Setting up your BitBox02 creates a new wallet and the backup you will need if the device is ever lost, damaged or reset. The BitBoxApp and your BitBox02 guide you through firmware installation, pairing, wallet creation and the microSD card backup.
This guide explains what to verify at each stage and how to protect the completed backup. Start by preparing the device, microSD card and a supported computer or Android device.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- A BitBox02, available from the official BitBox shop
- The included microSD card, or a compatible microSDHC card formatted as FAT32
- A computer or Android device listed among the supported devices and operating systems for the BitBoxApp
- The latest BitBoxApp, downloaded and installed before you begin. It includes the latest BitBox02 firmware.
Using a BitBox02 Nova on iPhone or iPad? Follow the dedicated guide to set up your BitBox02 Nova on iOS. The steps below apply to BitBox02 and BitBox02 Nova on supported computers and Android devices.
Set up your BitBox02
Keep the BitBoxApp open and follow these steps in order:
- Open the BitBoxApp on your supported computer or Android device.
- Hold your BitBox02 with the display facing you. Insert the microSD card with its printed label also facing you, and push it in until it clicks.
- Connect the BitBox02 to your computer or Android device. The BitBox02 powers on and asks you to choose the screen orientation.
- Confirm the screen orientation. The BitBoxApp then detects your BitBox02 and continues the setup.
- If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to install the bundled firmware. This is a normal part of first-time setup: new BitBox02 devices intentionally ship without firmware, and the BitBoxApp verifies and installs the authentic firmware it contains. Keep the BitBox02 connected until installation is complete.
- Compare the pairing code in the BitBoxApp with the code on your BitBox02. Confirm only if both codes match.
If the pairing codes do not match: Do not confirm or continue. Close the BitBoxApp, make sure you installed it from the official BitBox website, reconnect the BitBox02 and try again.
- On the Set up your wallet screen, select Create wallet.
Prefer to write down recovery words instead? Before creating the wallet, follow the separate guide to set up your BitBox02 without a microSD card. If you are unsure, compare the options in How to choose a BitBox02 backup method.
- Enter a name in the BitBox name field and select Continue. The same name identifies the backup on the microSD card.
- Confirm the device name on your BitBox02.
- Use the touch sensors on your BitBox02 to set and confirm your device password.
- On the Create backup screen, read the information, select both checkboxes and choose Continue.
- Confirm the date on your BitBox02 to create the microSD card backup.
When the BitBoxApp displays “You’re ready to go,” your BitBox02 is initialized and its wallet backup has been created. Remove the microSD card and store it securely before you start using the wallet.
Secure your microSD card backup
The microSD card contains the backup needed to restore your wallet if the BitBox02 is lost, damaged or reset. You do not need the card during normal wallet use.
- Remove the microSD card after setup.
- Never insert the backup card into a computer, phone, camera or any device other than a BitBox02.
- Store it in a safe, secret location that only you can access.
- Keep the microSD card and the BitBox02 in separate physical locations when practical.
Protect the microSD card from physical access
The wallet backup on the microSD card is not encrypted with your device password. Anyone who obtains the card could restore your wallet and access your funds.
Learn why BitBox microSD backups are intentionally not encrypted by default.
If setup does not continue
The microSD card is not recognized: Check its orientation and compatibility, then follow How to fix microSD card issues with your BitBox02.
The BitBox02 is not detected: Use the checks in BitBox02: Not recognized via USB.
The BitBox02 remains on the bootloader screen: This can be normal during firmware installation. Follow BitBox02 stuck on “Bootloader”? What it means and how to fix it.
The pairing codes do not match: Do not confirm the pairing. Close the BitBoxApp, verify that it came from the official BitBox website, reconnect the BitBox02 and compare the codes again.
Supplementary video overview
This video was recorded with an older BitBoxApp version. Use the written steps and current screenshots above as the authoritative instructions; the video is provided only as a supplementary overview.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my BitBox02 with multiple computers or phones?
Yes. You can use the BitBox02 with more than one compatible computer or phone. Pair it with each new host and verify the pairing code before you continue. The wallet and device password remain on the BitBox02.
Can I use multiple BitBox devices with the same BitBoxApp?
Yes. You can use multiple BitBox devices with the same BitBoxApp installation. Each BitBox can contain a different wallet and keeps its own device password and backup; connecting another BitBox does not combine or change the wallets.
What if I forget my device password?
If you have forgotten the password and cannot unlock the BitBox02, the password cannot be recovered. Reset the device or use another BitBox02, then restore the wallet from a backup. If you still know the password and only want to replace it, follow How to change your BitBox02 device password.
What if I lose my microSD card backup?
If the BitBox02 still works and you know its password, create a new microSD card backup immediately. If the BitBox02 is unavailable, you need another existing backup to recover the wallet. Without a functioning BitBox02 or another backup, the wallet cannot be recovered.
Should I create more than one wallet backup?
The setup process creates one valid microSD card backup. Additional independent backups can reduce the risk of loss, but every extra copy must also be protected. Compare the trade-offs in How to choose a BitBox02 backup method.
How can I verify that my microSD card backup works?
Use the BitBox02 backup-check function after setup. Follow How to verify your BitBox02 microSD card backup for the complete steps.