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D-Central Technologies — Bitaxe Pioneers Since Day One

Bitaxe Setup Guide: Complete Guide for Every Model (2026)

Whether you just unboxed your first Bitaxe Supra or you are configuring a Bitaxe Hex for maximum hashrate, this is the only setup guide you will ever need. We cover every model, from initial power-on to optimized solo mining — written by the team that has been building and shipping Bitaxe miners since the very beginning.

⚠ CRITICAL: USB-C Is NOT for Power

The USB-C port on all Bitaxe and NerdAxe models is for firmware flashing and serial console only. Powering your Bitaxe through USB-C can damage the board. Always use the correct DC power connector for your model (see the power table below).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. What You Need (Checklist)
  2. Power Requirements by Model
  3. 7-Step Quick Start
  4. Model-Specific Setup Guides
  5. AxeOS Configuration Deep Dive
  6. Mining Pool Configuration
  7. Recommended Accessories
  8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  9. FAQ
  10. Further Reading

1. What You Need Before You Start

Gather everything before powering on. Here is your complete checklist:

ItemDetailsRequired?
Bitaxe MinerAny model: Supra, Ultra, Gamma, GT, or HexYes
Power Supply5V/6A barrel jack (Supra/Ultra/Gamma) or 12V XT30 (GT/Hex)Yes
WiFi Network2.4 GHz WPA2 network (5 GHz is NOT supported)Yes
Computer or PhoneAny device with a web browser for AxeOS accessYes
Bitcoin Wallet AddressA valid BTC address to receive mining rewardsYes
USB-C CableOnly needed for firmware flashing — NOT for powerOptional
Heatsink / CoolingPremium heatsink recommended for sustained hashingRecommended
Stand or EnclosureMesh stand for airflow, modern enclosure for aestheticsRecommended

2. Power Requirements by Model

Using the wrong power supply is the #1 cause of Bitaxe failures. Match your model exactly:

ModelConnectorVoltagePSU RequiredShop
Bitaxe Supra5.5×2.1mm DC barrel jack5V5V / 6A minimumBuy PSU →
Bitaxe Ultra5.5×2.1mm DC barrel jack5V5V / 6A minimumBuy PSU →
Bitaxe Gamma5.5×2.1mm DC barrel jack5V5V / 6A minimumBuy PSU →
Bitaxe GTXT30 connector12V12V / 6A minimumBuy cable →
Bitaxe HexXT30 connector12V12V / 10A minimumBuy cable →

Need help choosing? Read our Bitaxe Power Consumption Guide.


3. Seven-Step Quick Start

From unboxing to hashing in under 10 minutes. Follow these steps in order:

STEP 1 — Connect Power

Plug in the correct power supply for your model (see table above). The OLED screen or LED should light up within seconds. Never use USB-C for power.

STEP 2 — Connect to Bitaxe WiFi

On your phone or computer, look for a WiFi network named Bitaxe_XXXX (where XXXX is a unique identifier). Connect to this hotspot. No password is required.

STEP 3 — Open AxeOS Dashboard

Open a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.4.1. This is the AxeOS web interface, your command center for everything Bitaxe.

STEP 4 — Configure Your WiFi Network

In AxeOS, go to Settings → WiFi. Enter your home WiFi network name (SSID) and password. Only 2.4 GHz networks are supported. Click Save. The Bitaxe will reboot and connect to your network.

STEP 5 — Find Your Bitaxe on the Network

After reboot, your Bitaxe joins your home network. Find its new IP address by checking your router admin page, or try http://bitaxe.local (mDNS). Bookmark this address — you will use it to access AxeOS going forward.

STEP 6 — Set Your Mining Pool and Wallet

In AxeOS, go to Settings → Mining. Enter your pool URL (e.g., public-pool.io:21496 for solo mining), your Bitcoin wallet address, and a worker name. See the pool configuration section below for recommended pools.

STEP 7 — Start Mining and Verify

Click Save & Restart. Within 30-60 seconds, you should see hashrate data on the AxeOS dashboard. The OLED display will show your current hashrate, temperature, and best difficulty share. Congratulations — you are now solo mining Bitcoin! Check your pool dashboard to confirm your worker is visible.


