Use the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad to pair your BitBox Nova, create a new wallet and save its backup on a microSD card. Complete the backup and store the card securely before receiving funds.

If you are setting up the Nova to recover an existing wallet, use the BitBoxApp on a supported computer and follow the instructions to restore from your microSD backup or recovery words. If that wallet uses an optional passphrase, you also need the exact same passphrase.

Before you start

• Have your BitBox Nova, its included microSD card and a compatible iPhone or iPad ready. Check the current BitBoxApp requirements.
• Install the BitBoxApp published by Shift Crypto AG from the Apple App Store.

• Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad and allow the BitBoxApp to use it if prompted.
• Check your phone or tablet’s port. Plug the Nova directly into a USB-C port, or use the included Lightning adapter with a Lightning port. The physical connection powers the Nova. It communicates with the BitBoxApp over Bluetooth.

The BitBox Nova introduction explains how Nova added support for iPhone and iPad.

1. Connect and pair your Nova

1. Open the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad. The start screen prompts you to connect your BitBox.

2. Plug in the Nova using the connection for your port. Its display should light up.
3. Choose the display orientation on the Nova. Its screen then shows a Bluetooth ID.
4. In the BitBoxApp, select the Bluetooth ID shown on the Nova. This identifies the device you want to pair.

5. When the iPhone or iPad shows a Bluetooth pairing request, compare its full pairing code with the code on the Nova. If the codes differ, cancel pairing and contact BitBox Support.

6. When the codes match, tap Pair on the iPhone or iPad.
7. Confirm the pairing on the Nova.

After Bluetooth pairing, continue in the BitBoxApp. If the app prompts you to verify a pairing code separately, compare it with the code on the Nova before confirming. If the app shows a device authenticity warning, stop and contact BitBox Support before setting up the wallet. For the security design behind pairing and encryption, read how Whisper protects Bluetooth communication.

2. Install firmware if prompted

If the app opens wallet setup directly, continue to the next section.

1. When the BitBoxApp offers to install firmware, tap Install firmware now.

2. Keep the Nova plugged in and the BitBoxApp open while installation runs.

3. Wait for the installation to finish. If the app or Nova asks you to pair again, compare the full codes before confirming.

4. Check that the app shows the Nova as connected and offers wallet setup before you continue.

3. Create the wallet and set a device password

1. On the wallet setup screen in the BitBoxApp, choose to create a new wallet.

2. Use the standard microSD backup option. If you open advanced options, leave the option to skip the microSD backup off.

3. When the app asks for a microSD card, hold the Nova with its display facing you. Insert the card with its printed side facing you and push it gently until it clicks.
4. Enter a device name in the BitBoxApp and tap Continue.

5. Check the name on the Nova’s display and confirm it on the device. The app then prompts you to set the device password.

6. Enter your device password on the Nova. The lower part of the display shows the active touch layout and the upper part previews the next layout.

7. Enter the same password again on the Nova to confirm it. The BitBoxApp then guides you to create the backup.

4. Create and secure your microSD backup

1. On the Create backup screen in the BitBoxApp, read the security statements and select each acknowledgment shown. Tap Continue to proceed to date confirmation.

2. Compare the date shown on the Nova with today’s date. If it differs, stop and check the date on your iPhone or iPad before continuing.
3. When the date is correct, touch and hold both long sides of the Nova to confirm it. Keep the Nova connected and the card inserted while the backup is written.
4. Wait for You’re ready to go! in the BitBoxApp. This confirms that the wallet and microSD backup have been created.

5. Tap Get started to open the wallet in the BitBoxApp.

6. Gently press the microSD card in to release it, then remove it from the Nova.
7. Store the card in a secure, private place separate from the Nova before receiving funds.

If backup creation fails or the completion message never appears, resolve the backup problem before receiving funds. Use the microSD troubleshooting guide for card errors. To verify a saved backup, use your Nova and the BitBoxApp on a computer.

If the Nova does not appear or disconnects

Check whether the Nova’s display lights up. If a case prevents the device or adapter from seating fully, remove the case and reconnect. If the Nova powers on but the app cannot find it, pairing fails, or the connection keeps dropping, follow the Nova Bluetooth troubleshooting guide.