Healthy
Synced tip is recent, peers are connected, free storage is comfortable, logs show no persistent warnings and the system is stable.
Run Your Node
Stage 5 of 7
Maintain a healthy node
Routine checks are short. Safe shutdowns, storage headroom and deliberate updates prevent most avoidable failures.
Status indicators
Needs attention
Sync is falling behind, storage is trending low, peer count stays at zero, updates are overdue or repeated warnings appear.
Urgent
Disk is nearly full, storage disconnects, repeated unclean shutdowns occur, database errors persist or the device overheats.
Weekly checklist
- Confirm the latest block time is recent
- Confirm peer connections
- Review free disk space
- Check the device is not overheating
- Scan recent logs for repeated warnings
Monthly checklist
- Review supported Bitcoin Core or umbrelOS updates
- Confirm automatic startup still works
- Test that the node is reachable from the intended local wallet
- Inspect SSD health where tooling is available
- Review firewall and remote-access settings
Update-time checklist
- 1
Read official release notes
Check compatibility, known issues and whether your current release is still supported.
- 2
Back up irreplaceable data
Back up wallet descriptors, seeds or wallet files where used, plus deliberate configuration and labels. Protect backups as secrets.
Warning: Blockchain block files and chainstate can be downloaded and rebuilt; private keys cannot.
- 3
Shut down normally
Use Exit, stop the service normally, and wait until the process has completely ended.
- 4
Install from the official source
Download and verify the current release. Do not downgrade or delete data unless official recovery guidance specifically requires it.
- 5
Verify after restart
Check sync, peers, warnings, wallets and any connected applications.
Recovery planning
Back up
Private keys or seed material, wallet descriptors/exports, important labels, configuration you intentionally changed and any service credentials.
Re-download
Blockchain blocks, chainstate and application binaries can normally be reconstructed from the network and verified again.
Dedicated uptime
Use Ethernet, reliable cooling and power, automatic service start, enough disk reserve and controlled update windows. A UPS can reduce unclean shutdowns.
Official sources
Stage progress
Mark this stage complete when you are ready to continue.