Learn how to run the BitBoxApp AppImage on Linux without installing a system-wide package.

Before you begin

Before running the BitBoxApp AppImage on Linux:

• Use a supported Linux distribution. Check the BitBoxApp operating system compatibility article before using the BitBoxApp AppImage on Linux.
• Download the BitBoxApp AppImage only from the official BitBoxApp download page.
• You do not need to connect your BitBox before running the AppImage.
• You do not need your microSD backup or recovery words to run the BitBoxApp.

Make the BitBoxApp AppImage executable

Linux usually disables execution permissions for downloaded files. Before you can run the BitBoxApp AppImage, make the file executable.

Use your file manager

This is the easiest method for most users.

1. Open your file manager.
2. Go to the folder that contains the downloaded BitBoxApp AppImage, such as Downloads.
3. Right-click the BitBoxApp AppImage file.
4. Select Properties.
5. Open the Permissions or Access Rights tab.
6. Enable Allow executing file as program.
7. Close the properties window.

Use the terminal

If you prefer using the terminal, you can make the AppImage executable with chmod.

1. Open a terminal.
2. Go to the folder that contains the downloaded BitBoxApp AppImage:

cd ~/Downloads

3. Make the AppImage executable:

chmod +x BitBox-[version]-x86_64.AppImage

Replace [version] with the version number of the downloaded BitBoxApp AppImage.

Run the BitBoxApp AppImage on Linux

1. Open the folder that contains the BitBoxApp AppImage.
2. Double-click the BitBoxApp AppImage file.
3. If your Linux system asks whether you want to run the file, confirm the prompt only if you downloaded the AppImage from the official BitBoxApp download page.
4. Connect and unlock your BitBox if you want to start using your wallet.

Result:

The BitBoxApp AppImage runs on your Linux computer.

Verify the BitBoxApp AppImage download

Only download the BitBoxApp AppImage from the official BitBoxApp download page.

For an additional verification step, you can check the BitBoxApp checksum. The BitBoxApp checksum verification guide explains how to confirm that the downloaded AppImage matches the file published by BitBox.

Advanced users can also verify the BitBoxApp signature on Linux. The Linux BitBoxApp signature verification guide explains how to confirm that the downloaded AppImage was signed by Shift Crypto.

Update BitBox firmware after running the BitBoxApp

Running the BitBoxApp AppImage and updating BitBox firmware are separate processes.

If a newer firmware version is available for your BitBox, the BitBoxApp will guide you through the firmware update after you connect and unlock your BitBox.

For detailed instructions, see the BitBox firmware update guide.

Problems running the BitBoxApp AppImage on Linux

If the AppImage does not start, executable permissions cannot be changed, or the BitBoxApp does not detect your BitBox, follow the BitBoxApp Linux troubleshooting guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install the BitBoxApp AppImage system-wide?

No. The BitBoxApp AppImage runs as a standalone file and does not require a system-wide installation.

Why do I need to make the BitBoxApp AppImage executable?

Linux usually disables execution permissions for downloaded files. Making the BitBoxApp AppImage executable allows Linux to run the file as an application.

Will the BitBoxApp AppImage update automatically?

No. The BitBoxApp AppImage does not update automatically. To update it, download the latest AppImage from the official BitBoxApp download page and replace the older AppImage file.

Should I use the BitBoxApp AppImage or the Linux package?

Use the AppImage if you prefer a portable app file or if your distribution does not use DEB or RPM packages. Use the Linux package if your distribution supports the official .deb or .rpm format. Learn how to install the BitBoxApp on Linux using DEB or RPM packages.

Can I run the BitBoxApp AppImage without connecting my BitBox?

Yes. You can make the BitBoxApp AppImage executable and open it without connecting your BitBox. Connect and unlock your BitBox after launching the BitBoxApp if you want to use your wallet.

Can I use the BitBoxApp AppImage before receiving my BitBox?

Yes. You can open the BitBoxApp AppImage before your BitBox arrives. You can also use Bitcoin Testnet to try selected BitBoxApp features without using real funds.

To learn more, see the Bitcoin Testnet with BitBoxApp guide.