If your BitBox02 displays “Bootloader”, don’t worry — in most cases, this is completely normal.
This screen usually appears when:
- You are setting up the device for the first time
- The firmware has not yet been installed
- The device was intentionally put into bootloader mode
Below, we explain why this happens and how to proceed.
Why does my BitBox02 say “Bootloader”?
Your BitBox02 is intentionally shipped without pre-installed firmware.
This is a deliberate security measure to ensure that:
- You install the latest official firmware yourself
- No outdated or tampered firmware is preloaded
- The installation happens securely via the BitBoxApp
During setup, the BitBoxApp automatically detects the device in bootloader mode and guides you through the firmware installation.
If you are setting up your device for the first time, seeing “Bootloader” is expected behavior.
What to do if your BitBox02 stays in “Bootloader” mode
Before troubleshooting further, please ensure that you are using the latest BitBoxApp version:
How to Update the BitBoxApp on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
1) Normal setup flow (first-time setup)
- Open the BitBoxApp.
- Connect your BitBox02 to your computer.
- The app should automatically detect the device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware.
Example: New BitBox02 Nova
If this is a new BitBox02 Nova that has never been set up before, you will be prompted to install the firmware.
- Tap Install firmware.
- Wait until the installation completes.
- Do not close the app or interrupt the connection during this process.
- After completion, confirm that the BitBoxApp shows your device as connected.
If firmware installation completes successfully, your BitBox02 is ready to use.
Seeing “Bootloader” during first setup is completely normal.
2) The BitBoxApp does not recognize the device
If the BitBoxApp does not detect your device at all:
This is usually a USB connection issue.
Please follow this dedicated troubleshooting guide:
BitBox02: Not recognized via USB (macOS, Windows, Linux)
Common causes:
- Faulty USB cable
- USB hub issues
- Missing permissions (Linux)
- Antivirus interference
3) Firmware installation gets stuck or fails
If firmware installation starts but does not complete:
Please try the following steps:
- Unplug the BitBox02.
- Fully close the BitBoxApp (do not just minimize it).
- Re-open the BitBoxApp.
- Reconnect the BitBox02.
- Restart the firmware installation process.
In most cases, this resolves the issue.
If the issue still persists after following all steps above, please contact our support team and include the requested details listed at the end of this article so we can assist you more efficiently.
Firmware Hash – What it is and how to enable it
The firmware hash is a cryptographic fingerprint of the firmware installed on your device.
It allows you to verify that the firmware running on your BitBox02 matches the officially published version.
This is an advanced security feature.
How to enable or disable the firmware hash display
- Open the BitBoxApp.
- Connect and unlock your BitBox02.
- Go to Settings → Manage Device.
- Scroll to Expert Settings.
- Select “Go to startup setting”
- Enter bootloader mode when prompted.
- Confirm on the BitBox02 device.
Once in startup settings:
- Open Advanced Settings.
- Enable or disable:
“Show firmware hash on every startup”
- Return to the main screen.
- The device will reboot.
If enabled:
- The firmware hash will be displayed for 9 seconds during startup.
- After that, you can proceed with display orientation and unlocking.
If disabled:
- Startup proceeds normally without displaying the hash.
Important
- The firmware hash display is optional.
- It does not affect device security if disabled.
- It is primarily useful for users who independently verify firmware authenticity.
When should I contact support?
If all troubleshooting steps above fail, please contact our support team.
To help us assist you faster, please include:
- Your order ID or invoice number
- Your operating system
- Your BitBoxApp version
- A short description of what happens
- Whether you tested another cable and computer
FAQ
Is it dangerous if my BitBox02 shows “Bootloader”?
No. This is normal during first setup or firmware installation.
Why is the firmware not pre-installed?
For security reasons. This ensures you install the latest official firmware directly via the BitBoxApp.
My BitBox02 stays on “Bootloader” and nothing happens.
If the BitBoxApp does not detect it, the issue is usually USB-related.
Follow the USB troubleshooting guide above.
Does “Bootloader” mean my device is broken?
No. It only means firmware is not yet installed or the device is in firmware-update mode.
What is the firmware hash?
The firmware hash is a cryptographic fingerprint of the firmware installed on your BitBox02.
It allows advanced users to confirm that the firmware matches the official release and has not been modified.
Independent verification before installation is optional and intended for users who want maximum assurance.
Learn more:
How to independently verify the BitBox02 firmware
Should I enable the firmware hash display?
Only if you plan to independently verify firmware signatures.
For most users, this is optional.
I enabled firmware hash and now it shows for 9 seconds — is that normal?
Yes. This is expected behavior. After the 9 seconds, the device continues normal startup.
Why does BitBox02 use both a secure chip and open-source firmware?
The BitBox02 combines two complementary security approaches:
- A secure chip for strong physical tamper resistance and hardware-level protection
- Fully open-source firmware for transparency, auditability, and independent verification
This design ensures both physical security and public reviewability of the software running on the device.
You can learn more about this architecture here:
firmwar