You can enable or disable Bluetooth on your BitBox Nova in the BitBoxApp using a USB data connection. Use a supported Windows, macOS or Linux computer, or a supported Android device with USB OTG. The screenshots below show the desktop BitBoxApp.
Check how you will reconnect before turning Bluetooth off
Disabling Bluetooth prevents the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad from connecting to your Nova. Keep a supported computer or Android device available so you can turn Bluetooth back on over USB. Plugging the Nova into an iPhone or iPad supplies power, and the app on those devices needs Bluetooth to communicate.
Change the Bluetooth setting
- Connect your BitBox Nova to the computer or Android device using a USB connection that supports data. Open the BitBoxApp and unlock your Nova so the app can access its device settings.
- In the BitBoxApp, open Settings, select Manage device, and find Device settings. If the Bluetooth control is missing, check that the app recognizes your Nova over USB. Use a supported computer if you cannot reach the setting on Android.
Turn Bluetooth off
- Select Disable Bluetooth in the BitBoxApp. When prompted, confirm the change on the Nova using its touch sensors.
- Wait for the BitBoxApp to confirm that Bluetooth is disabled. The setting stays off until you turn it back on. Your wallet and backups are unaffected, and you can continue using the Nova over USB.
Turn Bluetooth back on
- Select Enable Bluetooth in the BitBoxApp. When prompted, confirm the change on the Nova using its touch sensors.
- Wait for the BitBoxApp to confirm that Bluetooth is enabled. Disconnect the Nova from the USB data connection before trying to use it with your iPhone or iPad again.
What happens to Bluetooth while you use USB?
When the Nova receives BitBoxApp data over USB, it turns off the Bluetooth radio for that connection. The saved Bluetooth setting stays as you left it. If Bluetooth is enabled, the Nova can use it again when powered from an iPhone, iPad or another power-only source.
If this is your first time using the Nova with an iPhone or iPad, follow the iPhone and iPad setup guide. If your Nova still fails to appear, pair or stay connected, follow the Bluetooth troubleshooting guide.
For more on why the Nova prioritizes USB and how it protects Bluetooth communication, read how Whisper works on the BitBox Nova on the BitBox Blog.