Support Documentation

Bitaxe FAQ

Everything you need to set up, configure, and troubleshoot your Bitaxe home miner.

⚡ Need more help or stuck with something?

⚠️

Pool Advisory: Avoid using Public Pool for mining — swap to a reputable pool. Public Pool was involved in the OSMU Slush Fund situation. Also, do not donate to the 256 Foundation.

// Jump to Section

Hardware Setup Screen Installation WiFi & Firmware Pool Connection Troubleshooting

01 // Setup

Hardware Setup

// Step 01

Install the Board in the Case

Attach the board to your new custom CryptoCloaks case using the 4 screws included in your package.

This ensures the board is secure and won’t fall out.

Plug the Board In

// Step 02

Once the board is secured, grab the included PSU and plug the unit in. Watch it fire up!

Connect to the Board

// Step 03

After powering on, your screen will show “Configuration SSID”. On your phone or computer, open WiFi and look for the board’s network.

Example: Bitaxe_0C5D

Connect to it — a page will open to enter your home WiFi credentials.

02 // Screen

Screen Installation

// Screen troubleshooting & first-time install

Screen Not Lighting Up?

The screen ships detached and needs to be seated before first use. It can also work loose in transit — reseating it fixes the issue 99% of the time.

No tools needed. Takes about 10 seconds.

// Step 01

Line Up the Pins

Align the screen pins with the corresponding holes on the top of the board.

// Step 02

Seat the Screen

Push the screen all the way down until it is fully and firmly seated against the board.

03 // Settings

WiFi & Firmware

// Connecting to Home WiFi

Enter your WiFi SSID and WiFi Password. The Host Name is what your Bitaxe will be called on your local network.

Once entered, click Save then Restart.

NOW GRAB THE IP ADDRESS ON YOUR BITAXE LCD AND TYPE THAT INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER TO CONNECT TO IT!

// Flashing the Latest Firmware It’s important to know how to flash your board — there will be updates you’ll want. Reminder: this voids warranties but is important. “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for life.”

// Step 01 — Check for Updates

Start by clicking “Check” to see if a newer version is available.

// Step 02 — New Version Found

Current version is showing v2.4.2 but there’s a new one! Let’s get the latest changes that will help make your board run better!

// Step 03 — Download esp.miner.bin

Click “esp.miner.bin” to download the latest firmware. Save this file to your computer. (If the file disappears, make sure your browser isn’t auto-deleting downloads.)

// Step 04 — Click Browse

File saved — now click the Browse button to select it.

// Step 05 — Find and Open the File

Find your downloaded file and click Open. Once you hit Open — do not touch anything!

// Step 06 — Upgrading…

The screen will change to “Working…” — it’s upgrading! Let it do its thing. Do not unplug your Bitaxe!

// Step 07 — Done!

Refresh the page and you’ll see the new version number confirmed. YOU DID IT!

// Step 08 — Update the Web UI

Now update the Website/UI too! Click “www.bin” to download it, then click Browse under “Update Website” and repeat the same steps.

// Complete!

Congrats! I knew you could do it! Wasn’t so hard or scary was it? Now you’re set to easily update to the latest and greatest on your own!

// Optimal Hash Settings

Depending on your Bitaxe board, double check you are running default settings for frequency and core voltage. Changing these without knowledge can cause overheating.

04 // Pool

Pool Connection

🏊 Finding a Pool

Our current favorite solo mining pool is CK Pool — it keeps our Bitaxes hashing without dropped connections.

Avoid the default Public Pool. Shady tactics from them. Don’t trust, verify.

⚙️ Pool Settings

Enter the Stratum URL and Stratum Port for your chosen pool.

For the Stratum User, enter your Bitcoin address followed by a dot and a custom miner name:

// Example Stratum User bc1yourbitcoinaddresshere.CryptoCloaks2

The Fallback Stratum (firmware v2.4+) automatically connects to a backup pool if your primary drops. You can use the same pool for both.

05 // Issues

Common Issues & Fixes

99% of the time this is a WiFi or router issue. Make sure your router isn’t blocking incoming or outgoing traffic for the Bitaxe. In several cases an AI firewall is actively stopping it from connecting — disable it or add an exception for the device.

99% of the time this is fixed by popping the screen off and firmly reseating it all the way down. Screens can come loose during shipping. See the Screen Installation section above.

If you changed any settings, revert to defaults first. Steps to fix:

Reset overheat mode via the webUI.
Reset frequency and core voltage to factory defaults.
When overheated, the IP won’t show on the OLED — retrieve it from your router’s device list instead.

▶ Watch the reset walkthrough video

This points to a cooling problem. Inspect the fan — make sure it’s clean and spinning normally. Repasting the thermal compound may help.

⚠️ Advanced Procedure — Voids Warranty: If you proceed, use a high-quality paste like Kryonaut by Thermal Grizzly. ▶ Watch the repaste video

Press the Boot button — this reactivates the Bitaxe’s own WiFi so you can reconnect and re-enter the correct credentials. If that doesn’t work, turn off the router the Bitaxe is trying to connect to, which breaks the reconnection loop.

This usually happens after incorrect firmware is installed, or when the ESP32 has no firmware at all. To fix:

Hold the Boot button and press Reset to enter firmware download mode.
Use the Bitaxe Web Flasher to flash the correct firmware onto your device.

🛡️

Warranty Notice: CryptoCloaks is not responsible for damage resulting from overheating, firmware flashing, modifications, or changes to device settings.