You can install or update the BitBoxApp on Android without Google Play by downloading the official APK, Android’s app installation file. Use only the BitBox download page or the official BitBoxApp GitHub releases; avoid third-party APK sites and app stores.

Before you begin

Check BitBoxApp device and operating-system requirements first. Installing the APK does not guarantee that a custom Android system can communicate with your BitBox02. You can install and open the app without connecting a BitBox02.

If you are updating, install the newer APK over your existing BitBoxApp. You normally do not need to uninstall it first.

1. Download the official APK

The screenshots show an older BitBoxApp release and one Android interface. Use the latest stable release, even when its version number or the prompts differ.

1. On your Android device, open the official BitBox download page and follow the Android APK link. It leads to the latest stable BitBoxApp release on GitHub. Pre-releases are for testing and may contain unfinished features or bugs.
2. In the release’s Assets section, select the file ending in -android.apk. The file ending in .apk.asc is a separate signature file, not the installer.
3. If your browser displays the generic File might be harmful download prompt, check that you reached the file through the official links above and that its name ends in .apk. Only then tap Download anyway. This download prompt is different from a warning that an app has been detected as harmful.
4. Wait for the download to finish, then check the filename in your browser’s downloads list. You need the complete .apk file.

For an additional check before opening the APK, you can verify its signature or compare its SHA-256 checksum. A checksum match alone does not independently authenticate the publisher. If verification fails, do not install the file.

2. Allow and install the APK

Android may require installation permission for the app opening the APK, such as your browser or file manager. Menu names vary by device and Android version.

1. Open the downloaded .apk from your browser’s downloads list or the Downloads folder in your file manager. Android should show an installation prompt for BitBoxApp.
2. If Android says this source cannot install unknown apps, tap Settings in that prompt. Turn on Allow from this source for the browser or file manager you are using, then return to the installation prompt. If needed, open the same APK again.
3. Check that the prompt names BitBoxApp, then tap Install. If it describes an update to the existing app, continue with that update. Wait until Android reports App installed.

If Android reports a harmful app, a package conflict, or another installation failure, stop and use the guidance below. Do not disable Play Protect or other device security protections to force installation.

3. Open the app and turn off installation permission

1. Tap Open after installation, or open BitBoxApp from your app list. Installation is complete when the BitBoxApp opens normally; a welcome screen asking you to connect your BitBox is expected when no device is connected.
2. If you enabled Allow from this source, turn it off again. On a Pixel, open Android Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps, select the browser or file manager you allowed, and turn off Allow from this source. On other devices, search Settings for Install unknown apps or follow your manufacturer’s instructions.

You can now connect and unlock your BitBox02 to access your wallet accounts. BitBox02 firmware is updated separately; if the app offers a firmware update, follow the BitBox02 firmware update instructions.

For future APK updates, download the latest stable version from the same official source and repeat these steps over the existing installation.

If installation does not complete

If Android says your browser or file manager lacks permission to install unknown apps, return to step 2 and check permission for that specific app. For a managed device or a setting blocked by a security policy, contact the device administrator or manufacturer rather than bypassing the restriction.

For a harmful-app warning, package conflict, or failure that continues after the source permission is set, contact BitBox Support. Include your device model, Android version, APK filename, exact error message, and the step that failed. Do not uninstall the existing BitBoxApp or share wallet secrets as a troubleshooting step.