Getting Started with Lightning

Ready to use the Lightning Network? This guide will walk you through the first steps of setting up a wallet and making your first transaction.

Step 1: Choose a Wallet

There are many types of Lightning wallets, ranging from simple custodial apps to advanced non-custodial nodes.

  • Custodial: Easiest to use, like an account. Good for beginners.
  • Non-Custodial: You control your keys. Better for privacy and security.

Step 2: Open a Channel

To send and receive payments, you need liquidity. This is done by opening a payment channel with another node on the network.

Step 3: Make a Payment

Scan a QR code or paste an invoice string to send satoshis instantly across the globe.