At Alby, we are committed to collaboration and innovation within the lightning network ecosystem. Together with users, partners, and contributors, we are working to make bitcoin the native currency of the internet.
Every month, the lightning network becomes more user-friendly. From logging into platforms with the Alby Browser Extension to receiving sats on Stacker News via NWC, and seamlessly interacting with tools like Primal, LNbits, BTCPay, ZeusWallet, Amethyst, and more—each tool contributes uniquely to enriching your experience in this growing ecosystem.
Participation in the network requires a lightning node, which can be either self-hosted or operated by a company or group. Until now, your Alby wallet, including your @getalby.com lightning address, has been powered by a shared node provided by us.
In the beginning of 2024, we shared our vision in "Where Does Alby Fly From Here". Since then we launched Alby Hub, your self-custodial wallet accessible from anywhere to integrate with dozens of apps. We’ve also launched Alby Go - the easiest-to-use mobile app to connect your Alby Hub and use your sats on the go.
These steps have been part of our journey toward full self-custody. Now, it's time for the final milestone. It’s time for the beautiful sunset.
On January 4, 2025 - one day after the Proof of Keys day - we will stop providing our shared wallet service. We'll focus on Alby Hub, the Alby Extension and Alby Go and make them even better.
What happens to my shared Alby Wallet?
If you created an Alby account before March 24, 2024, withdraw your sats until including January 3, 2025. Spin up your own Alby Hub to withdraw any remaining balance from the shared wallet. We’ll provide you with guidance and reminders throughout this transition to ensure a smooth process.
If you don't withdraw your funds by January 4, 2025, your remaining balance will be converted into Fee Credits. These credits will be used to cover fees of one month Alby Cloud subscription and one payment channel making it easy to start your own self-custodial Hub. You are able to transfer your funds to your new Alby Hub and retain access to your sats. Learn more about Fee Credits here.
This approach serves as a bridge—easing the transition from legacy wallets while empowering you to maintain an active presence in the lightning network.
What's next: Embrace Self-Custody with Alby Hub
Our transition aligns with Proof of Keys Day, a day that underscores the importance of taking full control of your bitcoin.
Why should I proof my keys and use a self-custodial wallet like Alby Hub?
Financial control: Take full control of your funds and transactions, eliminating reliance on third-party custodians.
No limits: Enjoy unrestricted transactions—no caps on size or number when using your own node.
Support decentralization: Strengthen the lightning network’s resilience and censorship resistance by running your node.
Enhanced privacy: Broadcast transactions directly, reducing exposure of your data to third parties.
Gain expertise: Operating a node offers hands-on experience, deepening your understanding of bitcoin's payment system.
We're excited to take this important step with you and ensure you’re fully supported along the way: Join our Alby Hub onboarding calls where we make sure you are off to a good start. Together, we are building a future where payments are seamless, secure, and permissionless.
Absolutely! 😊 We're just getting started. In 2024, we've built more tools than ever, and we're excited to bring even more amazing features in 2025! Our two standout products you can start using now are Alby Hub, our new self-custodial wallet, and Alby Go, a wallet interface for your mobile phone.
Are Alby accounts stopped?
Not at all! Alby accounts remain free and available for everyone. Only the integrated lightning wallet service is being phased out. The good news? You can connect to other lightning wallets like Alby Hub, Umbrel, Start9, or other NWC-enabled wallets. Some of these wallets are still enhancing their NWC features, so stay tuned!
What is exactly closing down then?
We are stopping only and exclusively the integrated shared wallet service.
Can I still use my lightning address?
Absolutely! Your lightning address will continue working and you can connect it to a wide range of wallets like Alby Hub, Umbrel, Start9, or other NWC-enabled wallets.
Can I still use all the benefits of Alby accounts?
Your Alby account offers powerful features to enhance your connected lightning wallet, including:
A lightning address for seamless payments.
A NIP-05 Nostr identifier for secure communication.
Payment notifications via email.
Easy transaction exports.
Connectivity to amazing Podcasting 2.0 apps.
For developers, there are dedicated developer accounts with very useful APIs to power your own app with lightning payments.
Can I still use the Alby Browser Extension
Yes. The Alby Browser Extension also works without the shared wallet. You can keep posting on Nostr without any problem.
If you want to send and receive bitcoin, you only need to connect a lightning wallet and there are plenty of good ones. Find them here.
Will my podcast feeds still work?
Yes! Your podcast feed remains fully functional without restrictions until January 3, 2025. After that, you’ll still receive podcast payments through your Alby account to an Alby Hub (if you set it up) or to any wallet of your choosing, connected to your Alby account.. Your balance will be converted to fee credits, which you can use for other services. Learn more about fee credits here.
Can I keep using the Alby account with my podcast apps?
Definitely! Alby works great with apps like Podverse, Podcast Guru, Castamatic, Curiocaster, and more. Keep enjoying your favorite podcasting tools with Alby.
Is there still a free option to use Alby’s products?
Yes, Alby remains committed to making bitcoin lightning payments accessible to everyone. Our Alby accounts, Browser Extension, Alby Go, and Alby Hub are all free. Alby Hub is our new self-custodial lightning wallet that has many free options and one paid option for more convenience.
What shall I do with my remaining balance in the shared Alby wallet
You have time until January 3, 2025 to freely move your sats where you want.
The easiest option is to transfer them to your own Alby Hub starting on this page. We have made it particularly easy for you and if you have any questions along the way, just use the internal chat tool to talk to us. Thank you for considering it! 🙏
You can also use another wallet not made by Alby (compatible with NWC) connected to your Alby web Account or your browser extension, and move your funds there. You can keep your Alby lightning address and all other benefits of your Alby account.
Alby Browser Extension
Can I still use the Alby Browser Extension
Yes. The Alby Browser Extension also works without the shared wallet. For instance you can keep posting on Nostr without any problem.
If you want to send and receive bitcoin, you only need to connect a lightning wallet and there are plenty of good ones. Find these wallets here.
What are my options to use the Alby Extension?
The Alby Extension is great for paying on websites without scanning QR codes, sending zaps and logging into Nostr apps. This remains unchanged and gets even better and easier to use.
Since the beginning the Alby Extension can be used in combination with several lightning wallets. Open the Browser Extension → click on the drop down menu on the top right → select +Add → choose Alby account or “Find your wallet”
Alby Hub replaces Alby’s integrated lightning wallet. Alby Hub is an improvement in many ways. Simply speaking it is your self-custodial wallet with the easiest to use lightning node, accessible from anywhere to integrate with dozens of apps. Learn more on albyhub.com
How do I set up Alby Hub?
We want to make it as easy as possible for you. Start on this page and follow the instructions. You’ll be surprised how easy it is.
Can I use Alby Hub for free?
Installing Alby Hub on your own server, desktop, Start9, Umbrel, Nodana.io or Casa OS is free. If you prefer more convenience you can choose Alby Cloud where you pay for hosting your Hub with a 30-day money back guarantee. The latest pricing plans and its features are available here.
Do I pay transaction fees with Alby Hub?
Alby does not charge any transaction fees for sending and receiving payments in Alby Hub. You’ll pay fees for sending transactions on the lightning network charged by routing nodes which are usually lower than in many other lightning wallets.
