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Installing a Bitcoin node easily

Installing a full node with Umbrel

Setting up your first Bitcoin node

Installing a full node with Umbrel

  • Materials required
  • Step 1 - Mounting the computer
  • Step 2: Prepare a bootable USB key
  • Step 3: Booting the computer from the USB key
  • Step 4: Install UmbrelOS on your computer
  • Step 5: Getting started with Umbrel
  • Step 6: Install a Bitcoin node on Umbrel
Now that we have all the necessary information, it's time to delve into the details. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to install a complete Bitcoin node using UmbrelOS.

Materials required

Here, we'll be using the UmbrelOS x86 image (more precisely, the x86_64 version). You'll be able to follow this guide on whatever machine you choose, as long as it's not equipped with an ARM architecture processor (no Apple Silicon, Raspberry Pi, etc.). This means that any computer with an Intel or AMD 64-bit processor will suffice, as long as it meets the minimum requirements, depending on how you intend to use your Umbrel (at least a dual-core processor is recommended).
If you've opted for a Raspberry Pi 5 (an option I don't recommend, as mentioned in the previous section), the installation is slightly different. You can then follow this dedicated tutorial and return to my course once on the Interface web http://umbrel.local:
umbrel
UmbrelDiscover and install Umbrel - Your Bitcoin node and home server
As mentioned in the previous section, I chose to run this tutorial on a small refurbished PC that I found at a good price: a Lenovo ThinkCentre M900 Tiny equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor and 16 GB RAM. This is a very comfortable configuration for running Umbrel, especially for a Bitcoin node. However, I chose this configuration because I want to install a Lightning node and other more demanding applications later on. I've also added a 2TB SSD to my ThinkCentre to retain the full Blockchain and still have a comfortable margin. With this configuration, the total cost is €270, inclusive of all expenses.
I'm particularly fond of Lenovo's ThinkCentre Tiny range, as they are compact, quiet, and very robust machines. These computers are very popular with businesses and are therefore abundant on the second-hand market, where you can find interesting configurations between €70 and €200.
If, like me, you've opted for a PC without a monitor, you'll need to connect a monitor and keyboard only for the duration of the installation. Afterwards, you'll be able to access it remotely from another computer on the same network (or via other methods we'll cover in later chapters). You'll also need an RJ45 Ethernet cable to connect your machine to the local network, and a USB key of at least 4 GB to store the installation image.
To recap, here are the equipment requirements:
  • Computer with x86_64 processor (minimum Dual-core, recommended Quad-core);
  • RAM memory (4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended or more for extended use);
  • SSD (recommended + 2 TB);
  • USB key (+ 4 GB) for UmbrelOS image installation;
  • Monitor and keyboard (useful only for initial installation if the PC is not equipped with one);
  • RJ45 Ethernet cable.

Step 1 - Mounting the computer

Depending on the hardware you've chosen, the first step is to assemble the various components of your computer. For example, in my case, the original SSD had a capacity of only 256 GB, so I will recycle it for another use and replace it with a 2 TB SSD. If you also want to replace the RAM modules, now's the time to do it.

Step 2: Prepare a bootable USB key

Before installing UmbrelOS on your machine, you'll need to create a bootable USB key containing the operating system. All the steps in step 2 must be performed on your personal computer (and not directly on the computer destined to become your node).
  • Start by downloading the latest version of UmbrelOS in USB format:
Go to the official Umbrel website to download the ISO image for installation via USB key. Ensure you select the version compatible with the x86_64 architecture (file named umbrelos-amd64-usb-installer.iso). Downloading may take some time, as the image is quite large.
  • Install Balena Etcher:
To create the bootable USB stick, you'll use a simple, cross-platform tool called Balena Etcher. Download and install it on your computer.
  • Insert a blank USB key of at least 4 GB:
Plug a USB key into your computer (the one on which you've just downloaded the UmbrelOS and Balena Etcher image). Warning: all data on the key will be deleted. Make sure it doesn't contain any important files.
  • Burn the ISO image to the USB stick with Balena Etcher:
Launch Balena Etcher and select the umbrelos-amd64-usb-installer.iso ISO file you've just downloaded by clicking on the "Flash from file" button. Then, select the USB key as the target device and click "Flash!" to begin writing.
Once the operation is complete, you'll have a bootable USB key containing UmbrelOS, ready to boot and install Umbrel on your machine.

