This guide describes a last-resort emergency procedure to extract your  recovery words from a BitBox microSD backup file.

By following these steps, your recovery words will be exposed to a computer.
Once exposed, they must be considered permanently compromised.

Only proceed if all of the following apply:

• Your BitBox02 is lost, stolen, or irreparably broken
• You do not have a written copy of your recovery words
• You are prepared to move all funds immediately after recovery

If you are unsure at any point, stop and contact BitBox support before continuing.

What is the BitBox backup recovery tool?

The BitBox backup recovery tool is an offline, open-source utility that allows you to extract your BIP-39 recovery words from a BitBox microSD backup file.

It is intended only for emergency situations where normal recovery using a BitBox02 device is no longer possible.

Security model & risks you must understand

Using this tool breaks the security model of a hardware wallet:

• Your recovery words become visible on a computer
• Even an offline computer can later become compromised
• Anyone who sees or copies the words can steal your funds

For this reason:

• The recovery must be performed fully offline
• The extracted recovery words must be treated as burned
• Funds must be moved to a new wallet with a fresh seed

Preparation (before going offline)

Complete all preparation steps first, while the computer is still online.

Prepare a new wallet

• Set up a new, secure wallet (ideally another hardware wallet)
• Generate a new receiving address
• Verify the address on the device screen
• Keep this address ready — you will need it immediately after recovery

Download the recovery tool

1. Visit the official BitBox GitHub repository:
   https://github.com/BitBoxSwiss/bitbox02-backup-recovery 
2. Click the green Code button
3. Select Download ZIP

4. Transfer the ZIP file to the recovery computer (for example, using a clean USB stick) if you can prepare one.
   If this is not possible, proceed carefully using the same desktop device.

Go completely offline

Before continuing, ensure the recovery computer is fully disconnected:

1. Unplug Ethernet cables
2. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
3. Do not reconnect to the internet until all funds are secured in a new wallet

Step-by-step recovery (offline only)

Follow these steps carefully on the offline computer.

1. Unzip the downloaded recovery tool

2. Open the file named backup.html

3. Your default web browser will open locally
   (example on macOS):
   file:///Users/username/Downloads/bitbox02-backup-recovery/backup.html

4. Insert the BitBox microSD card containing your backup
5. Click Choose file
6. Select the wallet backup file from the microSD card
   (usually beginning with backup_)

7. The tool will display your  recovery words
8. Write the words down by hand, in the correct order
9. Double-check every word carefully

Restore access to your funds

1. Use the written recovery words to restore the wallet in a trusted wallet application
   (for example, Electrum or Sparrow Wallet).
   This step can still be performed completely offline.
2. After restoring the wallet, close the BitBox backup recovery tool and ensure that:
   • The recovery words are no longer visible on screen
   • The BitBox microSD card containing the backup is removed

3. Once the recovery tool is closed and the microSD card is disconnected, you may reconnect the computer to the internet.
4. Allow the wallet application to connect to the network and load your balances.

Secure Your Funds Immediately

Once the wallet has connected and your balances are visible:

1. Create a transaction sending all funds to the new address prepared earlier
2. Confirm the transaction
3. Once completed, never reuse these recovery words

Final Security Notes

• Keep the recovery computer offline until the recovery tool is closed and the microSD backup is removed
• Only reconnect to the internet once the recovery words are no longer visible
• Move all funds immediately after balances are loaded
• Never reuse the extracted recovery words or seed phrase
• Destroy any temporary notes once the funds are secured

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should I use the BitBox backup recovery tool?

Only if your BitBox02 is lost, stolen, or broken and you do not have your recovery words written down.

Why must this be done offline?

Because exposing recovery words on an internet-connected computer could allow malware or attackers to steal them.

Can I safely reuse the extracted recovery words?

No. Once exposed, the words must be considered compromised forever.

Is Tails OS required?

No, but it is recommended. Any computer can be used if it is completely offline.

Can BitBox recover my funds for me?

No. BitBox never has access to your recovery words or funds.