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What you need to prepare Install the BitBoxApp on iOS Step-by-step setup guide FAQ Do I need Bluetooth to use BitBox02 Nova with iOS? Is Bluetooth secure? Can I connect the same BitBox02 to other devices later? What should I do if Bluetooth pairing or connection fails on iOS?

This guide explains how to set up your BitBox02 Nova using an iPhone or iPad.

Because iOS does not support USB connections for hardware wallets, the BitBox02 Nova connects to iOS devices via Bluetooth. You will be guided through preparation, Bluetooth pairing, firmware installation, wallet creation, and creating a microSD card backup.

What you need to prepare

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

  • An iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS version installed
  • The BitBoxApp for iOS, installed from the Apple App Store
  • Your BitBox02 Nova
  • The microSD card included with your BitBox02

Bluetooth is required when using BitBox02 Nova with iOS. USB connections are not supported on iPhone or iPad.

 

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.

Make sure you install the official app

 

The BitBoxApp is published by Shift Crypto AG.
Avoid unofficial apps with similar names, as they are not supported and may pose a security risk.

Once the app is installed, you can proceed with connecting your BitBox02 Nova via Bluetooth.

Step-by-step setup guide

  1. Open the BitBoxApp on your iPhone or iPad.
    You will see a waiting screen prompting you to connect your BitBox02 and tap the device to continue.
  1. Connect your BitBox02 Nova to your iOS device.
    As soon as it connects, the BitBox02 powers on and the display lights up.
  1. Select the display orientation on the BitBox02.
  2. After confirming the orientation, the display shows “See the BitBoxApp” together with a unique Bluetooth ID (for example: TPLP).
  3. In the BitBoxApp, tap the Bluetooth ID shown on your BitBox02 display.
  1. When prompted by iOS, review the Bluetooth pairing request.
    Verify that the pairing code shown on:
    1. your iOS device, and
    2. the BitBox02 display
      is identical.
  1. Tap Pair on your iOS device and confirm the pairing on the BitBox02.

On iOS, this Bluetooth pairing replaces the standard pairing confirmation used on non-Bluetooth connections (for example on desktop devices).

 
  1. After successful pairing, you are taken to the Welcome screen in the BitBoxApp.
  1. If this is a new device, tap Install firmware now when prompted.
  1. Wait until the firmware installation completes without closing the app or interrupting the connection.
  1. After installation, confirm that the BitBoxApp shows your device as connected.
  1. The Set up your wallet screen now opens in the BitBoxApp.
  1. Here you can choose to restore a wallet from recovery words, restore from a microSD card, or use advanced options.
  2. Proceed with the standard setup, which creates a 24-word recovery wallet.
  3. For this guide, continue with the recommended default option.
  4. Tap Create wallet.
  5. Enter a wallet name (for example: BB02 Nova (Multi)) and tap Continue.
  1. Confirm the wallet name on the BitBox02 display.
  1. When prompted to set a BitBox02 device password, enter a password directly on the BitBox02.

The upper part of the display shows the next touch layout.
The lower part shows the currently active touch layout you are entering.

 
  1. Re-enter the same password on the BitBox02 to confirm it.
    Once confirmed, the BitBox02 display shows Success.
  2. When the Create backup screen appears in the BitBoxApp, read all information carefully and confirm to proceed.
  1. On the Confirm today’s date screen, verify and confirm the date on your BitBox02.
  2. After the backup is created, the BitBoxApp shows You’re ready to go.
  1. Tap Get started to finish the setup.

The BitBoxApp reminds you to store the microSD card separately from your BitBox02 in a secure location.

 

FAQ

Do I need Bluetooth to use BitBox02 Nova with iOS?

Yes. iOS devices require Bluetooth to connect to the BitBox02 Nova. USB connections are not supported on iPhone or iPad.

Is Bluetooth secure?

Yes. The BitBox02 Nova uses encrypted Bluetooth communication and requires on-device confirmation during pairing.
Always verify that the pairing code shown on your iOS device matches the code displayed on the BitBox02.

For a detailed technical explanation, see:
Whisper: How the secure Bluetooth integration of the BitBox02 Nova works

Can I connect the same BitBox02 to other devices later?

Yes. You can use the same BitBox02 with desktop computers or other mobile devices after setup.

What should I do if Bluetooth pairing or connection fails on iOS?

If you experience issues such as:

  • The BitBox02 Nova not appearing in the BitBoxApp
  • Bluetooth pairing failing
  • The connection dropping unexpectedly

Please refer to our dedicated troubleshooting guide:

Troubleshooting BitBox02 Nova Bluetooth issues on iOS

This guide covers common causes, recommended checks, and step-by-step solutions.

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