When you connect your BitBox02 to an external wallet, the software needs to know which exact account inside your wallet it should open. This is determined by a derivation path (also called a keypath).
A derivation path works like a file-system path:
- It tells the external wallet precisely which branch of your HD wallet tree to load.
- Selecting the correct keypath is essential for seeing the expected balance, addresses, and transaction history.
Understanding derivation paths
Bitcoin wallets use hierarchical deterministic (HD) structures, where all keys come from a single seed.
A derivation path describes how to reach a specific account within this structure.
A common example is:
m/84'/0'/0'Here is what each part means:
- 84' — script type (BIP84 = native SegWit / bech32)
- 0' — Bitcoin mainnet
- 0' — account index (Account 1)
The BitBox02 follows this same standard. Each account in the BitBoxApp corresponds to a different final index:
m / 84' / 0' / account_index'This structure ensures that Account 1, Account 2, and Account 3 remain fully independent.
Default BitBox02 keypaths
| BitBox02 Account | Derivation Path |
|---|---|
| Account 1 | m/84'/0'/0' |
| Account 2 | m/84'/0'/1' |
| Account 3 | m/84'/0'/2' |
| Account n | m/84'/0'/(n-1)' |
When connecting to an external wallet, the derivation path must match exactly.
How to find your keypath in the BitBoxApp
- Open the Bitcoin account whose addresses you want to use.
- Select Account info.
- Locate the field labeled Keypath.
This is the exact derivation path you must use in your external wallet software.
Entering this value ensures the software loads the correct account and displays the correct balance and addresses.
What happens if you enter the wrong keypath?
Nothing is lost — but the external wallet will display information from a different account:
- Empty balance
- Different addresses
- No familiar transactions
Re-enter the correct keypath from the BitBoxApp to load the proper account.
FAQ
Why does my external wallet show zero balance?
Most likely, the derivation path does not match the path of the account you use in the BitBoxApp. Check Account info → Keypath and use that exact value.
Can I use multiple BitBox02 accounts with external wallets?
Yes. Import each one separately using its own derivation path.
Does changing the derivation path affect my coins?
No. Your coins remain on the blockchain. The derivation path only determines which account the software displays.
Does an optional passphrase change the derivation paths?
Yes. A passphrase creates a completely separate wallet with its own derivation paths. Make sure to use the same passphrase when connecting to external software.