Step 3: Booting the computer from the USB key

Now that your bootable USB stick containing UmbrelOS is ready, you can boot your computer onto it to start the system installation. Unplug the USB key from your main computer and insert it in the device on which you wish to install Umbrel and your Bitcoin node.
As explained at the start of this chapter, to complete the installation, you'll need a display device and an input device. Connect a display via HDMI (or other port, depending on your PC) and connect a keyboard via USB to your machine. These devices are only required for installation; you won't need them afterwards, as Umbrel will be accessed remotely from another computer. Connect these two devices to your PC.
Tip: If you don't have a peripheral screen at home, you can use your TV. With its HDMI (or other) input, it can be used as a temporary screen while you install the operating system.
Umbrel obviously requires an Internet connection. Connect the RJ45 Ethernet cable between your device and your router.
Switch on your machine. In most cases, it should automatically detect the USB key and boot from it. You'll then see the UmbrelOS Interface installation screen appear.
If the device boots on another system or displays an error message, this probably means that it is not booting automatically from the USB key. In this case, reboot and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually accessed by pressing DEL, F2, F12, or ESC, depending on the computer manufacturer). Then, change the boot order to give priority to the USB key. Then restart the device to launch UmbrelOS.

Step 4: Install UmbrelOS on your computer

Once the device has booted from the USB stick, you'll be greeted by the Interface UmbrelOS installation. This step involves installing the system directly onto your machine's internal hard disk.
The screen that appears lists all the internal storage devices detected by the computer. Each disk is accompanied by a number, a name, and a storage capacity. Locate the disk on which you wish to install Umbrel. Warning: all files on this disk will be permanently deleted.
Once you've identified the correct disk (usually the one with the largest capacity, to house the Blockchain), note the number assigned to it. For example, if the disk you've chosen appears under the number 2, simply enter 2, then press the Enter key on the keyboard.
The program will format the selected disk, install UmbrelOS, and automatically configure the system. This may take a few minutes. Let the process run without interruption.
When installation is complete, you will be prompted to switch off the device. Press any key to shut down the computer.
You can now remove the USB key, keyboard, and screen, which are no longer required for your Umbrel. All that remains of your node is the power supply and the RJ45 Ethernet cable.
Before restarting the device, check the following two points:
  • The USB key is unplugged: if it remains connected, the system may reboot on it instead of the internal disk;
  • Ethernet cable is plugged in: the device must be connected to your router to operate.
Press the power button. The system boots automatically from the internal disk where UmbrelOS was installed. The first boot may take approximately 5 minutes. During this time, Umbrel initializes its services and Interface.
From another computer (your everyday PC) connected to the same local network, open a web browser (Firefox, Chrome...) and go to:
http://umbrel.local
This address is used to access the Umbrel Interface graphical user interface remotely and begin configuration.
If the address http://umbrel.local doesn't work on your browser after waiting at least 5 minutes, simply try:
http://umbrel
If this still doesn't work, enter your Umbrel's local IP address directly into the browser. For example (replace 42 with the number of your machine hosting Umbrel on the local network):
http://192.168.1.42
To identify your Umbrel's IP address, there are several methods, from the simplest to the most advanced:
  • Access your router's administration Interface and find the IP address of the Umbrel device on the local network.
  • Use network scanning software such as Angry IP Scanner to detect connected devices and locate your Umbrel's IP address.
angry-ip-scanner
Angry IP ScannerA simple way to scan your network
  • As a last resort, reconnect a monitor and keyboard to the device, log in (default login: umbrel, password: umbrel), then type the following command:
hostname -I
Now you're ready to use Umbrel!

Step 5: Getting started with Umbrel

To start configuring your Umbrel, click on the "Start" button.

Create an account

Choose a pseudonym or enter your name, then set a strong password. Be careful: this password is the only barrier protecting access to your Umbrel from your network (and therefore, potentially, to your bitcoins if you run a Lightning node on Umbrel). It also protects remote access via Tor or VPN, if these services are enabled.
Choose a strong password and ensure you keep at least one backup (a password manager is recommended).
bitwarden
BitwardenHow to set up a password manager?
keepass
KeePassHow to set up a local password manager?
Once you've entered your password, click on the "Create" button.
Your Umbrel configuration is now complete.

