Phoenix

Self-custodial Lightning wallet that manages channels for you. Pay and receive instantly without running a node.

Official Phoenix websitefree (channel and liquidity fees apply)

What is Phoenix?

Phoenix is a self-custodial Lightning wallet made by ACINQ for Android and iOS. Its README describes it as a way to send and receive bitcoin over the Lightning Network, and calls it self-custodial. ACINQ’s announcement of the splicing-based version says the wallet now manages a single dynamic channel. The wallet is free to download; Lightning and on-chain fees are described below. When you create a wallet you get a 12-word recovery phrase, and that phrase is the backup.

Key facts

Type: Mobile
Made by: ACINQ, France
Works with: Android, iOS
Keys: You hold the keys
Bitcoin-only: Yes
Source code: Open source
Lightning: Yes
Multisig: No
Experience: Beginner
Price: free (channel and liquidity fees apply)

Details last checked on the maker's website: September 25, 2026. How we compare

Good for

Everyday Lightning payments while keeping your own keys

Watch out

Opening a channel costs a fee, which can surprise on the first receive
Made for spending money, not for savings

Phoenix features

One channel, resized by splicing. According to ACINQ, splicing lets Phoenix resize a channel, so each user keeps one channel instead of many. Adding funds grows the existing channel, and sending on-chain removes funds from it with an on-chain transaction. When the channel lacks capacity, ACINQ says a new channel is created using dual-funding. Fees, as announced in 2023. ACINQ’s announcement (July 2023, updated December 2023) lists a fixed 0.4% for sending over Lightning, shown before you pay, and no fee for receiving over Lightning. Sending on-chain costs only the mining fee. Receiving on-chain, or over Lightning when the channel lacks liquidity, costs mining fees plus a one-time 1,000 sat. The December update adds the option to request inbound liquidity in advance. Fees can change, so check the current fee information in the app. Recovery phrase. Creating a wallet generates a 12-word recovery phrase that only you have. The README says you are responsible for backing it up, that anyone with the phrase has full access to the funds, and that if the phrase is lost, the funds are lost. Platforms. The README lists the App Store for iOS 15 or later, and Google Play or an APK from GitHub releases for Android 8 or later.

Security and custody

Phoenix is open source under the Apache 2.0 licence. The repository shows shared Kotlin code built on lightning-kmp, with separate Android and iOS apps on top of it. The README calls the wallet self-custodial, which means the 12-word recovery phrase is the key to your funds: store it offline, never share it, and remember that, according to the README, lost phrase means lost funds.

Phoenix alternatives

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Phoenix FAQ

Is Phoenix self-custodial?

Yes. The README calls it self-custodial. You get a 12-word recovery phrase when you create the wallet, and anyone who has the phrase has full access to the funds.

What does Phoenix charge?

As announced by ACINQ in July 2023: a fixed 0.4% for sending over Lightning, nothing for receiving over Lightning, and mining fees for on-chain sending. Receiving on-chain, or over Lightning without enough liquidity, costs mining fees plus a one-time 1,000 sat. Check the app for current fees.

Which phones does Phoenix run on?

iOS 15 or later through the App Store, and Android 8 or later through Google Play or an APK from GitHub releases.

What happens if I lose my recovery phrase?

According to the README, the funds are lost. The 12-word phrase is the backup and only you have it, so keep a written copy offline.

Guides

Sources

The text above was checked on October 19, 2026 against these pages: