code then appears on the device and in the app.
If firmware is already installed on a device you previously set up or reset, continue with pairing when prompted.
3. Compare and confirm the pairing code
Compare the complete pairing code on the BitBox02 with the code in the BitBoxApp. Only if they match, tap the device's touch-sensitive edge beside the check mark, then select Continue in the app. The wallet setup screen opens.
If the codes differ, do not confirm. Close the BitBoxApp, check that you installed it from the official BitBox website, reconnect the device and compare again. If the mismatch persists, contact BitBox Support before proceeding.
4. Create and name your new wallet
On the Set up your wallet screen in the BitBoxApp, select Create wallet. This starts a new wallet; it does not restore a wallet you used before.
Enter a name in the BitBox name field and select Continue. Check the name on your BitBox02 and tap the upper touch-sensitive edge beside the check mark to confirm it. The same name identifies its microSD backup. The app then asks you to set a device password.
5. Set and confirm your device password
Choose a password you can remember and keep private; you will use it whenever you unlock your BitBox02. See how to choose a secure BitBox device password for guidance.
Enter the password on the BitBox02 itself. Tap the lower touch-sensitive edge beneath the group containing the character you want, then continue selecting within that group until you reach the individual character. To switch between letter and number sets, tap the upper touch-sensitive edge above the character-set label at the top center of the display. Repeat for each character.
When the password is complete, touch and hold both long sides of the BitBox02 at the same time with two fingers to confirm. Enter the same password a second time on the device and confirm again. When both entries match, setup continues to backup creation.
The device password protects your BitBox02; it does not encrypt the microSD backup. If you later forget it, you need a usable wallet backup to regain access. Follow the forgotten-device-password recovery guide, and do not reset the device without a usable backup.
6. Insert the microSD card and create your backup
Keep the BitBox02 connected. Hold it with the display facing you, and insert the microSD card with its printed label also facing you. Gently push it into the card slot until it clicks into place.
Protect the backup from physical access
The microSD backup is not encrypted with your device password. Anyone who obtains the card could restore the wallet created here and access its funds. Keep the card private and use it only with your BitBox02; never insert a backup card into a computer, phone or other device.
On the Create backup screen in the BitBoxApp, read the security information, select both confirmation checkboxes and select Continue.
Check that the date on the BitBox02 matches today's date. Confirm by touching and holding both long sides of the device at the same time with two fingers. Wait for the BitBoxApp to confirm setup is complete before removing the card.
7. Confirm setup is complete and secure your backup
When the BitBoxApp displays You're ready to go, your new wallet and microSD backup have been created.
Gently push the microSD card in again to release its spring-loaded mechanism, then remove it. Store it in a secure, private place, separately from your BitBox02. You do not need the card for normal wallet use.
To check the saved backup on your BitBox02, follow how to verify your microSD backup. This is a separate, non-destructive check; you do not need to reset the device to test the backup.
Keep access to your wallet protected
The microSD backup lets you restore this wallet if the BitBox02 is lost, damaged or reset. Additional independent backups can reduce the risk of losing your only copy, but each extra copy must also be protected from unauthorized access. See how microSD, paper and steel backup options compare before choosing additional storage.
If you later lose the card while you can still unlock your BitBox02, create another microSD backup promptly. A replacement does not stop someone from using a lost or exposed copy. If another person may have obtained it, contact BitBox Support for guidance. Without a working BitBox02 you can unlock or another usable backup, the wallet cannot be recovered.
For the reasoning behind this design, read why microSD backups are intentionally not encrypted by default.
If setup does not continue
- The BitBox02 is not detected: follow how to fix a BitBox not recognized via USB.
- The device remains on the bootloader screen: this can be normal before or during firmware installation. If installation does not continue, follow the BitBox bootloader guide.
- The microSD card is not recognized or backup creation fails: do not treat setup as complete. Follow how to fix microSD card issues. Do not format a card containing a wallet backup.
If you remain stuck, contact BitBox Support with your device model, operating system, BitBoxApp version and the exact step or message. Never include your device password, recovery words, optional passphrase or backup contents; hide any secrets in screenshots before sending them.