# Enable Lightning

Source URL: https://support.dxp.blockstream.com/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning
Updated: 2026-05-15T18:55:40.000Z
Category: Blockstream App
Section: Use Lightning Bitcoin

---

> **Note:** Lightning is currently in beta. Your underlying funds remain secure, but you may experience occasional payment failures or temporary delays when accessing your Lightning balance during network updates. We recommend only using funds that you don't need immediate, urgent access to. If you run into issues with Lightning, [contact our support team online](https://help.blockstream.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket%5Fform%5Fid=8613) or through the app.

- [Enable Lightning for iOS](#enable-lightning-for-ios)
- [Enable Lightning on Android](#enable-lightning-on-android)

## Enable Lightning for iOS

iOS requires **Experimental Features** to be turned on before you can enable Lightning.

1.

From the **My Wallets** screen, tap the **three dots** icon in the top right.

![Blockstream app My Wallets screen](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57813995509273.png)

2.

In the **Options** menu, tap **App Settings**.

![Blockstream app Options menu with App Settings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57814002257689.png)

3.

Turn on **Enable Experimental Features**.

![Blockstream app App Settings with Enable Experimental Features turned on](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57813979788185.png)

With Experimental Features enabled, you can now enable Lightning from your wallet's Settings.

1.

From **My Wallets**, tap the wallet you want to use.

![Blockstream app My Wallets screen](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57813995677337.png)

2.

Tap **Settings** in the bottom navigation.

![Blockstream app wallet home screen](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57814002421913.png)

3.

Under **Account Settings**, tap **Lightning**.

![Blockstream app wallet Settings with Lightning under Account Settings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57813979961753.png)

4.

Review the **Lightning Is in Beta** information, then tap **Enable Lightning**.

![Blockstream app Lightning Is in Beta screen with Enable Lightning button](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57813980002457.png)

5.

A green **Lightning Enabled** banner appears at the top of the Settings screen.

![Blockstream app Settings screen with Lightning Enabled confirmation banner](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57813980065305.png)

You can now send and receive Lightning bitcoin from this wallet.

## Enable Lightning on Android

You enable Lightning directly from your wallet's settings. No Experimental Features step required.

1.

From your wallet's **Settings**, scroll to **Account Settings** and tap the **Lightning** toggle.

![Blockstream app Settings screen with the Lightning toggle off](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57814029455385.png)

2.

Review the **Lightning is in Beta** dialog and tap **I Understand**.

![Blockstream app Lightning is in Beta dialog with I Understand button](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57814014534809.png)

3.

Wait for **Creating your Lightning account...** to complete.

![Blockstream app Creating your Lightning account screen](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57814029646745.png)

4.

The **Lightning** toggle is now on.

![Blockstream app Settings screen with the Lightning toggle on](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning/57813996207385.png)

You can send and receive Lightning bitcoin from this wallet.

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Blockstream App > Enable Lightning

## Related Articles in This Section
- [Understand Lightning support in the Blockstream app](https://support.dxp.blockstream.com/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/understand-lightning-support-in-the-blockstream-app)
- [Enable Lightning](https://support.dxp.blockstream.com/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/enable-lightning) (current)
- [Receive and send Lightning bitcoin](https://support.dxp.blockstream.com/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/receive-and-send-lightning-bitcoin)
- [Receive LBTC via Lightning and pay Lightning invoice with LBTC](https://support.dxp.blockstream.com/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/receive-lbtc-via-lightning-and-pay-lightning-invoice-with-lbtc)
- [Transfer Lightning balance to on-chain](https://support.dxp.blockstream.com/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/transfer-lightning-balance-to-on-chain)
- [Understand receive capacity and funding fees on your Instant Lightning account](https://support.dxp.blockstream.com/blockstream-app/use-lightning-bitcoin/understand-receive-capacity-and-funding-fees-on-your-instant-lightning-account)