Personal Node
I really wanted to like Blockstream Wallet, especially because it advertises the ability to connect to your own Bitcoin node. Unfortunately, the personal-node experience has been frustrating and unreliable.
On my Windows desktop, I was able to connect to my Start9 Bitcoin node and successfully send a couple of transactions using Tor and my onion address. However, after logging out, I was unable to reconnect and kept receiving a “connection failed” message.
The iPhone experience has been even worse. When connected to my personal node, outgoing transactions fail with a “General SOCKS server failure.” If I disable my personal node and use Blockstream’s servers instead, the transaction goes through immediately.
I use the same personal Bitcoin node with other wallets without these problems, so the issue appears specific to Blockstream Wallet.
For a Bitcoin wallet that promotes self-custody and the ability to use your own node, reliable personal-node connectivity should be a core feature, not something that works inconsistently depending on the device.
The wallet itself has potential, but until personal-node support works reliably on both Windows and iPhone, I can’t recommend it for users who prioritize privacy, sovereignty, and running their own Bitcoin infrastructure.
On my Windows desktop, I was able to connect to my Start9 Bitcoin node and successfully send a couple of transactions using Tor and my onion address. However, after logging out, I was unable to reconnect and kept receiving a “connection failed” message.
The iPhone experience has been even worse. When connected to my personal node, outgoing transactions fail with a “General SOCKS server failure.” If I disable my personal node and use Blockstream’s servers instead, the transaction goes through immediately.
I use the same personal Bitcoin node with other wallets without these problems, so the issue appears specific to Blockstream Wallet.
For a Bitcoin wallet that promotes self-custody and the ability to use your own node, reliable personal-node connectivity should be a core feature, not something that works inconsistently depending on the device.
The wallet itself has potential, but until personal-node support works reliably on both Windows and iPhone, I can’t recommend it for users who prioritize privacy, sovereignty, and running their own Bitcoin infrastructure.
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Yep
Yea a great system
The. Worst. App. Ever.
Don't do it. You'll be sorry.
Simple and almost perfect
Fantastic wallet and Jade signing devices (i own both the original and the Jade plus).
Lightning wallet is still a little awkward but improving.
Lightning wallet is still a little awkward but improving.
Caution
Do not recommend. Not safe.
