Backup & Recovery

Protect your Bitcoin and Lightning funds with proper backups.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Without proper backups, you could lose access to your Lightning channel funds if your VPS fails.

What You Need to Backup

1. Lightning Channel Backup (SCB) - SUPER IMPORTANT

  • Allows recovery of Lightning channel funds
  • Must be updated after EVERY channel open/close
  • Store in password manager (KeePass, 1Password, Bitwarden)

2. LND Seed Words (24 Words) - MOST IMPORTANT

  • Allows recovery of on-chain Bitcoin funds
  • Write down during initial setup
  • Store securely offline (paper or metal backup)

3. Full BTCPay Backup (Optional - For Merchants)

  • Store configuration, invoices, payment history
  • Backup weekly/monthly
  • Not required for fund recovery

How to Create Backups

Step 1: Run the Backup Script

  1. Connect to your VPS via SSH:
ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_VirtualPrivateNode root@your-vps-ip
  1. Switch to root user:
sudo su -
  1. Navigate to BTCPay directory:
cd ~/BTCPayServer
  1. Run the backup script:
./backup-btcpay-and-save-scb.sh

Step 2: Save Channel Backup to Password Manager

  1. After the script runs, scroll to the bottom
  2. You'll see output like this:
================================================
📋 CRITICAL: Lightning Channel Backup (SCB)
================================================

--- BEGIN CHANNEL BACKUP 2024-12-10 ---
[base64 encoded data here]
--- END CHANNEL BACKUP 2024-12-10 ---
  1. Copy EVERYTHING from --- BEGIN to --- END (including those lines)
  2. Open your password manager
  3. Create new secure note titled: "Lightning Channel Backup - [DATE]"
  4. Paste the copied text and save

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Update your channel backup in password manager after EVERY channel open or close!

Step 3: Download Full Backup (Optional - For Merchants)

  1. The backup script displays an scp command
  2. Open a NEW terminal on your LOCAL computer (not in SSH)
  3. Run the displayed command:
scp -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_VirtualPrivateNode root@YOUR_VPS_IP:/var/lib/docker/volumes/backup_datadir/_data/backup.tar.gz ./btcpay-backup-2024-12-10.tar.gz
  1. File downloads to your current directory
  2. Store on external drive or cloud storage

Backup Schedule

Lightning Channel Backup (SCB)

When: After every channel open/close

Where: Password manager

LND Seed Words

When: Once during setup

Where: Paper/metal backup (offline)

Full BTCPay Backup

When: Weekly or monthly

Where: External drive or cloud storage

Recovery Process

If VPS Fails Completely

What you need:

  • LND seed words (24 words)
  • Latest channel backup from password manager

⚠️ Note: Channel recovery means channels will be closed. You'll get funds back (minus fees), but need to re-open channels.

Need Help?

For recovery assistance or questions:

  1. Email: support@ripsline.com
  2. Include:
    • Your Order ID
    • Description of issue
    • What backups you have

Quick Reference

Backup Command:

cd ~/BTCPayServer && ./backup-btcpay-and-save-scb.sh

What to save:

  • ✅ Channel backup → Password manager (after every channel change)
  • ✅ Seed words → Paper backup (once, during setup)
  • ✅ Full backup → External storage (weekly/monthly for merchants)