Setup GuideBridge Servers

Bridge Servers

If you already run a Lightning node but don't want to build your own LNURL server, bridge servers let you connect your node and domain to a Lightning Address.

What is a bridge server?

A bridge server is an HTTP service that serves the LNURL-pay payload needed to let user@domain.com resolve to a live Lightning payment flow.

In practice it sits between:

  • your Lightning node or wallet backend
  • the HTTP / LNURL discovery layer
  • the sender's wallet performing resolution

When someone pays your Lightning Address, the bridge server typically:

  1. Receives the LNURL request
  2. Asks your node or backend for an invoice
  3. Returns the invoice to the sender
  4. Lets your node receive the payment directly

This is useful when you want your own domain and node-backed payments without building a full LNURL server from scratch.

Hosted bridge option: bridgeaddr

bridgeaddr is a lightweight hosted bridge solution that can connect your domain to a Lightning node in a non-custodial way.

Historically it has supported backends such as:

  • Sparko
  • LND
  • LNPay
  • LNbits

The bridge serves the required JSON and then talks to your Lightning backend to fetch invoices on demand. That means you can often get set up with just:

  • a domain
  • the right DNS records
  • working access to your Lightning backend

Self-hostable bridge: Satdress

Satdress is a federated Lightning Address server that you can host yourself.

It gives you a plug-and-play way to connect nodes to addresses and can be used both for your own setup and for multi-user deployments.

example.sh
Shell
# Clone and configuregit clone https://github.com/nbd-wtf/satdresscd satdresscp .env.example .env# Edit .env with your node details

Supports:

  • LND
  • c-lightning
  • Eclair
  • LNbits
  • LNPay

Satdress also provides a simple web UI for connecting nodes to addresses.

Other bridge-style approaches

Umbrel / Citadel

If you're running Umbrel or Citadel, you can use:

  • Alby Hub — Connect to get an @getalby.com address
  • LNbits — Self-host LNURL endpoints
  • BTCPay Server — Full payment processing with Lightning Address

Lightning Box

Lightning Box provides Lightning Address support for Blixt wallet users and other LND-backed setups.

Setup guide

  1. Choose a bridge — Pick one that supports your node type
  2. Configure the connection — Usually REST, gRPC, macaroon, or API credentials
  3. Set up DNS — Point your domain's .well-known flow to the bridge
  4. Test end to end — Resolve your address and send yourself a small payment

Important notes

  • Not fully trustless — the bridge can see invoice flow and metadata even if it doesn't custody funds
  • Uptime matters — if the bridge is down, your address may stop resolving
  • HTTPS still matters — payment metadata remains security-sensitive
  • Custom domains are usually possible — but DNS setup varies by bridge

Self-hosted vs. hosted

| Aspect | Self-hosted bridge | Hosted service | |--------|--------------------|----------------| | Trust | You control everything | Trust the provider | | Uptime | Your responsibility | Provider handles it | | Setup | More technical | Usually faster | | Custom domain | Often supported | Usually supported | | Cost | Hosting + ops | May include service fees |

For many users, a hosted wallet with built-in Lightning Address support is simpler. Bridge servers are best for:

  • node operators who want sovereignty
  • developers building custom setups
  • users with stronger privacy or infrastructure requirements