If you've lost or replaced your BitBox02 hardware wallet, you can restore access to your funds using your recovery words. These words serve as a backup of your wallet, allowing you to recover all associated cryptocurrencies and transactions.
Understanding BIP39 and recovery words:
The BitBox02 utilizes the BIP39 standard, which defines how wallets generate and interpret mnemonic phrases—commonly known as recovery words. These phrases can consist of 12, 18, or 24 words and are used to derive the cryptographic keys that secure your cryptocurrencies. The number of words determines the entropy, or randomness, of the seed:
- 12 words: 128 bits of entropy
- 18 words: 192 bits of entropy
- 24 words: 256 bits of entropy
A higher number of words provides greater security due to increased entropy. More details you can find in GitHub - bip-0039.mediawiki
Important precautions:
- Confidentiality: Your recovery words grant full control over your funds. Keep them private and never share them.
- Avoid digital storage: Do not store your recovery words digitally. Avoid taking photos, making photocopies, or saving them online.
- Secure environment: Ensure you're in a private setting when handling your recovery words. Do not speak them aloud.
Steps to restore your wallet:
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Prepare your BitBox02:
- Use a new device or perform a factory reset on your existing BitBox02.
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Install the BitBoxApp:
- Download and install the BitBoxApp from bitbox.swiss/download.
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Connect and pair:
- Connect your BitBox02 to your computer or Android device.
- Open the BitBoxApp and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the device.
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Initiate restoration:
- On the "Setup your BitBox02" screen, select "Restore from recovery words."
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Select the number of recovery words:
- Choose the appropriate option based on your backup: 12, 18, or 24 words.
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Enter recovery words:
- Input your recovery words directly on the BitBox02 device in the correct order.
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Set device password:
- Choose a strong device password to protect your BitBox02.
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Completion:
- Once confirmed, your wallet will be restored, granting you access to your funds.
Address format compatibility:
The BitBox02 supports SegWit (addresses starting with '3') and Native SegWit (addresses starting with 'bc1'). If your previous wallet used the Legacy address format (addresses starting with '1'), you won't see these coins in the BitBoxApp after restoration. It's recommended to move funds from Legacy addresses to SegWit or Native SegWit accounts before restoring on the BitBox02.
More Details you find in our blog article: What type of Bitcoin address should I use?
Security considerations when importing external wallets:
Importing a wallet generated externally means your security is only as strong as the original wallet's implementation. For optimal security, it's advisable to create a new wallet on your BitBox02 and transfer your funds to it.
Optional passphrase:
If you previously used an optional passphrase (often referred to as the 25th word), you'll need to enter it during the restoration process. For more information on optional passphrases, refer to our guide: Optional passphrase.
Post-restoration recommendations:
- Verify backup integrity: If you're confident that your recovery words remained secure, store them safely for future use.
- Compromised backup: If you suspect your recovery words were exposed, create a new wallet and transfer your funds immediately.
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