4. Model-Specific Setup Guides

Each Bitaxe model has unique hardware characteristics. For detailed instructions tailored to your specific board, follow the dedicated guide:

ModelASIC ChipTypical HashrateGuide
Bitaxe SupraBM1368 (S19k Pro)400-600 GH/sSupra Setup Guide →
Bitaxe UltraBM1366 (S19 XP)500-700 GH/sUltra Setup Guide →
Bitaxe GammaBM1370 (S21)800-1200 GH/sGamma Setup Guide →
Bitaxe GTBM1371 (S21 Pro)1.0-1.5 TH/sGT Setup Guide →
Bitaxe Hex6x BM13683.0-4.0 TH/sHex Setup Guide →

Not sure which model to buy? Read our Bitaxe Buying Guide or compare all models in our Bitaxe Supra vs Gamma vs Hex vs GT comparison.


5. AxeOS Configuration Deep Dive

AxeOS is the firmware that runs on every Bitaxe. Once you have completed the quick start, here is how to fine-tune every setting for maximum performance and reliability.

5.1 — Understanding the Dashboard

The AxeOS dashboard is your real-time mining monitor. Key metrics to watch:

  • Hashrate — Current and average hashrate in GH/s or TH/s. Fluctuation of ±15% is normal.
  • Temperature — ASIC die temperature. Keep below 70°C for longevity (below 65°C is ideal).
  • Best Difficulty — The highest difficulty share your miner has found. Higher is better for solo mining.
  • Shares — Accepted vs rejected shares. Rejected shares above 2% indicate a problem.
  • Uptime — How long since last reboot. Longer uptime means more stable operation.

For a complete walkthrough of every AxeOS setting, see our AxeOS Complete Guide.

5.2 — WiFi Settings

Navigate to Settings → WiFi in AxeOS:

  • SSID — Your 2.4 GHz WiFi network name. The Bitaxe does not support 5 GHz networks.
  • Password — Your WiFi password. WPA2 is required; open networks are not recommended.
  • Hostname — Set a custom hostname (e.g., bitaxe-office) so you can find the device easily on your network.

Tip: If you have multiple Bitaxe units, assign each a unique hostname for easy identification. Some routers also let you reserve a static IP address for each device.

5.3 — Mining Settings

Navigate to Settings → Mining:

  • Pool URL — The stratum address of your mining pool (e.g., public-pool.io:21496).
  • Fallback Pool URL — A backup pool in case your primary goes down. Always configure this.
  • User / Wallet Address — Your Bitcoin address. For solo mining pools, this is typically your BTC address directly.
  • Worker Name — An identifier for this specific miner (e.g., bitaxe-living-room).

5.4 — Overclocking and Frequency Tuning

AxeOS allows you to adjust the core voltage and frequency of your ASIC chip. This is how experienced miners squeeze extra hashrate from their Bitaxe — but proceed carefully:

  • Core Voltage — Controls power to the ASIC. Higher voltage enables higher frequencies but increases heat and power draw.
  • Frequency — The clock speed of the ASIC chip. Start at the default and increase in small increments (+25 MHz).
  • Auto-Tune — AxeOS can automatically find optimal settings. Enable this first before manual tuning.

Golden rule: Increase frequency by small steps, monitor temperature for 15 minutes after each change, and back off if you see rejected shares or temperatures above 70°C. For detailed overclocking strategies, see our Bitaxe Overclocking Guide.

5.5 — Firmware Updates

AxeOS receives regular updates with performance improvements and bug fixes. There are two methods to update:

  • OTA (Over-The-Air) — The easiest method. In AxeOS, go to Settings → Firmware, upload the new .bin file, and click Update. The Bitaxe will reboot with the new firmware.
  • USB Serial — For recovery or initial flashing. Connect a USB-C cable, use esptool.py or the web flasher at flasher.bitaxe.org to flash the firmware.

Always check the AxeOS GitHub releases for the latest version. For step-by-step instructions, see our Bitaxe Firmware Update Guide.

5.6 — Advanced Configuration (API, Scripts, Network)

Power users can access the AxeOS REST API for automation, monitoring, and fleet management. The API allows you to read hashrate, temperature, and shares data programmatically, adjust settings remotely, and integrate with home automation systems.

For API documentation, scripting examples, and network configuration, see:


6. Mining Pool Configuration

Solo mining is the heart of the Bitaxe experience — every hash is your lottery ticket for a full block reward. Here are the most popular solo mining pools, pre-configured for Bitaxe:

PoolStratum URLPortFeeNotes
Public Poolpublic-pool.io214960%Most popular for Bitaxe. Free, open-source, real-time dashboard.
Solo CKPoolsolo.ckpool.org33332%Battle-tested solo pool by Con Kolivas. Very reliable.
OCEANmine.ocean.xyz33340%Decentralized pool. Non-custodial payouts via TIDES.

