# Phoenix Wallet

> Source: https://fuckyc.org/services/phoenix-wallet/
> Website: https://phoenix.acinq.co/
> Categories: Privacy wallets
> KYC: optional — Self-custody Lightning wallet. No signup or account at the wallet layer. The ACINQ-operated LSP that the wallet uses for channel liquidity sits in the network path; operator policy can affect availability per jurisdiction.
> Status: active
> Jurisdiction: France (ACINQ operator)
> Fiat on-ramp: no
> Payment methods: crypto, lightning
> Founded: 2020
> Open source: yes
> Custodial: no
> Last verified: 2026-01-01

## Verdict

Phoenix is the reference self-custody mobile Lightning wallet from the team behind eclair, one of the major Lightning implementations. Splice channels remove the open-channel-and-close-channel friction. The 2024 U.S. withdrawal is the most material recent event; non-US users get a polished product.

## Strengths

- The most-recommended self-custody mobile Lightning wallet from the protocol's principal implementers.
- Splice channels and ACINQ-side automatic channel management — usable Lightning without running a node.
- Open-source clients.

## Caveats

- In May 2024 ACINQ removed Phoenix from the U.S. App Store and Play Store citing regulatory pressure; non-US users unaffected, US users have to sideload.
- The wallet routes channel opens through ACINQ; ACINQ sees node identifier and channel size at open time.
- Lightning network privacy is wallet-and-route-dependent.
- Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).

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## What Phoenix is

A mobile Lightning wallet by ACINQ. Self-custody throughout; the operator provides Lightning Service Provider (LSP) functionality for automatic channel management.

## Threat-model fit

Mobile Lightning self-custody for users outside the U.S. (or willing to sideload).

## Sources

- [Phoenix Wallet](https://phoenix.acinq.co/) — accessed 2026-01-01
- [ACINQ](https://acinq.co/) — accessed 2026-01-01