Table of Contents

What you need to prepare Install the BitBoxApp on iOS Step-by-step setup 1) Connection & Bluetooth pairing 2) Install firmware (if required) 3) Set up your wallet 4) Set a device password 5) Create a backup Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Do I need Bluetooth to use the BitBox02 Nova with iOS — and is it secure? Can I connect the same BitBox02 Nova to other devices later? What should I do if Bluetooth pairing or connection fails on iOS?

This guide explains how to set up your BitBox02 Nova using an iPhone or iPad.

Since iOS does not support USB data connections for hardware wallets, the BitBox02 Nova connects to iOS devices via Bluetooth. You will be guided step by step through the preparation, Bluetooth pairing, device setup, wallet creation, and creating a microSD card backup.

What you need to prepare

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • An iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS version installed
  • The BitBoxApp for iOS, installed from the Apple App Store
  • Your BitBox02 Nova
  • The included microSD card

Bluetooth is required to use the BitBox02 Nova with iOS. USB data connections are not supported on iPhone or iPad.

 

Install the BitBoxApp on iOS

Before connecting your BitBox02 Nova, install the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad.

  1. Open the Apple App Store on your iOS device.
  2. Search for BitBoxApp.
  3. Download and install the app published by Shift Crypto AG.

Important:
Only install the official BitBoxApp published by Shift Crypto AG.
Unofficial apps with similar names are not supported and may pose a security risk.

 

Once the app is installed, you can proceed with the setup.

Step-by-step setup

1) Connection & Bluetooth pairing

  1. Open the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad.
    You will see a start screen prompting you to connect your BitBox02.
  1. Connect your BitBox02 Nova to your iOS device.
    The device powers on automatically and the display lights up.
  1. Select the display orientation on the BitBox02.
  2. After confirming the orientation, the display shows “See the BitBoxApp” together with a unique Bluetooth ID (for example: DMCY).
  3. In the BitBoxApp, tap the Bluetooth ID shown on your BitBox02 display.
  1. When prompted by iOS, review the Bluetooth pairing request and verify that the pairing code shown:
    1. on your iOS device, and
    2. on the BitBox02 display
      is identical.
  2. Tap Pair on your iOS device and confirm the pairing on the BitBox02.

On iOS, this Bluetooth pairing replaces the standard confirmation used on non-Bluetooth connections (for example on desktop devices).

 

After successful pairing, you are taken to the Welcome screen in the BitBoxApp.

2) Install firmware (if required)

If this is a new BitBox02 Nova that has never been set up before, you will be prompted to install the firmware.

  1. Tap Install firmware.
  1. Wait until the installation completes.
  1. Do not close the app or interrupt the connection during this process.
  1. After completion, confirm that the BitBoxApp shows your device as connected.

Firmware installation is performed only on new BitBox02 devices that have never been initialized.
If you reset your device or restore a wallet on an already set-up BitBox02, no firmware installation is required, as the firmware is already present on the device.

 

3) Set up your wallet

  1. The Set up your wallet screen opens in the BitBoxApp.
  1. On the right side, you will see recovery options (microSD card or recovery words) if a backup already exists.
  2. On the left side, you will find the options to create a new wallet.
    Under advanced options, you can, for example, create a wallet with 12 recovery words or skip the microSD backup.
  1. For this guide, choose the standard setup and tap Create new wallet.
    By default, this creates a wallet with 24 recovery words.
  1. Enter a wallet name (for example: BB02 Nova (Multi)) and tap Continue.
  1. Confirm the wallet name on the BitBox02 display.

4) Set a device password

  1. Enter the device password directly on the BitBox02.

The upper part of the display shows the next touch layout.
The lower part shows the currently active layout you are entering.

 
  1. Re-enter the same password to confirm it.
    Once confirmed, the BitBox02 display shows Success.

5) Create a backup

  1. When the Create backup screen appears, read all information carefully and confirm to proceed.
  1. Verify and confirm today’s date on your BitBox02.
  2. After the backup is created, the BitBoxApp shows “You’re ready to go.”
  1. Tap Get started to finish the setup.

Important:
Store the microSD card separately from your BitBox02 in a secure location.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need Bluetooth to use the BitBox02 Nova with iOS — and is it secure?

Yes. On iOS, Bluetooth is required, as iPhone and iPad do not support USB data connections to hardware wallets.

The BitBox02 Nova uses encrypted Bluetooth communication and requires on-device confirmation during pairing.
Always verify that the pairing code matches on both devices.

For a technical deep dive, see:
Whisper: How the secure Bluetooth integration of the BitBox02 Nova works

Can I connect the same BitBox02 Nova to other devices later?

Yes. After setup, you can use the same BitBox02 Nova with:

  • desktop computers (via USB), and
  • other mobile devices.

Bluetooth is only required for iOS. For each new device, you will need to confirm the connection once.

What should I do if Bluetooth pairing or connection fails on iOS?

If, for example:

  • the BitBox02 Nova does not appear in the BitBoxApp,
  • Bluetooth pairing fails, or
  • the connection drops unexpectedly,

please refer to our troubleshooting guide:

Troubleshooting BitBox02 Nova Bluetooth issues on iOS

It covers common causes, recommended checks, and step-by-step solutions.

Related Articles

Was this article helpful?

Give feedback about this article