Official Site® | Spark Wallet® | Getting™ Started

Welcome to the Official Site® guide for Getting™ Started with Spark Wallet®—a secure, open-source Bitcoin wallet built specifically for Lightning Network payments. Whether you’re new to Bitcoin or ready to explore fast, low-cost Lightning transactions, Spark Wallet® offers a simple, user-friendly way to manage your funds in a non-custodial, privacy-respecting environment.

What Is Spark Wallet®?

Spark Wallet® is a lightweight, browser-based wallet interface for interacting with a c-lightning (Core Lightning) node. It allows users to send, receive, and manage Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments via a secure UI. Spark is designed for privacy, speed, and self-sovereignty—making it ideal for both individual users and businesses looking to use Lightning.

Unlike traditional wallets, Spark is non-custodial and self-hosted. You retain full control over your Bitcoin node and private keys.

Key Features of Spark Wallet®

  • ⚡ Lightning Network Support – Send and receive fast, low-fee Bitcoin payments
  • 🔐 Self-Custodial – You control your node and private keys
  • 🌐 Web Interface – Access your wallet from any browser
  • 📱 Mobile-Friendly – Works well on phones and tablets
  • 🧩 Secure Authentication – Uses macaroon-based access tokens for privacy
  • 🧠 Open-Source & Transparent – No hidden code or third-party control

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before you get started with Spark Wallet®, you need to:

  1. Run a c-lightning (Core Lightning) node
  2. Have access to your node’s API (via REST or UNIX socket)
  3. Be able to serve the Spark UI via HTTP or HTTPS

Spark is not a standalone wallet—it’s a front-end for your own Lightning node. If you’re not running a Bitcoin + Lightning node yet, consider tools like:

  • RaspiBlitz
  • Umbrel
  • BTCPay Server
  • Start9 Embassy
  • NodeBox

These platforms often have Spark pre-installed or easily installable.

Step 2: Install Spark Wallet®

To manually install Spark Wallet:

  1. Visit the official GitHub repo:
     ➡️ https://github.com/shesek/spark-wallet
  2. Clone the repository:
bash

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git clone https://github.com/shesek/spark-wallet.git
cd spark-wallet
  1. Start the Spark server (assuming c-lightning is running):
bash

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npm install
npm start

You can customize the interface, port, access control, and authentication methods via environment variables.

Step 3: Secure Your Wallet

Spark Wallet uses macaroons (special tokens) to authorize users. There are two types:

  • Admin Macaroon – Full control of the wallet
  • Invoice Macaroon – Can only generate Lightning invoices

After launching Spark, it will generate these tokens. You must:

  • Save your access URL securely
  • Use HTTPS for public access
  • Avoid exposing admin access to the open internet

For mobile devices, Spark can generate a QR code you can scan for easy connection.

Step 4: Use the Spark Wallet Interface

Once connected, the Spark Wallet UI is clean, intuitive, and fast. You can:

  • 💰 View on-chain and Lightning balances
  • ➕ Create invoices to receive Bitcoin over Lightning
  • ➖ Send payments using Bolt11 payment requests
  • 🔄 Open/close channels with peers
  • 📊 Monitor payment history and channel status

The interface is mobile-responsive, so you can use it just as easily on your smartphone as your desktop.

Step 5: Fund Your Wallet

To use Spark Wallet, you’ll need to fund your underlying c-lightning node:

  1. Send BTC to your on-chain wallet address
  2. Once confirmed, open a Lightning channel to a well-connected peer (e.g., ACINQ, Bitrefill, or River)
  3. Use this channel to send/receive Lightning payments

Spark makes it easy to manage channels with built-in tools and visual indicators of balance status.

Step 6: Send and Receive Lightning Payments

To Receive:

  • Click “Receive”
  • Enter the amount and label
  • Generate a Lightning invoice (Bolt11)
  • Share the invoice string or QR code

To Send:

  • Click “Send”
  • Paste the recipient’s Lightning invoice
  • Confirm and authorize the payment

Payments are near-instant and cost just a fraction of a cent in fees—one of the key advantages of the Lightning Network.

Step 7: Advanced Features

Spark Wallet also offers:

  • 📁 Multi-user access with restricted permissions
  • 🔗 REST API for automation or custom UIs
  • 🔧 Custom channel policies (e.g., fees, time locks)
  • 🔐 Tor support for anonymous access

With full node control and open-source transparency, advanced users can tailor Spark Wallet to fit any use case—from personal use to Lightning-enabled eCommerce.

Security Best Practices

  • ✅ Use macaroons with minimal permissions for daily use
  • ✅ Access via HTTPS only
  • ✅ Keep your node software updated
  • ✅ Backup your node data regularly
  • ✅ Never expose the admin macaroon URL publicly

Your wallet is as secure as your node setup—invest in a strong operational security plan.

Final Thoughts

The Spark Wallet® is a sleek, secure, and self-sovereign solution for interacting with the Bitcoin Lightning Network. Designed with privacy and simplicity in mind, it empowers users to fully control their funds, run their own infrastructure, and make real-time payments across the globe.

⚡ Fast. Private. Secure. Welcome to the future of Bitcoin payments—with Spark Wallet®.

🔗 Ready to start?
 Visit the Official GitHub Site® or install Spark on your Lightning node today.