Did you know that you can run a Virtual Node (vNode) on your computer, or on a cloud instance? Below, you’ll find the instructions for hosting a vNode so you can join the Incognito Network and start earning crypto!
Block rewards are paid out in PRV and the current APR (as of 6/14/2022) appears to be ~84%!
Step 1: Setup Server
Click to expand explanation
You can run Incognito on a low-cost server. If you don’t have a server yet, it’s really simple and takes just a couple of minutes. You can set up an account with a VPS provider or a cloud service provider like DigitalOcean, AWS, Vultr, Heroku, Microsoft Azure, or Linode.
Always check the TOS of the host for rules on “mining” cryptocurrency using their servers before you signup for one of their plans. Not every host allows you to run mining scripts.
Useful instructions:
- How to set up a Digital Ocean Instance?
- How to set up a Vultr Instance?
- How to set up an AWS account?
- How to set up a Contabo account? (No longer recommended)
The minimum server requirements are:
-
4GB RAM
-
4 CPUs
-
250GB SSD
Remember: SAVE YOUR SERVER EXTERNAL IP ADDRESS. You’ll need it in Step 5.
Step 2: Create your Incognito keychain
Click to expand explanation
Download the Incognito App:
Open the app and it will automatically generate a wallet for you.
Set up your keychains and create a new one for each vNode you want to stake:
Wallet Tutorial - manage your keys with a single phrase
Before proceeding, copy and save your SEED PHRASE / PRIVATE KEY safe and securely as well. You do not need the private key for running the Node, but it is the most important key of your node account. Without the private key of your node account, you will not be able to recover that account and regain access to your funds in case of a crash or other loss of your account.
Step 3: Register infura.io account and create API key
Click to expand explanation
- Register a free infura account
- Create new project and name it
- On Setting tab of project, copy the mainnet endpoint api key
Eg. Copy this stringbe5fe1410b024a8f94f62fbc106439xx
Step 4: Run Incognito
Click to expand explanation
Follow this guide to set up 1 or more vNodes on your server. The install script can be done in just one line of code:
How to setup your own node in a blink of an eye (Now support multi-nodes per host)
Once set up move on to Step 5.
Step 5: Get Privacy Token (PRV) to stake
Click to expand explanation
Privacy (PRV) is the native coin of the Incognito Network. To become a validator, you’ll need to stake 1,750 PRV. You can purchase PRV on the Incognito pDEX using a range of coins/tokens from over 14 blockchains.
Step 6: Adding your node
Click to expand explanation
To stake your node via the app, you will need to click More
menu button and then tap on the Power
button to enter the Node Dashboard.
Tap “+” to start adding a new Node
Choose “Virtual Node”
Enter your Node’s IP address (from Step 1), then click “Add”
Step 7: Stake
Click to expand explanation
Almost there! Now, that you’ve got PRV, all you have to do is stake it. Remember, you need to stake 1,750 PRV to begin earning rewards.
Tap on the Power
button under the More
menu option. Here you should see your node with a blue Stake
button.
Tap “Stake”.
Congrats! You’re officially part of the network. Welcome to Incognito!
Step 8: Monitoring your node
Click to expand explanation
Check this post: How to use the Node monitor
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please KEEP YOUR SEED PHRASE / PRIVATE KEY SAFE because anyone who has it can access your funds. You’ll also need it if you have to re-install the mobile app.
See also:
Node Operator Latest Versions >
Node Bootstrapping Guide >
Manage your wallet with a single phrase >
How to use the Node Monitor >