If your BitBox02 is new, factory-reset, or replaced, this guide shows how to restore your wallet using your recovery words. Your recovery words are your wallet backup — the same information stored on your BitBox02 microSD card.
A note on your recovery words
Your recovery words are the master key to your crypto.
- Anyone with access to them can steal your funds.
- Never create a digital copy (photo, text file, password manager).
- Never enter them into any website, app, or device other than your BitBox02 or another trusted, offline hardware wallet.
- Shift Crypto will never ask for your recovery words.
Before you start
Make sure you have everything ready:
- Your 12, 18, or 24 recovery words, written down correctly and in the right order.
- A new or factory-reset BitBox02.
- The latest version of the BitBoxApp installed and running on your computer.
Restore your wallet on the BitBox02
Follow these steps to load an existing wallet onto a new or factory-reset BitBox02. The device supports standard backups of 12, 18, or 24 recovery words.
- Open the BitBoxApp.
- Connect your new or reset BitBox02 to your computer.
- On the BitBox02 screen, choose your preferred screen orientation.
- Confirm the pairing code shown in the BitBoxApp matches the code on your BitBox02 device.
- In the BitBoxApp, on the “Setup your wallet” screen, select Restore from recovery words.
- Choose a name for your device in the BitBoxApp and click Continue.
- Confirm the device name on the BitBox02.
- Check and confirm the current date on your BitBox02.
- On the device, select the correct word count for your backup:
12,18, or24. - Carefully enter each recovery word in the correct order directly on the BitBox02. Use the touch sensors to select letters and confirm each word.
If you make a mistake, tap the < symbol on the corner to go back and correct a letter or an entire word.
- After the final word is confirmed, create and confirm a new, strong device password.
- The BitBoxApp will synchronize your accounts. Once complete, your wallet is restored and ready to use.
About your backup options
Your BitBox02 uses the BIP-39 standard, which means your recovery words can also be restored on many other hardware or software wallets that support BIP-39 recovery phrases.
If you ever lose your BitBox02 or want to verify your backup independently, you can restore your wallet on another compatible and trusted device. This could include other secure hardware wallets that support BIP-39.
Always restore your recovery words only on trusted and offline devices. Never enter them on an internet-connected computer or website.
After restoring your wallet
Restoring your recovery words is the main step, but a few other factors can affect what you see in your wallet.
Optional passphrase
Your 24-word backup does not include your optional passphrase (sometimes called the 25th word). If you used this feature, you must re-enable it after restoring to access your passphrase-protected wallet.
- In the BitBoxApp, go to Settings > Manage Device.
- In the Expert settings section, enable the Optional passphrase feature.
- You will be prompted to enter your passphrase on the device to access the hidden wallet.
Bitcoin address types
The BitBoxApp does not show balances for old Bitcoin "Legacy" addresses, which start with a 1. If your backup was from an old wallet that used these addresses, those specific funds will not appear automatically. The BitBoxApp fully supports modern address types like Native SegWit (starting with bc1), which we recommend using. More details you find here: What type of Bitcoin address should I use?
Backups from other wallets
If you are restoring recovery words generated by another wallet provider, we recommend treating this as a temporary step. For maximum security, you should create a brand new wallet on your BitBox02 and then transfer your funds to it. This ensures your private keys have been generated offline by the BitBox02's secure hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if the restoration fails?
If the restoration fails, it means at least one of the recovery words was entered incorrectly or in the wrong order. Carefully restart the process and double-check the spelling and order of every word from your written backup.
My wallet is restored, but my balance is zero. Where are my funds?
This can be alarming, but it usually has a simple explanation. There are three common reasons for a zero balance after a successful restoration:
- Incorrect recovery words: You may have entered a valid but different set of recovery words, which restored a different, empty wallet. Please double-check your written backup and try the restoration process again.
- Optional passphrase: Your funds might be in a hidden wallet protected by the optional passphrase. You must re-enable this feature in the device settings to access them.
- Multiple accounts: Your funds could be in a different account that isn't enabled by default. You can add more accounts in the BitBoxApp to find your funds.
How can I read my recovery words in my microSD backup?
You should only do this as a last resort — for example, if your BitBox02 is lost, stolen, or no longer works and you don’t have a written copy of your recovery words. Your microSD backup holds the same information as your recovery words, so extracting it must be done with great care.
To learn how to do this safely, see our guide on using the BitBox Backup Recovery Tool.