Set up your BitBox02 in just a few minutes using the included microSD card. This guide shows you how to install the firmware, create your wallet, create the default microSD card backup, and securely store it.
Estimated time: 5–10 minutes.
Before you start
Before setting up your BitBox02, make sure you have:
- A BitBox02, available from the official BitBox shop
- The included microSD card
- A computer or mobile device listed among the supported operating systems and devices for the BitBoxApp
- The latest version of the BitBoxApp. Download and install it before starting setup. The latest BitBox02 firmware is included with the BitBoxApp.
Setting up a BitBox02 Nova on iPhone or iPad?
If you're setting up a BitBox02 Nova using an iPhone or iPad, follow the dedicated setup guide instead. This article covers BitBox02 and BitBox02 Nova setup on computers and Android devices. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, follow the dedicated setup guide below.
Follow the dedicated guide to set up your BitBox02 Nova on iPhone or iPad.
Set up your BitBox02
The BitBoxApp guides you through the complete setup process step by step.
- Open the BitBoxApp on your computer.
- Insert the included microSD card into your BitBox02. Hold the BitBox02 so the display faces you. Insert the microSD card with the printed brand label also facing you until it clicks into place.
- Plug the BitBox02 into your computer. The device will power on and ask you to choose a screen orientation.
- After you confirm the screen orientation, the BitBoxApp automatically detects your BitBox02 and guides you through the remaining setup.
- If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to install the bundled firmware. Firmware installation is a normal part of first-time setup. The BitBoxApp automatically verifies and installs the authentic firmware included with the BitBoxApp. Keep your BitBox02 connected until the installation is complete.
Why isn't the firmware pre-installed?
New BitBox02 devices intentionally ship without firmware installed. During setup, the BitBoxApp verifies and installs the authentic firmware included with the current BitBoxApp before your wallet is initialized.
After setup, future firmware updates can be installed by following the BitBox02 firmware update guide whenever a new version becomes available.
- Verify that the pairing code shown in the BitBoxApp matches the code displayed on your BitBox02 screen. This ensures that your BitBox02 is communicating with the genuine BitBoxApp and helps protect against man-in-the-middle attacks.
- On the "Setup your wallet" screen, click Create wallet.
Can I use recovery words instead of a microSD card backup?
Yes. Instead of the default microSD card backup, you can choose a recovery-word backup before creating your wallet.
See Advanced backup options before creating your wallet if you want to use one of these alternatives.
- Choose a name for your device in the
BitBox namefield and click Continue. This name is also used to identify the backup stored on your microSD card.
- Confirm the device name on your BitBox02.
- Use the touch sensors on your BitBox02 to set and confirm your device password.
Change your BitBox device password
After setting up your BitBox02, you can later initiate a device password change from the BitBoxApp. You will then enter and confirm your new device password directly on your BitBox02.
Follow How to change your BitBox device password whenever you want to set a new password later.
- On the "Create backup" screen, read the information carefully, check the boxes, and click Continue.
- Confirm today's date on the BitBox02 to create the microSD card backup.
During setup, your recovery information is securely stored on the microSD card instead of being displayed as recovery words. If you want an additional independent offline backup, you can later display the recovery words on your BitBox02 and record them on paper or steel.
The BitBoxApp displays the “You’re ready to go” screen. Your BitBox02 is now initialized, backed up, and ready to securely send and receive cryptocurrency.
You can now securely receive cryptocurrency or continue exploring the BitBoxApp.
If you later create an offline recovery-word backup, remember:
Protect your recovery words
Never enter your recovery words into a computer, phone, website, browser extension, AI chatbot, or any other online service.
Secure your microSD card backup
The microSD card securely stores your wallet backup. If your BitBox02 is ever lost, damaged, or reset, you can use this backup to restore access to your wallet.
- Eject the microSD card from your BitBox02.
- Store the card in a safe, secret location where nobody else can find or access it.
- For maximum security, keep your microSD card backup and your BitBox02 in separate physical locations.
Why should you keep your microSD card backup secure?
The backup file on the microSD card is not encrypted with your device password by default. Anyone with physical access to the card could restore your wallet and thereby access your funds.
Learn why BitBox microSD backups are intentionally not encrypted by default.
You can later create another BitBox02 microSD card backup or restore your BitBox02 from a microSD card backup.
Video guide
We’ve also created a video tutorial for additional clarification. Please note that some visuals may differ from the current app due to updates, but the overall steps remain the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my BitBox02 with multiple computers or phones?
Yes. You can pair your BitBox02 with up to five computers or phones. Your device password remains the same on every device. If you pair it with an additional device after reaching the limit, the oldest pairing is replaced and must be confirmed again when you use that device.
Can I use multiple BitBox devices with the same BitBoxApp?
Yes. You can pair and use multiple BitBox devices with the same BitBoxApp installation. Each BitBox can contain a different wallet and retains its own device password and backup. Connecting another BitBox does not combine or modify the wallets.
Can I remove the microSD card after setting up my BitBox02?
Yes. Once setup is complete, you do not need to keep the microSD card inserted during normal use. Store it securely in a separate location. Insert it again only when creating a new backup or restoring your wallet.
What if I forget my device password?
If you still know your current device password, you can unlock your BitBox02 and initiate the device password change in the BitBoxApp. You then enter and confirm the new device password exclusively on your BitBox02. If you have forgotten it and cannot unlock the device, reset the BitBox02 or use a new one, then restore your wallet from the microSD card backup.
What if I lose my microSD card backup?
If you lose your microSD card backup, you can immediately create a new microSD card backup using another microSD card or switch to a recovery-word backup. As long as your current BitBox02 still works and you know your device password, your funds remain accessible. If the device is lost or damaged, however, you cannot recover your wallet until you create a new backup.
Which wallet backups should I have?
For the best protection, keep multiple independent backups in separate secure locations. Your BitBox02 lets you continue accessing your wallet, while your microSD card backup and an optional offline backup of your recovery words provide independent recovery methods. We recommend creating an additional offline backup of your recovery words and storing it separately from your microSD card backup and BitBox02.
Can I use a different microSD card?
Yes. Although a high-quality microSD card is included with your BitBox02, you can use a different compatible microSD card.