If your BitBox02 is lost, stolen, or broken, this guide will walk you through safely restoring your wallet and accessing your funds.

Losing your hardware wallet can be scary, but as long as you have your backup, your crypto is safe. This guide explains the secure options available to you.

Important security notice

Before you begin, it is critical to understand the safest way to restore your wallet. We strongly recommend restoring a BitBox02-created wallet only on another hardware wallet. Avoid restoring your wallet using software wallets on computers or smartphones, as they are far more vulnerable to malware and theft.

Option 1: Restore using a new BitBox02

This is the most secure and recommended method for accessing your funds. You can use either the microSD card backup or your written-down recovery words.

Using your microSD card

This is the easiest method. Simply insert your backup microSD card into your new BitBox02, connect it to your computer, and open the BitBoxApp. For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on restoring from a microSD card backup.

Using your 24 recovery words

If you don't have your microSD card but have your 24 recovery words, the process is just as secure.

1. Get a new BitBox02 or another compatible hardware wallet.
2. During the setup process, choose the option to restore from recovery words.
3. Carefully enter your 24 recovery words in the correct order directly on the device.
4. Once you confirm the words, your wallet will be restored, and you will regain access to your funds and transaction history.

Our guide explains the full process of restoring from recovery words.

Option 2: Restore without a new BitBox02 (Emergency only)

This method should only be used as a last resort if you cannot get a new hardware wallet and need immediate access to your funds. This process is less secure because it may expose your recovery words on your computer. Once you have your recovery words, you will need to import them into a different software wallet, a process explained in this guide.

Using the Backup Recovery Tool

If you have your microSD card backup but not a new BitBox02, you can use our official BitBox backup recovery tool to extract the 24 recovery words from the backup file.

Summary

• Always prioritize restoring your backup on a new hardware wallet like the BitBox02.
• Only use the backup recovery tool as a last resort in an emergency.
• Your 24 recovery words are the master key to your funds. Always keep them secure and private.