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How to install Eclair
The requirements and the shape of a typical setup. Downloads go straight to ACINQ’s official releases.
Download Eclair
Get the latest signed release directly from ACINQ on GitHub.
Only download Eclair from the official ACINQ repository. This guide is a community overview; the official README is the source of truth for exact versions and commands.
Requirements
| Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| JDK | A recent 64-bit Java Development Kit. Eclair targets a modern LTS release — confirm the exact required version in the release notes before installing. |
| Bitcoin Core | A fully synced bitcoind node acts as Eclair’s backend. Certain options must be enabled; see the official docs. |
| Disk & RAM | Enough for a synced Bitcoin Core node plus Eclair’s own database and JVM headroom. |
| Networking | A reachable node needs its Lightning port open; many operators also run over Tor. |
Typical setup
-
Install a JDK
Install a supported 64-bit JDK and confirm it’s on your
PATH:$ java -version -
Run and sync Bitcoin Core
Install Bitcoin Core, enable the options Eclair needs (RPC access, transaction indexing, ZeroMQ notifications where required), and let it fully sync before continuing.
-
Download the official release
Grab the latest release artifact from ACINQ’s GitHub releases. Verify the download against the checksums/signatures ACINQ publishes.
-
Create eclair.conf
Add your configuration file (typically under
~/.eclair/eclair.conf) pointing Eclair at your Bitcoin Core node and setting your chain and node options:# minimal example — check the docs for current keys eclair.chain = "mainnet" eclair.bitcoind.rpcuser = "your_rpc_user" eclair.bitcoind.rpcpassword = "your_rpc_password" -
Start the node and use eclair-cli
Launch the daemon, then drive it through the CLI:
$ eclair-cli getinfo $ eclair-cli connect --uri=<node_uri> $ eclair-cli open --nodeId=<id> --fundingSatoshis=<amount>
Commands, config keys and required versions evolve. Treat this page as orientation and follow the official README for exact, current instructions.