Discovery of Interface

Umbrel's Interface is quite intuitive:
  • On the home page, you can view your installed applications and widgets.
  • The "App Store" lets you install new applications,
  • The "Files" menu centralizes all the documents stored on your Umbrel.
  • The "Settings" menu lets you modify your Umbrel's settings and access its information, including:
    • Update, restart, or stop your machine;
    • Consult available storage space, RAM usage, and processor temperature;
    • Change wallpaper;
    • Manage remote access via Tor, activate Wi-Fi, or 2FA.

Security and connection settings

First and foremost, I strongly recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your password. It's almost indispensable if you plan to use your Umbrel to store personal files, run a Lightning node, or perform any other sensitive activity.
authy
Authy 2FAHow to use a 2FA application?
To do this, click on the corresponding box in the settings.
Then scan the QR code displayed using your authentication application. Then enter the 6-digit dynamic code in the field provided on your Umbrel.
From now on, every new connection to your Umbrel will require both the password and the 6-digit code generated by your two-factor authentication (2FA) application.
Regarding remote access via Tor, if you don't need it, I recommend leaving this option disabled to limit the attack surface of your Umbrel. By default, your node can only be accessed from a machine connected to the same local network. Enabling access via Tor will nevertheless allow you to manage your Umbrel on the move.
If you enable this feature, it theoretically becomes possible for any machine in the world to attempt a connection to your node, provided it knows the Tor address. However, your password and 2FA will still protect you.
If you activate this option, ensure that you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, a strong password, and never disclose your Tor connection address.
Simply enter this Tor address in your Tor browser to access Umbrel's Interface from any network.
Finally, on this settings page, you can also activate the Wi-Fi connection. If your machine hosting Umbrel has a Wi-Fi network card or Wi-Fi dongle, this allows you to access the Internet without using the RJ45 cable. However, depending on your configuration, this solution may slow down the connection, which may affect initial synchronization (IBD) and future use of the node (e.g., for Lightning transactions). Personally, I don't recommend this option, as a node is not intended for mobile use: it's always accessed remotely, so you might as well leave it plugged in.

Step 6: Install a Bitcoin node on Umbrel

Now that UmbrelOS is correctly installed and configured on your machine, you can proceed with installing your Bitcoin node. Nothing could be simpler: go to the App Store, open the "Bitcoin" category, then select the "Bitcoin Node" application (it's actually Bitcoin Core).
Then click on the "Install" button.
Once installation is complete, your Bitcoin node will launch its IBD (Initial Block Download): it will download and validate all transactions and blocks since Bitcoin was created in 2009.
This stage is particularly time-consuming, as its duration depends on several factors, including the amount of RAM allocated to the node cache, disk speed, Internet connection speed, and processor power. The range of durations is therefore very wide, depending on the configuration. With a high-performance PC (NVMe SSD, +32 GB RAM, powerful processor, and good Internet connection), IBD can be completed in around ten hours. On the other hand, an old processor, low RAM, or, even worse, a mechanical hard disk (strongly discouraged) can extend this operation to several weeks.
With a PC of normal configuration (a decent processor, 8 to 16 GB RAM, and an SSD), it allows for around 2 to 7 days.
To speed up IBD slightly, you can increase the RAM allocated to the node cache (used primarily for the UTXO set, which we'll revisit later in the course) via the dbcache parameter. On Umbrel, this modification is made in your node parameters, in the "Optimization" tab.
By default, the value of the dbcache parameter in Bitcoin Core is set to 450 MiB, or around 472 MB. By increasing this value, you can slightly speed up IBD. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend pushing this parameter too high: even setting it to 4 GiB will only make synchronization about 10% faster, and may cause you to lose time in the event of an interruption during IBD.
Be cautious not to allocate a value that is too large for your machine. If the RAM available for UmbrelOS runs out, your node may stop abruptly, interrupting the IBD and requiring you to restart it manually, resulting in a considerable loss of time.
To find out more about the impact of the dbcache parameter on initial synchronization, I recommend this analysis by Jameson Lopp: Effects of DBcache Size on Bitcoin Node Sync Speed
Once the IBD of your node has been completed (100% synchronization), you now have a fully operational Bitcoin node. Congratulations, you're now an integral part of the Bitcoin network!
In the next part, we'll explore the practical use of your new node: how to connect your wallet to it, and what applications you should install to become a sovereign Bitcoiner.
Quiz
Quiz1/5
What steps must be completed before UmbrelOS can be installed?