If your BitBox02 is not connecting to your computer or is not detected by the BitBoxApp, this is usually quick and easy to fix.

This guide walks you step by step through the most common causes—from simple checks to operating system–specific solutions on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Following this guide helps you quickly determine whether the issue is related to your USB connection, software configuration, or operating system.

First, check: Is your app and firmware up to date?

Before starting with troubleshooting, please make sure that:

• you are using the latest version of the BitBoxApp, and
• the firmware on your BitBox is up to date.

Quick checks

Always start with these basic steps. In most cases, the issue is resolved here.

1. Try a different USB cable
   Faulty USB cables are the most common cause of connection issues—even new ones. If possible, test with another compatible cable.
2. Use a direct USB connection
   Connect the BitBox02 directly to a USB port on your computer.
   Avoid USB hubs, docking stations, or extension cables.
3. Switch USB ports
   Try a different USB port on your computer.
4. Check the orientation
   Connect the BitBox02 so that the screen is facing up.
5. Restart your computer
   A simple reboot can resolve temporary USB or driver issues.
6. Test on another device
   If possible, connect your BitBox02 to:
   1. another computer, or
   2. an Android smartphone.

This helps determine whether the issue is related to your computer or the BitBox02 itself.

Additional solutions

If the quick checks did not help, try the following:

• Update conflicting software
  Applications such as Citrix Workspace can interfere with USB device detection. Make sure such software is fully up to date.
• Update USB drivers (Windows)
  Open the Device Manager and check for updates for your USB controllers.
• Temporarily disable security software
  Antivirus software or firewalls may block new USB devices.
  Disable them briefly for testing and re-enable them immediately afterward.
  If this resolves the issue, add the BitBoxApp to the allowed list instead of keeping protection disabled.
• Reinstall the BitBoxApp
  If your operating system detects the BitBox02 but the BitBoxApp does not, the app installation may be corrupted.
  Download and reinstall the BitBoxApp from the official website.
• Remove the screen protection foil
  If a protective foil is still attached to the BitBox02 screen, please remove it.

Check whether your operating system detects the BitBox

Even if the BitBoxApp does not show your device, your operating system may already recognize it. This helps narrow down the cause.

macOS

1. Open the Terminal app.
2. Run the following command:

   ioreg -p IOUSB -l -w 0 | grep "BitBox"

3. If macOS detects the device, you will see an entry containing “BitBox”.

Windows

1. Open the Device Manager.
2. Expand USB controllers.
3. Look for USB Composite Device.
4. Right-click it and select Properties → Details tab.
5. Choose Hardware IDs from the dropdown menu.

If the IDs include VID_03EB and PID_2403, Windows recognizes your BitBox.

Linux

1. Open a terminal.
2. Run:

   lsusb

3. Look for an entry containing BitBox or 03eb:2403.

Fix USB permissions on Linux

If lsusb detects the BitBox but the BitBoxApp does not, USB permissions may be missing.

Alternatively, you can add the rules manually:

printf "SUBSYSTEM==\"usb\", TAG+=\"uaccess\", TAG+=\"udev-acl\", SYMLINK+=\"bitbox_%%n\", ATTRS{idVendor}==\"03eb\", ATTRS{idProduct}==\"2403\"\n" | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/53-hid-bitbox.rules > /dev/null

printf "KERNEL==\"hidraw*\", SUBSYSTEM==\"hidraw\", ATTRS{idVendor}==\"03eb\", ATTRS{idProduct}==\"2403\", TAG+=\"uaccess\", TAG+=\"udev-acl\", SYMLINK+=\"bitbox_%%n\"\n" | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/54-hid-bitbox.rules > /dev/null

sudo udevadm control --reload
sudo udevadm trigger

If the issue persists, add your user to the plugdev group:

sudo usermod -aG plugdev $USER

Disconnect and reconnect your BitBox afterward. A system reboot may be required.

Still having problems?

If you have completed all steps in this guide, our support team will be happy to help.

Please include the following information so we can assist you efficiently:

• your computer model and operating system version
• the BitBoxApp version you are using
• a short description of what you have already tried
• the BitBoxApp log files

How to export log files: 
Locating and exporting BitBoxApp support files

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Is my BitBox defective if it is not recognized?

In most cases, no. Connection issues are usually caused by cables, USB ports, drivers, permissions, or software conflicts. Hardware defects are rare.

Why does my computer detect the BitBox, but the BitBoxApp does not?

If the operating system detects the BitBox, the issue is very likely related to the BitBoxApp, missing permissions, or blocking software such as antivirus tools.

Can I lose my coins because of connection issues?

No. Your coins are not stored on the BitBox, but on the blockchain. As long as your recovery words are safely backed up, your funds are not at risk.

The BitBox works on an Android device but not on my computer—what does this mean?

This indicates that the BitBox itself is functioning correctly. The issue is almost certainly related to your computer or its software configuration.

When should I contact support?

If you have:

• tried multiple cables and devices,
• confirmed that the operating system does not detect the BitBox, or
• completed all steps in this guide,

please contact support so we can assist you further.