How do I connect my wallet to a remote node?

You connect your Monero wallet to a remote node by entering the node’s address and port in your wallet’s connection settings. Your wallet then uses that node to check the blockchain and send transactions, without downloading the full blockchain to your device.

Get the right connection details

A remote node is a computer running Monero software that your wallet reaches over the internet or your local network. The blockchain is Monero’s shared record of transactions.

You need these details from the node operator:

• Address: A hostname or IP address identifying the computer.
• RPC port: The connection number for wallet requests. RPC means “remote procedure call,” a way for your wallet to ask the node for information.
• Login details: Only if the operator requires a username and password.
• TLS setting: Whether the node supports an encrypted connection, sometimes shown as SSL or HTTPS.

Monero’s standard wallet RPC port is often 18081, but public nodes may use another port. Use the operator’s stated settings rather than guessing. A node’s peer-to-peer port, used to communicate with other nodes, is not the wallet connection port.

Choose a node you run yourself or an operator you have reason to trust. A working address is not proof that a service is trustworthy.

Enter the details in your wallet

In the official Monero GUI desktop wallet, manual node settings are available in Advanced mode. Menu names can vary slightly by version, but the usual process is:

1. Open your wallet and go to Settings → Node.
2. Choose Remote node.
3. Select Add remote node, or edit an existing entry.
4. Enter the address and port in their separate fields.
5. Add any required login details and match the operator’s TLS setting.
6. Select the entry and click Connect.

Other Monero wallets usually put these options under Network, Nodes, or Connection settings. Some accept a full address instead of separate fields. Follow your wallet’s expected format.

You do not need to send coins, enter your recovery phrase on a website, or give the node operator your wallet keys. A request for those is a warning sign.

Check that the connection works

Look for a connected status and a current node height. Height means the number of blocks in the blockchain. You can compare it with a live Monero explorer if the node appears far behind.

Your wallet still needs to scan blockchain data for your transactions. Connecting successfully does not mean your balance will appear immediately, especially when restoring an older wallet.

If it will not connect:

• Recheck the address, port, login, and TLS settings.
• Make sure the node serves Monero’s main network, not a test network.
• Try another reputable node to see whether the first is offline.
• Check whether your firewall or network blocks the connection.

Know what this connection does—and does not do

A remote node cannot spend your coins merely because your wallet connects to it. However, its operator can observe your connecting IP address, request timing, and transaction submissions. It may also provide incomplete or misleading information.

Running your own node gives you more control over verification and privacy. Connecting your wallet to a remote node does not start solo mining or connect P2Pool. Those require separate mining software and node settings.

The bottom line

Enter a reputable node’s address, wallet RPC port, and any required security settings. Then let your wallet synchronize. Keep your recovery phrase private, and remember that this connection supports your wallet—not your mining setup.