How do I set up my own remote node for my wallet?
You can set up your own remote Monero node by running the Monero node software on a computer you control, then telling your wallet how to reach it. The safest practical setup is to connect through a private VPN, so your node is available to you without exposing its wallet connection to the whole internet.
1. Choose a computer and sync your node
Your node keeps a copy of Monero’s transaction history, called the blockchain. Your wallet uses it to scan for incoming payments and send transactions.
You’ll need:
- A computer or server you own or have permission to use.
- A reliable internet connection.
- Plenty of disk space, preferably on an SSD.
- The official Monero software, which includes the node program,
monerod.
Check current blockchain storage requirements before choosing a drive. Leave room for growth.
Start monerod and let it download and check the blockchain. This first sync can take a while, depending on your hardware and connection. Wait until its status reports that it is synchronized before relying on it for your wallet.
If disk space is tight, start it with:
monerod --prune-blockchain
Pruning removes some older transaction data while keeping what your node needs to check the network and serve your wallet. It does not eliminate the initial synchronization work.
2. Make the wallet connection private
Your wallet talks to the node through RPC, a software interface for requesting blockchain information and submitting transactions.
Instead of forwarding the RPC port through your home router, install a private VPN, such as WireGuard, on both your node computer and your wallet device. A VPN creates an encrypted connection between them.
Suppose your node’s VPN address is 10.66.0.1. Stop the existing node cleanly, then restart it with:
monerod --rpc-bind-ip 10.66.0.1 --rpc-bind-port 18081 --restricted-rpc --confirm-external-bind
Replace the example address with your node’s actual VPN address. Add --prune-blockchain if you chose pruning.
These settings:
- Listen for wallet requests on your VPN address.
- Use port
18081, Monero’s usual main-network RPC port. - Enable restricted RPC, which blocks administrative commands that a wallet does not need.
Restricted RPC is not a password or encryption. Your VPN and firewall provide the access protection. Allow port 18081 only from your trusted VPN devices.
3. Point your wallet at your node
In your wallet’s node settings, choose a remote or custom node. Enter:
- Address: your node’s VPN address.
- Port:
18081. - Authentication: whatever you configured, if any.
Connect the VPN first, then connect your wallet. The wallet may still need time to scan the blockchain for your transactions, even when the node is fully synchronized.
If it cannot connect, check that monerod is running, the VPN works, and your firewall allows the connection. Never enter your wallet’s recovery words or private keys into node settings.
4. Keep it running safely
Keep Monero and your operating system updated. Prevent the node computer from sleeping when you need wallet access.
A node does not need your wallet seed or spend keys. Running your own reduces reliance on someone else’s server, but it does not make every network connection invisible.
The bottom line
Sync monerod, make its restricted RPC interface reachable through your private VPN, and enter that address in your wallet. You do not need mining software or P2Pool just to run a wallet node.
