Learn how to install or update the BitBoxApp on iPhone and iPad using Apple's App Store.
Before you begin
Before installing the BitBoxApp on iPhone or iPad:
- Use a supported iOS or iPadOS version. Check the BitBoxApp operating system compatibility article before installing the BitBoxApp on iPhone or iPad.
- Install the BitBoxApp only from Apple's App Store.
- Make sure the App Store listing shows Shift Crypto AG as the publisher.
- You need a BitBox02 Nova to use the BitBoxApp on iPhone or iPad.
- You do not need to connect your BitBox02 Nova during installation or updates.
- You do not need your microSD backup or recovery words to install the BitBoxApp.
Recovery words warning
The BitBoxApp will never ask for your recovery words during installation or updates. Never enter your recovery words into a computer, smartphone, website, browser extension, password manager, cloud service, or AI chatbot.
BitBox02 Nova required
The BitBoxApp on iPhone and iPad works only with the BitBox02 Nova. The standard BitBox02 cannot be used with iOS or iPadOS devices because USB communication is very restricted on iPhone and iPad.
Install or update the BitBoxApp on iPhone and iPad
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for BitBoxApp.
- Select the BitBoxApp listing published by Shift Crypto AG.
[Insert screenshot: App Store BitBoxApp listing published by Shift Crypto AG]
- Tap Get to install the BitBoxApp.
- If the BitBoxApp is already installed, tap Update when an update is available.
- Open the BitBoxApp after installation or update.
- Connect and unlock your BitBox02 Nova if you want to start using your wallet.
Result:
The BitBoxApp is installed or updated on your iPhone or iPad.
To continue with wallet setup, follow the BitBox02 Nova setup guide for iPhone and iPad.
Confirm the official App Store listing
Only install the BitBoxApp from Apple's App Store when the listing shows Shift Crypto AG as the publisher.
Install the official BitBoxApp
Unofficial apps with similar names are not supported and may pose a security risk.
Why BitBox02 Nova is required on iPhone and iPad
The BitBox02 Nova uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with the BitBoxApp on iPhone and iPad. This is necessary because USB communication is very restricted on iOS and iPadOS devices.
The standard BitBox02 is designed for USB communication and therefore cannot connect to the BitBoxApp on iPhone or iPad.
For more background, see the Whisper secure Bluetooth integration article.
Update BitBox firmware after installing the BitBoxApp
Installing the BitBoxApp and updating BitBox firmware are separate processes.
If a newer firmware version is available for your BitBox02 Nova, the BitBoxApp will guide you through the firmware update after you connect and unlock your device.
For detailed instructions, see the BitBox firmware update guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install the BitBoxApp on iPhone or iPad without connecting my BitBox02 Nova?
Yes. You can install or update the BitBoxApp without connecting your BitBox02 Nova. Connect and unlock your BitBox02 Nova after installation if you want to use your wallet.
What should I do after installing the BitBoxApp on iPhone or iPad?
Open the BitBoxApp and follow the BitBox02 Nova setup guide for iPhone and iPad. The setup guide explains how to connect your BitBox02 Nova with Bluetooth, verify the pairing code, install firmware if needed, and create a microSD card backup.
Do I need to uninstall the BitBoxApp before updating?
No. App Store updates replace the existing BitBoxApp installation automatically.
Does the BitBoxApp update automatically on iPhone and iPad?
If automatic app updates are enabled in iOS or iPadOS settings, the BitBoxApp may update automatically.
Can I install the BitBoxApp manually on iPhone or iPad?
No. The BitBoxApp for iPhone and iPad is distributed through Apple's App Store.
Which BitBox devices work with the BitBoxApp on iPhone and iPad?
The BitBoxApp on iPhone and iPad works only with the BitBox02 Nova.
The BitBox02 Nova uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with the BitBoxApp on iPhone and iPad. The standard BitBox02 is not supported because it relies on USB communication, which is very restricted on iOS and iPadOS devices.
To learn more, see Introducing BitBox02 Nova.
Is Bluetooth secure when using BitBox02 Nova with iPhone or iPad?
The BitBox02 Nova uses a secure Bluetooth integration called Whisper. During pairing, you verify that the pairing code shown in the BitBoxApp matches the code shown on your BitBox02 Nova.
For a technical explanation, see Whisper: How the secure Bluetooth integration of the BitBox02 Nova works.
Can I install the BitBoxApp before receiving my BitBox02 Nova?
Yes. You can install and open the BitBoxApp before your BitBox02 Nova arrives. You can also use Bitcoin Testnet to try selected BitBoxApp features without using real funds.
To learn more, see the Bitcoin Testnet with BitBoxApp guide.