Key takeaways
- BitBox02 offers top-tier security with open-source firmware and independent audits.
- It supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including a Bitcoin-only edition for enhanced safety.
- The wallet has a compact, minimalist design with intuitive touch sensors and USB-C connectivity.
- MicroSD card backup ensures easy recovery if the device is lost or damaged.
Apple’s 6th generation Nano announced back in 2010, was this tiny, square device with a touchscreen that weighed practically nothing.
And yet, despite its minimalist design, it arguably outperformed its predecessors, delivering an impressive 24 hours of music playback on a single charge.
The BitBox02 hardware wallet seems to approach the same question that Apple faced in the run-up to the 6th gen nano: do we really need all the extra bits?
In the wake of Trezor’s, ELLIPAL’s, or even NGRAVE’s comparatively large hardware wallets, BitBox02 hits the sweet spot in terms of design and usability – so long as you don’t accidentally lose it in a Welsh dump, of course.
Today, we’ll be putting the BitBox02 under the microscope.
Overview of BitBox02
The BitBox02 is a hardware wallet developed by Shift Crypto AG, a Swiss company often praised for its high levels of security and user privacy.
Released in 2019, the hardware wallet is already tried, tested and community-rated. Even now, in 2025, it frequently tops the lists of the most popular crypto hardware wallets globally.
While it does not feature specific certifications like EAL6+, its security architecture has been independently audited, and the firmware is fully open-source, allowing for transparency and community scrutiny.
The BitBox02 is uniquely designed with invisible touch sensors and a built-in USB-C connector, making it easy to connect to modern devices. It supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, and offers a simple backup solution through an included microSD card.
For Bitcoin enthusiasts, a Bitcoin-only edition is available, reducing the attack surface for enhanced security.
Security
Shift Crypto AG have made a point about prioritizing open-source transparency and independent audits over formal certifications. So, let’s take a look under the security hood.
- Private key storage: Private keys are stored offline within the device's internal memory, completely isolated from internet-connected devices. This offline storage significantly reduces exposure to online threats, ensuring that private keys remain secure even when the device is connected to potentially compromised computers.
- Firmware: The BitBox02 operates on fully open-source firmware, allowing the community to audit and verify the code for potential vulnerabilities. Regular updates are also provided to address security enhancements and feature improvements.
- Tamper resistance: The device features tamper-evident packaging and a durable physical design to protect against unauthorized access or physical manipulation. Additionally, the BitBox02 employs a secure chip to enhance protection against physical attacks, safeguarding sensitive operations and data within the device.
- Recovery options: The BitBox02 offers multiple recovery methods, including standard 12-, 20-, and 24-word seed phrases, as well as a unique microSD card backup feature. This microSD card backup ensures access to your assets even if the device is lost or damaged.
Did you know? The BitBox02 hardware wallet uniquely implements the anti-klepto protocol, safeguarding against the nonce covert channel attack—a method by which a compromised device could leak private keys through manipulated transaction signatures. By incorporating this protocol, BitBox02 ensures that even if the host computer is compromised, the private keys remain secure during the signing process.
Setup and usability
Despite its size, the BitBox02 hardware wallet is designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring a seamless experience from unboxing to daily use.
Unboxing experience
Upon receiving your BitBox02, you'll find it securely packaged in a tamper-evident, vacuum-sealed bag, ensuring the device's integrity during transit. Inside the box, the contents include:
- The BitBox02 hardware wallet
- A microSD card, used for creating secure backups of your wallet
- A USB-C to USB-A adapter, facilitating connections to devices lacking USB-C ports
- A USB-C extension cable that provides flexibility in connecting the device to your computer or smartphone
- Rubber pulls which assist in handling the device
- BitBox02 stickers for personalization
- A quick start guide that offers initial setup instructions
Initial setup
Setting up the BitBox02 is designed to be straightforward:
- Download the BitBoxApp: Visit the official BitBox website to download the BitBoxApp compatible with your operating system.
- Insert the microSD card: Before connecting the device, insert the provided microSD card into the slot on the BitBox02.
- Connect the device: Plug the BitBox02 into your computer or smartphone using the USB-C connector. If necessary, use the included USB-C to USB-A adapter or extension cable.
- Install firmware: Upon connection, the BitBoxApp will prompt you to install the latest firmware, ensuring the device operates with the most recent security updates.
- Select display orientation: Choose the preferred display orientation by touching the side of the device that suits your setup.
- Confirm pairing code: Verify that the pairing code displayed on the BitBox02 matches the one shown in the BitBoxApp to establish a secure connection.
- Create a new wallet: Follow the on-screen instructions to generate a new wallet, during which a backup will be created on the microSD card.
