Does Phoenix Wallet require KYC?

Phoenix Wallet has optional KYC; you can use the service without it for the basic flow. 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.

What payment methods does Phoenix Wallet accept?

Phoenix Wallet accepts: crypto, lightning.

Where is Phoenix Wallet based?

Operating jurisdiction listed as France (ACINQ operator). This is best-known information; corporate structure can be opaque.

Privacy wallets

Phoenix Wallet

Phoenix is the reference self-custody mobile Lightning wallet from the team behind eclair, one of the major Lightning implementations.

Website: phoenix.acinq.co
KYC: optional KYC — 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
Fiat on-ramp: no
Payment: crypto, lightning
Jurisdiction: France (ACINQ operator)
Founded: 2020
Open source: yes
Custodial: no
Last verified: Jan 1, 2026
Sources: 2

Overview

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).

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).

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.

FAQ

Does Phoenix Wallet require KYC?: Phoenix Wallet has optional KYC; you can use the service without it for the basic flow. 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.
What payment methods does Phoenix Wallet accept?: Phoenix Wallet accepts: crypto, lightning.
Where is Phoenix Wallet based?: Operating jurisdiction listed as France (ACINQ operator). This is best-known information; corporate structure can be opaque.

Phoenix Wallet

Overview

What Phoenix is#

Threat-model fit#

Strengths

Caveats

Verdict

FAQ

Sources

Mentioned in

Guides

Quick answers

Explainers

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