SHTF scenario - How to restore a dead LND node?

This is an old guide that I migrate it to my Github page and also update it with latest procedures. I will link here on SN the main chapters.
This guide is for all those newbies starting with their LND nodes (Umbrel, myNodeBTC, Raspiblitz, Start9 etc) and some day it just stop working. THE NODE IS DEAD. These are methods and procedures to restore/recover your node wallet funds in case of SHTF (shit hit the fan).
There are many users that do crazy stuff with their LND / Umbrel / Raspiblitz / Start9 nodes and sometimes, there's no other way to fix it than restore it into another wallet app and start over with a new one or same LND wallet but in a new instance.

Before we begin... TO REMEMBER:

  • Keep calm and be patient.
  • This process can take time and precise steps to follow.
  • Don’t do anything stupid that could fuck up the process.
  • Do not empty or move funds/ UTXOs from your onchain wallet during the recovery process. Many UTXOs can be linked to the closure of channels from so called “anchor reserve” UTXO.
  • Wait patiently for channels to close, can take from 40 to 144 blocks until the funds are released, even if the txs are confirmed in the block explorer.
  • Restoring funds procedure is the LAST resort, so before starting it, please consult with others and try to have a correct diagnostic of what happen to your node. Maybe a simple restart is just enough.
If you have funds ONLY in onchain wallet and do not have funds in LN channels, just use the methods 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
If you have funds in onchain wallet AND in LN channels use the methods: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10.
I hope this guide will save many "dead nodes" 😂😂😂😂
Great write up Darth. I hope to not need it, but if I do, i am glad it exists.
You are an asset as rare as Bitcoin itself to the Empire, Sith Lord.
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Thanks, but keep in mind: Darth is not a sith lord... never was. Was just fooled by Palpatine. Darth is The Balance in The Force.
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21 sats \ 1 reply \ @d1 17 Oct
I guess I'm lucky that three years later my nodes still keeps running.
inotify-tools set to watch the SCB backup and copy that, also rsnapshot running rsync with cron creating regular backups of my data.
I prefer to set things up this way, makes migrating hardware easy, I imagine this is when most node runners run into trouble.
I hope I never need your guides, but thanks darth.
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I wish you never need this guide :) Happy Lightning!
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I had a SSD failure running a raspibolt guide node once, recovered using SCB like a charm building another node and following LND recovery instructions.
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