This article explains how to enable or disable Bluetooth® on a BitBox02 Nova using the BitBoxApp on a desktop computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Bluetooth control is a firmware-level setting and always requires physical confirmation on the BitBox02 Nova.
Important before you start
Bluetooth management requires a USB connection
Bluetooth settings cannot be changed over Bluetooth itself.
To enable or disable Bluetooth, the BitBox02 Nova must be connected via USB to a device that supports USB data transfer, such as:
- A desktop computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- An Android device with USB support
Bluetooth settings cannot be changed from iOS.
Disabling Bluetooth prevents using the BitBox02 Nova with iPhone and iPad devices.
Requirements
- A BitBox02 Nova
- One of the following:
- A desktop computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
- An Android device with USB support
- The BitBoxApp installed
- A USB connection to the BitBox02 Nova
How to disable Bluetooth on the BitBox02 Nova
- Connect the BitBox02 Nova to your desktop computer using a USB cable.
- Open the BitBoxApp.
- Go to Settings in the sidebar.
- Select Manage device.
- Scroll to the Device settings section.
- Choose Disable Bluetooth.
- Confirm the action directly on the BitBox02 Nova using the touch sensors.
Bluetooth is disabled only after you confirm the action on the device itself.
- After confirmation, the BitBoxApp displays a message confirming that Bluetooth has been disabled.
How to enable Bluetooth again
- Connect the BitBox02 Nova to your desktop computer using USB.
- Open the BitBoxApp.
- Go to Settings → Manage device.
- Scroll to the Device settings section.
- Choose Enable Bluetooth.
- Confirm the action on the BitBox02 Nova using the touch sensors.
- Once confirmed, Bluetooth becomes available again for iOS connections.
What changes when Bluetooth is disabled
When Bluetooth is disabled:
- iOS connections are not possible
- Desktop connections via USB continue to work normally
- Android connections via USB are unaffected
- The Bluetooth radio is fully turned off on the device
Security considerations
Disabling Bluetooth can reduce the device’s active communication surface if you never use iOS.
Even when Bluetooth is enabled, it is only active when required and is automatically disabled when USB communication is in use.
If you want to learn more about how Bluetooth security works on the BitBox02 Nova, see:
How the secure Bluetooth integration of the BitBox02 Nova works
FAQ
Can I disable Bluetooth permanently?
Yes. Bluetooth remains disabled until you manually enable it again using a desktop device.
Can I enable or disable Bluetooth from iOS?
No. Bluetooth settings can only be changed using the BitBoxApp on a desktop computer.
Does disabling Bluetooth affect my wallet data?
No. Disabling Bluetooth does not affect wallets, private keys, backups, or funds.
Is Bluetooth enabled by default on the BitBox02 Nova?
Yes. Bluetooth is enabled by default to allow use with iOS devices.
Where can I learn how to use the BitBox02 Nova with iOS?
See the step-by-step setup guide here:
How to set up your BitBox02 Nova on iOS (Bluetooth & microSD backup)
What should I do if Bluetooth does not work on iOS?
If you experience connection issues on iOS, see the troubleshooting guide:
Troubleshooting BitBox02 Nova Bluetooth issues on iOS