- Set a device password: Establish a secure password to protect access to your BitBox02.
The BitBoxApp provides a guided setup process, making it accessible even for those new to hardware wallets.
Documentation and support
Shift Crypto provides comprehensive support resources, including detailed user guides, tutorials, and an extensive knowledge base accessible through their official website.
Additionally, customer support is available to assist with any inquiries, ensuring users have access to the information and help they need throughout their experience.
Asset support and compatibility
The BitBox02 hardware wallet is available in two editions:
- Multi edition: Supports a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), and over 1,500 ERC-20 tokens. A selection of ERC-20 tokens is accessible directly through the BitBoxApp, which can be enabled within the Ethereum account settings. For tokens not listed in the BitBoxApp, users can interact via compatible web wallets such as MyEtherWallet or Rabby.
- Bitcoin-only edition: Exclusively supports Bitcoin, offering a streamlined experience for Bitcoin enthusiasts.
In terms of DApp integrations, the BitBox02 facilitates connections to Ethereum-based decentralized applications (DApps) through WalletConnect, an open protocol supported by the BitBoxApp. This integration allows users to engage with various DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and other DApps while keeping their private keys securely stored on the device.
Did you know? The BitBox02 Bitcoin-only edition is designed with a dedicated firmware that exclusively supports Bitcoin. This focused approach reduces the device's codebase, thereby minimizing potential attack vectors and enhancing overall security.
Design and build quality
The BitBox02 offers a sleek and minimalist design.
Its compact dimensions (54.5 x 25.4 x 9.6 mm) and lightweight build (12 grams) make it highly portable and discreet.
The device features a durable plastic casing with a built-in USB-C connector, facilitating direct connection to modern devices. For compatibility with older hardware, a USB-C to USB-A adapter is included.
The monochromatic OLED display (128 x 64 pixels) provides clear visibility for transaction details, and the touch sensors enable intuitive navigation. Overall, the BitBox02's design reflects Swiss engineering excellence, combining durability with user-friendly features.
Pricing
The BitBox02 isn’t the cheapest wallet out there but remains price-competitive.
- Multi edition: Priced at €119.00.
- Bitcoin-only edition: Also priced at €119.00.
Both editions come with a two-year warranty as standard.
Quick reminder!
FAQs
1. Can BitBox02 be hacked?
While no device can be deemed entirely unhackable, the BitBox02 incorporates several robust security measures to protect against potential threats.
Its firmware is fully open-source, encouraging independent security audits and responsible disclosures of any vulnerabilities. Additionally, the BitBox02 employs a secure chip to enhance protection against physical attacks, safeguarding sensitive operations and data within the device.
2. Is BitBox02 compatible with my cryptocurrency?
The BitBox02 is available in two editions:
- Multi Edition: Supports Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), and a large variety of ERC-20 tokens. A selection of ERC-20 tokens is accessible directly through the BitBoxApp, which can be enabled within the Ethereum account settings. For tokens not listed in the BitBoxApp, users can interact via compatible web wallets such as MyEtherWallet or Rabby.
- Bitcoin-Only Edition: Exclusively supports Bitcoin, offering a streamlined experience for Bitcoin enthusiasts.
To determine if your specific cryptocurrency is supported, please refer to the official BitBox02 documentation or contact their support team.
3. How do I recover my funds if I lose the wallet?
If your BitBox02 is lost or damaged, you can recover your funds using the backup created during the initial setup. The BitBox02 offers multiple recovery methods, including standard 12-, 20-, and 24-word seed phrases, as well as a unique microSD card backup feature. To restore your wallet from the microSD card backup, insert the microSD card into a new BitBox02 device and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your wallet.
4. Does it support staking or other advanced features?
Yes, the BitBox02 supports staking for certain cryptocurrencies. For example, you can stake Cardano (ADA) by connecting your BitBox02 to AdaLite, a web-based Cardano wallet. Once connected, you can delegate your ADA to a staking pool directly through AdaLite.
For Ethereum (ETH) staking, the BitBox02 can be used in conjunction with third-party services like Lido. To use Lido with the BitBox02, you will need to connect it via Rabby, a MetaMask fork.
Please be aware that these staking services have no association with BitBox and have not been officially tested by BitBox. They may not work as expected or could stop working at any point, potentially resulting in stuck, hard-to-recover, or permanently lost coins. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and understand the associated risks before proceeding with staking.
5. Where can I purchase the BitBox02?
Additionally, the BitBox02 is available on well-known online platforms such as Amazon and specialized crypto retailers. When purchasing, ensure you buy from trustworthy sources to obtain an original and undamaged product.
Written by Bradley Peak
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