NodeGuide / Optional reference / Bitcoin Knots
Bitcoin Knots Reference Guide
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Quick definitions appear when you tap technical terms during setup. This optional guide gives you more help with setup, settings, and troubleshooting.
Safety wording reviewed September 23, 2026. Reference instructions may differ by device, app and installed software version; NodeGuide does not detect your version. Check the current official instructions before making a change.
How Bitcoin Knots differs from Bitcoin Core
Bitcoin Core and Bitcoin Knots can both run a full Bitcoin node. Bitcoin Knots gives you more settings and more control over how your node handles transactions.
First-time blockchain download
When Bitcoin Knots starts for the first time, it downloads and checks the Bitcoin blockchain. This can take a long time and use a lot of storage, so keep your device powered on and connected to the internet.
Checking sync progress and node connections
Open the status screen to see whether your node has finished syncing and how many other Bitcoin nodes it is connected to. The first sync can take a long time.
Finding Bitcoin Knots settings
Open Bitcoin Knots Settings or Options to find common node settings. Change advanced settings only when you understand what they do.
Which transactions your node accepts and shares
Bitcoin Knots gives you extra choices for how your node handles and shares transactions. Most beginners can leave the default settings unchanged unless they have a specific reason to change them.
Waiting transactions and fee settings
The mempool contains Bitcoin transactions that are waiting to be confirmed. Fee and mempool settings affect how your node handles those waiting transactions. Beginners can usually leave the default settings unchanged.
Networking and port 8333
Bitcoin Knots connects to other Bitcoin nodes over the internet. Port 8333 is commonly used for these connections. Most beginners do not need to change this setting.
RPC and REST basics
RPC and REST let trusted wallets or apps communicate with your node. Keep these connections private and never share passwords or other credentials.
Saving storage space and extra features
Pruning can save storage space by removing older blockchain data after it has been checked. Some extra features need more storage, so choose settings that fit the space available on your device.
Privacy and ways your node can connect
Your node can connect to other Bitcoin nodes in different ways. Tor can provide additional privacy. Keep private services, such as RPC, protected from the public internet.
Common Bitcoin Knots troubleshooting
If something is not working, first make sure Bitcoin Knots is running, your internet connection works, you have enough storage, and your node has connections to other Bitcoin nodes. If it is still syncing, give it more time.