CONNECTION GUIDE · BETA
Your node.
Our Ark server.
Set up your own wallet with Paperclip as its Ark server. The XBT mainnet service is open in beta.
Install your wallet
Use a compatible Paperclip wallet on your own hardware. The Umbrel and Start9 packages use the Paperclip server address by default. Existing wallets keep their saved configuration.
Connect your XBT backend
Select XBT mainnet and enter your compatible Bitcoin Blake2b node's private RPC address and credentials. SHA-256 BTC nodes are not compatible. Keep RPC access on a private network or encrypted tunnel.
A pruned node uses the bundled Paperclip history adapter, which requires configuration with your private node connection. A normal indexed XBT node can connect directly. Do not enter private node credentials on this website.
Use the Paperclip server address
Set the Ark server URL to https://ark.paperclippool.xyz. TLS uses port 443. The public Ark API is available over HTTPS. During this beta, boarding starts at 20,000 sats and Lightning payments are limited to 250,000 sats. Recovery reserves and fees apply; very small payments may be below the funded-HTLC minimum.
Your wallet creates its keys locally. Paperclip does not need your seed or wallet access token.
Back up, then start small
Back up the complete wallet data before funding. A seed alone cannot restore all Ark recovery state. Start with a small XBT amount and verify receipt and payment. Review the quoted fees and recovery reserves before confirming.
The wallet automatically refreshes eligible VTXOs while its service is online, beginning before expiry. Closing the browser does not stop maintenance. Keep the app, blockchain backend, and Ark server reachable. An explicit withdrawal or emergency exit takes those VTXOs out of automatic refresh.
BEFORE YOU CONNECT
Do I need my own Lightning node?
No. The wallet uses the Ark server's Lightning service when that service is enabled. Your wallet still needs a compatible blockchain backend.
Can I use a pruned blockchain node?
Yes, with the private history adapter. It indexes XBT transactions and asks full peers for pruned blocks. Initial indexing must finish first. Historical retrieval depends on peers that retain the requested blocks.
What if the Ark server is offline?
The wallet includes an emergency exit flow. It needs complete recovery data, blockchain access, transaction fees, confirmations, and timelocks. Recovery must begin before relevant expiry deadlines. Beta validation does not guarantee recovery after unlimited offline time.