BitBox adds Lightning wallet without new seed phrase

BitBox, the maker of bitcoin hardware wallets, announced on Tuesday that it is adding Lightning Network functionality to its devices.

Users of any BitBox hardware wallet will now be able to generate a Lightning hot wallet within the BitBoxApp on their phone. They can then top it up from their on-chain funds and settle invoices without needing to switch between different applications or rely on external services, according to Tuesday's announcement.

Furthermore, no new seed phrase is required. Since the Lightning wallet is generated from the existing BitBox backup, users do not have to record any additional words. The two wallets remain separate.

Instant bitcoin on a hardware wallet

Savings on the BitBox, spending on your phone, one backup for both wallets. Powered by Breez.

Congrats @BitBoxSwiss https://t.co/vM3JE0WNEC

— Breez (@Breez_Tech) September 15, 2026

The Lightning wallet operates as a hot wallet intended for modest sums and routine use, such as buying coffee or making transfers, whereas savings intended for the long term remain secured on the hardware device.

From within the BitBoxApp, users are able to scan and settle Lightning invoices, send and receive bitcoin, set up a personal Lightning address, add funds from their on-chain wallet, and move money back from Lightning to on-chain.

The functionality is powered by the Breez SDK, and BitBox joins over 100 other integration partners. The Spark component manages the technical complexity that previously deterred casual users from Lightning: there is no requirement to operate a node, open channels, or manage liquidity. Users retain full control of their funds throughout.

In August, Breez launched Glow, an application that provides developers with visibility into the inner workings of the Lightning wallet, enabling them to create their own products.