Not possible to skip SD-Card backup

[micressor]

If there is a new BitBox02, there is no way to skip sd card backup.

The app forces a backup to the SD card.

However, if I prefer to make a paper backup or steal wallet backup, I can't currently do that.

Safe for beginners but not ideal for experienced bitboxers.

You could at least with warnings or a switch
/opt/bitbox/BitBox --do-not-force-sd-card-backup
make this possible for experienced bitboxers. ;-)

Found in version: 4.32.0

[benma]

Hi

Can you elaborate why exactly you prefer to skip the microSD card backup?

However, if I prefer to make a paper backup or steal wallet backup, I can't currently do that.

You can still make these after you setup the device by going to 'Manage device'.

A way to create a wallet without a microSD backup is to create the mnemonic yourself, e.g. by following this guide.

Related/duplicate: #483

[micressor]

Can you elaborate why exactly you prefer to skip the microSD card backup?

When the bitbox02 forces me to write to the SD card, I am confronted with erasing the SD card again safely, because the backup the sd-card is un-encrypted. If it's encrypted anyway, it doesn't matter so much, even if I don't need the SD card any further then.

[benma]

Your 24-words backup is also not encrypted. You could store the microSD card along with your 24-word backup. It makes restoring a lot quicker and easier.

[micressor]

@benma Confirmed. Restoring is easier. The app should just make sure that either an SD card backup was made or the words were properly written down on paper (by asking for the 24 words).

I would still appreciate it if the BitBoxApp didn't force you to do an SD card backup.

[benma]

This feature will be available in the upcoming firmware release v9.13.0.

We are still pondering if and how to add this option to the BitBoxApp itself.

[benma]

We plan on enabling this in the BitBoxApp. Assigning @thisconnect as he is currently working on it here:

#2102

[NicolaLS]

is this closed by #2137 ?

[sjentzsch]

Didn't test or verify yet, but according to the latest release notes this should now be possible, yes:
https://github.com/digitalbitbox/bitbox-wallet-app/releases/tag/v4.38.0

Add advanced setup with skip microSD card or 12-word seed options

@thisconnect guess we can close this one?

[thisconnect]

yes indeed, it is now possible to create a new wallet using recovery words instead of microSD card backup by using "advanced setup options" in v4.38.0, see https://bitbox.swiss/blog/bitbox-06-2023-bellinzona-update/

[satoshinotdead]

I appreciate this! And I have a big question:

Initializing a new wallet (on a previously SD backed) with the same words should broke the SD backup or keep it working as before?

[benma]

Could you rephrase that question? I am not sure I understand your question.

[satoshinotdead]

@benma of course, sorry if I didn't explain myself correctly.

I lost my unencrypted SD card backup, but I still have my recovery phrase. If I restart my wallet and restore it using the recovery phrase, will the unencrypted SD card backup that BitBox generated without my consent still function as a backup?

Do I need to move my funds and incur fees, or can I simply restore my wallet resetting it to effectively invalidate the unwanted, non-encrypted backup?

[benma]

The existing sdcard carries the same information as your recovery phrase, and anyone with access to it has access to your funds. If there is a chance that someone could have access to the sdcard, then it's best to create a new wallet/seed and move the funds.