You can display your recovery words (seed phrase) on your BitBox to make a written backup or check a copy you already have. Start from Settings → Manage device → Show recovery words in the BitBoxApp; the words appear only on the BitBox itself. You do not need to reset the device or restore a wallet.

This guide covers an already configured BitBox and the BitBoxApp on a computer. To check a microSD backup instead, follow how to verify your microSD backup.

Before you start

Have the BitBox containing the wallet you want to check, its device password and a pen and paper or recovery card ready. If you are checking an existing written backup, have that physical copy beside you.

1. Open the recovery-word display

1. Open the BitBoxApp, connect your BitBox to the computer and unlock it by entering the device password on the BitBox.
2. In the app, select Settings in the left sidebar, then the Manage device tab. Under Backups, select Show recovery words. The app opens the precautions screen.

3. Read the precautions, tick I have read the information above, then select Next.

4. On the BitBox, enter the device password again when requested. Read and confirm the warnings and the prompt to write down the words, using the on-device next arrow. The device shows the word count before displaying the words.

2. Record or compare every word

The BitBox shows the words one at a time, with their numbered positions. Keep the words private throughout this process.

1. Write down the first word exactly as displayed and number its position. If you already have a physical copy, compare that position and spelling with the device instead.
2. Use the touch sensors beside the left and right arrows at the bottom of the BitBox display to move between words. Record or compare every word in order, without skipping positions. Follow the word count shown on your device.
3. After checking the final word, select Continue on the BitBox. Confirm the prompt to check each word to begin verification.

3. Verify using your physical copy

Use your written backup for this check, rather than relying on memory. The purpose is to check the record you would use for recovery.

1. Read the position number on the BitBox, such as 01. Find that same numbered position on your physical copy.
2. Use the BitBox touch sensors to move through the five word choices. Choose the word recorded at that position on your physical copy and confirm with Select.
3. Repeat for every position. If the device reports Incorrect word — Try again, do not guess until a choice is accepted. Use Back to recovery words in the selection menu to compare your record with the device again. If the copy differs, follow the mismatch guidance below before continuing.
4. After the final correct selection, the BitBox displays Backup created.

When every recorded word and position matches the device and verification is complete, you have checked that physical copy against the recovery words stored on this BitBox. This does not perform a restoration, check a microSD backup or verify a separate optional passphrase.

If your copy differs or you cannot continue

A mismatch may be a copying error or a backup for a different wallet. Keep the working wallet on the BitBox and retain all existing backups until you know which wallet each record belongs to. Do not reset the device, discard an older copy or enter the words into software to test them.

If you cannot resolve a mismatch, do not know the device password or see different controls or prompts, contact BitBox Support. Include your device model, BitBoxApp and firmware versions, and the step or non-sensitive error where you stopped. Never include recovery words, passwords, passphrases, backup files or screenshots containing them.

Store the checked backup

Keep the complete physical copy offline and separate from your BitBox. The device password does not protect a written backup. If you use an optional passphrase, keep its exact offline record separately: it is not included in the recovery words, and you need both to restore the wallet it protects. Follow how to store recovery words securely.

Further reading on the BitBox Blog

For background on backup types and these precautions, read How to create and secure your wallet backup.