Which pool should you choose? For most Bitaxe miners, we recommend Public Pool — it is free, purpose-built for small miners, and has an excellent dashboard. For a deep comparison of all options, read our Best Mining Pools for Bitaxe.

Solo mining odds: With a Bitaxe Gamma at ~1 TH/s, the probability of finding a block is roughly 1 in 600,000 per day at current network difficulty. It is a lottery — but someone wins, and with the Bitaxe, every hash counts. Track real Bitaxe block wins on our Bitaxe Block Wins Tracker.


7. Recommended Accessories

Get the most from your Bitaxe with these battle-tested accessories from D-Central:

AccessoryCompatible WithWhy You Need ItShop
Premium Aluminum HeatsinkSupra, Ultra, Gamma, GTBetter thermal performance means higher sustained hashrate and longer chip life.Buy →
Bitaxe Hex HeatsinkHexPurpose-built for the 6-chip Hex. Essential for stable multi-TH/s operation.Buy →
Bitaxe Mesh StandAll single-chip modelsD-Central original design. Open-air mesh maximizes airflow around the board.Buy →
Modern Stand EnclosureSupra, Ultra, Gamma, GTSleek enclosure for desk or shelf display while maintaining airflow.Buy →
Bitaxe Hex CaseHexProtect and display your Hex with a purpose-designed enclosure.Buy →
5V/6A Power SupplySupra, Ultra, GammaReliable 5V barrel jack PSU. Correct connector, correct amperage, no guessing.Buy →
XT30-to-DC Power CableGT, Hex12V XT30 power cable for GT and Hex models.Buy →
OLED Display (3-Pack)All modelsReplacement OLED screens. Keep a spare — they are fragile.Buy →

See our complete Bitaxe Accessories Guide for the full catalog.


8. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Most Bitaxe problems have simple solutions. Here are the seven most common issues and how to fix them:

Bitaxe does not power on

Check your power supply voltage and connector type. Supra/Ultra/Gamma require 5V barrel jack; GT/Hex require 12V XT30. Verify the PSU is rated for sufficient amperage (6A minimum for 5V models). Try a different power cable and outlet.

Cannot find Bitaxe WiFi hotspot

The hotspot Bitaxe_XXXX only appears when the Bitaxe cannot connect to a saved WiFi network. If you previously configured WiFi, the Bitaxe may already be on your home network. Check your router for connected devices. To force hotspot mode, press and hold the reset button for 5+ seconds.

AxeOS dashboard shows 0 hashrate

Wait 60 seconds after boot — the ASIC chip needs time to initialize. If hashrate remains at zero, check that your pool URL and port are correct. Try a different pool to rule out server issues. Verify your ASIC chip temperature is within range (not overheating or too cold).

High rejected share rate (above 2%)

Rejected shares usually mean you are overclocking too aggressively. Reduce the core frequency by 25-50 MHz and monitor. Also check your WiFi signal strength — a weak connection can cause stale shares. Move the Bitaxe closer to your router or use a WiFi extender.

ASIC temperature too high (above 70 degrees C)

Ensure the heatsink is properly attached with good thermal paste contact. Add a premium heatsink if using the stock cooler. Reduce ambient room temperature or improve airflow around the device. Reduce core voltage and frequency to lower heat output. A mesh stand helps with passive airflow.

Cannot connect to AxeOS after WiFi configuration

After connecting to your home WiFi, the Bitaxe gets a new IP address from your router. Try http://bitaxe.local (mDNS). If that does not work, log into your router admin page and look for a device named Bitaxe or the hostname you set. As a last resort, hold the reset button 5+ seconds to re-enter hotspot mode and reconfigure.

Firmware update fails or bricks the device

If an OTA update fails, the Bitaxe may become unresponsive. Connect a USB-C cable (for serial, not power — keep the barrel jack/XT30 connected for power). Use flasher.bitaxe.org or esptool.py to reflash the firmware. See our Firmware Update Guide for detailed recovery steps.

For a comprehensive list of issues and solutions, visit our Bitaxe Troubleshooting Guide.


9. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bitaxe?

The Bitaxe is an open-source, single-chip Bitcoin miner designed for solo mining at home. It uses real ASIC chips from industrial miners (like the Antminer S19 and S21 series) on a compact, WiFi-enabled board. It runs AxeOS firmware and can be managed entirely through a web browser. D-Central has been a Bitaxe pioneer since the very first models, manufacturing and shipping every variant.

