This guide explains how to create, restore, and verify your BitBox02 wallet backup using the included microSD card.
Your microSD card backup is the easiest and most secure way to restore your wallet if you lose, break, or reset your BitBox02. It is vital to handle it correctly to ensure your funds are always accessible to you.
How to create your microSD card backup
Creating a backup is a required step when you first set up your BitBox02. You can also create a new backup at any time.
Prerequisites
- A BitBox02 hardware wallet.
- A compatible microSD card. The card included in the box is perfect. If you use your own, make sure it is a standard SDHC card formatted to FAT32.
- The BitBoxApp installed on your computer.
Step-by-step guide
- Prepare your hardware: Hold your BitBox02 with the screen facing up. Insert the microSD card into the slot on the side until it clicks securely into place.
- Connect and unlock: Connect your BitBox02 to your computer, open the BitBoxApp, and unlock the device by entering your password.
- Navigate to backup settings: In the BitBoxApp, click on Settings in the left-hand menu. Select the Manage device tab at the top of the app.
- Start the backup: In the Backups section, click the Manage backups button, and then click Create backup to start the process.
- Confirm on your BitBox02: Your BitBox02 will now show instructions on its screen. You will need to confirm the current date and re-enter your device password to authorize the new backup.
- Verify completion: Once confirmed, the BitBoxApp will show your new backup listed with its name and creation date, meaning the process was successful.
Security Tip: Never insert your backup microSD card into any other device, like a computer or phone. Only use it with a BitBox02 to prevent exposing your wallet's private keys to potential malware.
How to restore from your microSD card backup
If you need to access your wallet on a new or factory-reset BitBox02, the restore process is simple and secure.
- Insert the card: Make sure your backup microSD card is inserted into the BitBox02 before you connect it to your computer.
- Connect and open app: Connect the BitBox02 to your computer and open the BitBoxApp. The app will detect the device and ask to verify the pairing code.
- Choose restore option: On the setup screen, click the Restore from microSD card button.
- Confirm on device: Follow the prompts on your BitBox02 screen. You will need to confirm the restore action by checking the backup name and the current date.
- Set a new password: The BitBox02 will prompt you to set a new device password. This password protects your newly restored device from physical access.
- Access your wallet: After a final confirmation, the BitBoxApp will show that the restore was successful. You can now access your funds.
How to verify your backup
It is good practice to occasionally check that your backup is still readable. The BitBoxApp makes this easy.
- Make sure your backup microSD card is in the BitBox02.
- Connect and unlock your device in the BitBoxApp.
- Navigate to Settings > Manage device > Manage backups.
- The app will display the backups stored on your card. A valid backup will show its creation date and a green checkmark. If there is an error, the app will alert you.
Managing multiple wallet backups on one card
You can store backups from multiple different wallets (each with its own unique seed phrase) on a single microSD card. When you go to Manage backups or restore a device, the BitBoxApp will show a list of all available backups on the card, allowing you to choose the correct one.
Important note about the optional passphrase
The microSD card backup does not store your optional passphrase (sometimes called the "25th word"). This is a security feature to protect your hidden wallet.
If you use the passphrase feature, you must remember your passphrase separately. After restoring your wallet from the microSD card, you will need to re-enable the passphrase feature in the app settings and enter the correct passphrase to access those accounts. Your standard accounts will be visible immediately after restoring.