This guide walks you through setting up a BitBox02 Nova with the BitBoxApp on an iPhone or iPad over Bluetooth. You will pair the device, install firmware if required, create and back up a wallet, and prepare the BitBox02 Nova to manage supported cryptocurrencies. If you are new to this model, learn how the BitBox02 Nova expands compatibility and security.

What you need to prepare

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• An iPhone or iPad with a supported and up-to-date version of iOS
• The BitBoxApp for iOS, installed from the Apple App Store
• Your BitBox02 Nova. If you do not own one yet, you can purchase a BitBox02 Nova from the official BitBox shop.
• The included microSD card

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.

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

Step-by-step setup

Connection and Bluetooth pairing

Pair the BitBox02 Nova with the BitBoxApp before creating or restoring a wallet.

1. Open the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad.
   You will see a start screen prompting you to connect your BitBox02.

2. Connect your BitBox02 Nova to your iOS device.
   The device powers on automatically and the display lights up.
3. Select the display orientation on the BitBox02.
4. After confirming the orientation, the display shows “See the BitBoxApp” together with a unique Bluetooth ID (for example: DMCY).
5. In the BitBoxApp, tap the Bluetooth ID shown on your BitBox02 display.

6. When iOS displays the Bluetooth pairing request, compare the pairing code on your iPhone or iPad with the code on the BitBox02 Nova. The two codes must be identical before you continue.
7. Tap Pair on your iOS device and confirm the pairing on the BitBox02.

The BitBox02 Nova uses encrypted Bluetooth communication and requires confirmation directly on the device. Learn how Whisper secures Bluetooth communication on the BitBox02 Nova.

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

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.

2. Wait until the installation completes.

3. Do not close the app or interrupt the connection during this process.

4. After completion, confirm that the BitBoxApp shows your device as connected.

After initial setup, follow the separate instructions to update the BitBox02 firmware whenever the BitBoxApp offers a new firmware version.

Set up your wallet

1. The Set up your wallet screen opens in the BitBoxApp.

2. On the right side, you will see recovery options (microSD card or recovery words) if a backup already exists.
3. 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.

4. For this guide, choose the standard setup and tap Create new wallet.
   By default, this creates a wallet with 24 recovery words.

5. Enter a wallet name (for example: BB02 Nova (Multi)) and tap Continue.

6. Confirm the wallet name on the BitBox02 display.

Set a device password

1. Enter the device password directly on the BitBox02.

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

Create a backup

1. When the Create backup screen appears, read all information carefully and confirm to proceed.

2. Verify and confirm today’s date on your BitBox02.
3. After the backup is created, the BitBoxApp shows “You’re ready to go.”

4. Tap Get started to finish the setup.

The BitBox02 Nova stores microSD backups unencrypted by default. Learn how this design balances reliable recovery with security in the security rationale for unencrypted microSD backups.

Your BitBox02 Nova is now fully set up, backed up, and ready to receive, send, and manage supported cryptocurrencies with the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I use my BitBox02 Nova without Bluetooth?

Yes. The BitBox02 Nova can be used without Bluetooth on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, where it connects to the BitBoxApp over USB. Bluetooth is required only when using the BitBox02 Nova with the BitBoxApp on an iPhone or iPad.

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

Yes. The same BitBox02 Nova can be used with supported desktop computers via USB and with supported mobile devices.

• Use USB to connect the BitBox02 Nova to Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android.
• Use Bluetooth to connect the BitBox02 Nova to the BitBoxApp on an iPhone or iPad.

The wallet’s private keys remain protected on the BitBox02 Nova, allowing the same wallet to be accessed from each supported device. Confirm each new connection when prompted.

What should I do if my BitBox02 Nova does not connect reliably to my iPhone?

Remove the protective case from the iPhone and reconnect the BitBox02 Nova first. Some iPhone cases prevent the adapter from seating fully, which can cause detection, pairing, or intermittent connection issues.

If the BitBox02 Nova still does not connect reliably without the case, follow the steps to troubleshoot BitBox02 Nova Bluetooth connections on iOS before contacting BitBox support.