Can I actually mine a Bitcoin block with a Bitaxe?

Yes. Solo mining with a Bitaxe is like playing the lottery — the odds are low on any given day, but real Bitaxe miners have found full blocks worth over 3 BTC. Every hash has an equal chance of being the winning hash. The probability scales with your hashrate and time. Track confirmed Bitaxe block wins on our Block Wins Tracker.

How much does it cost to run a Bitaxe?

A Bitaxe Supra or Gamma uses about 15-25 watts — roughly the same as a LED light bulb. At typical North American electricity rates (about /usr/bin/bash.10-0.15/kWh), that costs -3 per month. The Bitaxe Hex uses 60-90W. See our Power Consumption Guide for exact numbers by model.

Does the Bitaxe make noise?

Very little. Single-chip Bitaxe models (Supra, Ultra, Gamma, GT) have a small fan that produces about 30-40 dB — comparable to a quiet desktop fan. Many users run them in living rooms and offices without issue. The Hex is louder due to its larger cooling system. Adding a premium heatsink can allow you to run the fan at lower speeds.

Can I use USB-C to power my Bitaxe?

No. Never use USB-C for power. The USB-C port is exclusively for firmware flashing and serial console access. Powering through USB-C can damage the board. Use the correct DC power connector: 5V barrel jack for Supra/Ultra/Gamma, 12V XT30 for GT/Hex.

Which Bitaxe model should I buy first?

For beginners, the Bitaxe Gamma offers the best balance of hashrate, efficiency, and price. It uses the latest BM1370 chip (same as the Antminer S21) and achieves 800-1200 GH/s. If budget is tight, the Bitaxe Supra is an excellent entry point. If you want maximum hashrate, the Bitaxe Hex with six chips delivers 3-4 TH/s. Read our Bitaxe Buying Guide for a full comparison.

Does the Bitaxe work with 5 GHz WiFi?

No. The Bitaxe uses an ESP32 chip for WiFi, which only supports 2.4 GHz networks. Make sure your router has 2.4 GHz enabled (many modern routers combine both bands, which works fine). The Bitaxe does not support WiFi 6E or 6 GHz bands.

How do I update AxeOS firmware?

The easiest method is OTA (Over-The-Air): in AxeOS, go to Settings → Firmware, upload the new .bin file, and click Update. The Bitaxe will reboot automatically. You can also use USB serial for recovery. See our Firmware Update Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Can I run multiple Bitaxe miners?

Absolutely. Many users run 5, 10, or even 20+ Bitaxe miners simultaneously. Each one connects independently to your WiFi and mining pool. You can manage them individually through their AxeOS dashboards, or use the AxeOS API for fleet management. Each miner needs its own power supply. The Auto-Tuning Scripts Guide covers multi-unit management.


10. Further Reading

Dive deeper into every aspect of Bitaxe mining with our comprehensive guide library:

GuideDescription
Bitaxe Hub →The complete Bitaxe resource center — every model, every guide, all in one place.
Bitaxe Buying Guide →Side-by-side comparison of every model to help you choose the right Bitaxe.
Bitaxe Overclocking Guide →Squeeze maximum hashrate with safe overclocking techniques for every ASIC chip.
AxeOS Complete Guide →Every AxeOS setting explained in detail, from basics to advanced configuration.
Best Mining Pools for Bitaxe →Detailed comparison of solo mining pools, fees, features, and payout mechanics.
Bitaxe Power Consumption Guide →Exact wattage measurements, electricity cost estimates, and efficiency analysis.
Bitaxe Cooling Guide →Thermal management strategies, heatsink comparisons, and optimal fan configurations.
Bitaxe Firmware Update Guide →Step-by-step OTA and USB flashing instructions, plus recovery procedures.
Bitaxe Troubleshooting Guide →Comprehensive problem-solving reference for every common (and uncommon) issue.
Bitaxe Block Wins Tracker →Real-time tracker of confirmed Bitcoin blocks found by Bitaxe solo miners.

Ready to Start Solo Mining?

D-Central stocks every Bitaxe model, plus all the accessories, heatsinks, power supplies, and stands you need. We have been Bitaxe pioneers since day one — buy from the team that knows these machines inside and out.

Shop All Bitaxe Miners →Browse Bitaxe Accessories →

Every hash counts. — D-Central Technologies, Bitaxe pioneers since day one.