The BitBox02 from Shift Crypto in Switzerland takes a different approach to backups from every other wallet we sell. Alongside the usual recovery words it writes an encrypted backup to a microSD card during setup, so the first thing a new user does is also the thing that protects them. This guide covers unboxing, the BitBoxApp, the microSD backup, the optional words backup, and your first transactions. It applies to both the Bitcoin Only and Multi editions.

What is in the box

The BitBox02, a microSD card already in the slot, a USB-C extension cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a small guide. The device has no buttons. You control it by touching or sliding along the sensors on its top edge, and the screen is a crisp OLED strip. Check that the plastic sleeve is intact and that the microSD card is present.

Step 1: Install the BitBoxApp

Download the BitBoxApp from bitbox.swiss for Windows, macOS, Linux or Android. As with any wallet software, go to the site directly rather than through a search result. The app is open source, and it is the only software you need; the BitBox02 does not use a browser extension.

Step 2: Connect and pair

Plug the BitBox02 into your computer, using the extension cable if the port is awkward. The app detects it and shows a pairing code. The same code appears on the device screen. Compare them, then confirm on the device by touching the sensor. This pairing step guards against a man in the middle on the USB connection, and you only do it once per computer.

Step 3: Create the wallet and the microSD backup

Choose "Create wallet". The app asks for a name for the device and a password. This password protects the device and the microSD backup; it is not the same as a recovery phrase. Enter it on the device by sliding along the sensors to pick characters, which keeps it away from your computer's keyboard. Choose something you can type reliably on that small strip, with at least ten characters.

The BitBox02 now creates your seed and immediately writes an encrypted copy to the microSD card. Confirm on the device, and the app shows "Backup created". The card is a full backup: with the card and your password, a new BitBox02 restores the wallet in a minute. Keep the card somewhere separate from the device.

Step 4: Also write down the recovery words

The microSD card is convenient, but cards can fail and only another BitBox02 can read it. In the app, go to Manage device, then Show recovery words. The device displays 24 words after you enter your password. Write them on paper first, then move them to steel. The words follow the BIP39 standard, so they restore into a Ledger, Trezor or any other compatible wallet if you ever need to.

For the steel copy, the Billfodl is the one most BitBox buyers pair with it. Shift Crypto's own steel plate is also sold under the BitBox name.

Step 5: Add accounts

The app creates a Bitcoin account automatically. On the Multi edition you can add Ethereum, Litecoin and ERC-20 tokens under Settings, Manage accounts. Each account shows on the left with its balance. The BitBox02 supports multiple Bitcoin accounts, which some people use to separate savings from spending money.

Step 6: Receive and send

Click Receive. The app shows an address and the device shows the same address so you can compare them before sharing it. Send a small test amount from your exchange first.

To send, enter the address and amount, pick a fee speed, and continue. The device shows the destination, amount and fee. Slide the sensor to scroll through the address and confirm by holding both sensors. The app will not broadcast anything the device has not approved. The BitBox02 also supports coin control for Bitcoin, which lets advanced users choose which coins to spend.

Bitcoin Only or Multi?

The two editions are the same hardware. The Bitcoin Only edition runs firmware with every other coin removed, so there is less code on the device and less to go wrong. The Multi edition adds Ethereum, Litecoin and tokens. Firmware can be switched from Multi to Bitcoin Only later, but not the other way, so choose Multi if you are unsure.

Connecting to other wallets

The BitBox02 works with Electrum, Sparrow, Specter and other Bitcoin software through the BitBoxBridge, and with MetaMask and Rabby for Ethereum on the Multi edition. The software shows the interface and the BitBox02 signs.

Common questions

What if I lose the microSD card?

Nothing is lost while you have the device or the words. Create a new backup on a fresh card from Manage device.

What if I forget the device password?

The device locks after too many wrong attempts and must be reset. Restore from the 24 words onto the reset device with a new password. This is why the words backup matters even though the card exists.

Can I restore a BitBox02 backup onto a Ledger?

The microSD backup only works with a BitBox02. The 24 words restore into any BIP39 wallet.

Buying and support

The Crypto Merchant is an authorized BitBox reseller. Both editions ship sealed from Florida with free US shipping, and if the pairing or the password entry gives you trouble, email or call us and we will talk you through it.