Introduction
LNbitsBox simple to get up and running. You can go from unopened box to working setup in a few minutes using only a browser on the same network.
This guide walks through the first setup, and shows where to how your LNbitsBox once up and running.
Unboxing and Plugging In
You can connect your LNbitsBox to the internet using either Wi-Fi or ethernet.
Tip: Ethernet is usually the fastest way to reach the configurator for the first time. Wi-Fi works too, but only after the network details have been added to the SD card.
You do not need a monitor to use LNbitsBox, but connecting one can help. During boot, it can show device status and local network details.
Connect the included power supply to LNbitsBox and power it on. The device will begin booting immediately.
Initial Set-up
On a phone or computer connected to the same network as your LNbitsBox, open a web browser and go to `http://lnbits.local`.
You will see the SSL installation page, which is the first step of the configuration process. Follow the prompts to set up the SSL certificate on your device. This ensures secure communication between your device and the browser.
Use a network scanner such as Angry IP Scanner to find the device on your local network. Once you have the IP address, open that address in your browser instead.
If you connected a monitor, the device may also show its network address during boot.
Open the configurator and follow the prompts to create your wallet.
Write down and securely store the seed phrase shown during setup. This backup is critical for recovering access if you lose access to your LNbitsBox.
Choose a strong password and save it somewhere safe. This password protects administrative access to your LNbitsBox.
Treat the seed phrase as the most important part of the setup. If you lose the device, this is what protects your ability to recover your funds.
The SSH password is for secure device access and management. Use a strong password and keep it saved somewhere you control.
Managing Your LNbitsBox
After setup is complete, you can access the admin panel by visiting lnbits.local/box on your LNbitsBox address. This is where you can manage updates and settings, make backups, monitor device status, and perform other administrative tasks.
Log in to the admin panel using the SSH password you created during configuration.
LNbitsBox supports remote access in two ways: through a paid tunnel service, or through Tor. Both are managed from the LNbitsBox after your initial setup is complete.
The paid tunnel is designed for straightforward remote access from a normal browser. Tor provides an alternative route for users who prefer that access method.
Software updates are handled from the admin panel. When an update is available you will see a notification on the dashboard.
We recommend applying updates when they become available to ensure you have the latest features and security improvements.
Recovery Tool
The Recovery Tool is your main safety net for your LNbitsBox. It helps you create encrypted recovery backups, checks that a backup is usable before restoring it, and keeps regular backups running so you are better prepared if your SD card fails or you need to move to a new LNbitsBox.
Visit lnbits.local/box, sign in with your admin password, and open the Maintenance page. The Recovery Tool lets you create encrypted backups, validate a restore before applying it, and configure automatic backups.
Choose Full backup for the most complete snapshot. This includes LNbits data, Spark wallet files, tunnel state, and device configuration.
Enter a backup password. Every recovery archive is password protected, so store that password somewhere safe and separate from the LNbitsBox.
Use Download Backup to save the archive to your computer, or Save on This LNbitsBox to keep a copy in the local recovery folder for later download.
Full backups are the best default for most people. Quick backups are smaller, but they skip some broader device state and are better suited to lighter routine snapshots.
Recovery archives help restore your LNbitsBox, but your Spark seed phrase is still the most important secret for recovering wallet access and funds.
The restore flow checks the uploaded backup before making changes. You can restore from a backup file on your computer or from one already saved on the LNbitsBox.
After validation, choose only the components you want to restore. This gives you a chance to confirm the archive and avoid overwriting parts of the system unnecessarily.
If your LNbitsBox stays powered on, you can enable scheduled encrypted backups from the same Recovery Tool page.
Pick how often the backup should run, choose full or quick mode, and set the stored backup password. We still recommend occasionally downloading a copy off the LNbitsBox as part of your backup routine.
Troubleshooting
If something is not working as expected, these are the most common issues and the fastest steps to try first.