Run an Algorand node

Help secure the Algorand network and participate in consensus by running a node.

What is running a node? 

Running an Algorand node essentially means operating a computer program that validates transactions and contributes to securing the network. Thousands of nodes around the world are doing the same thing, working together to validate transactions, secure the network, and maintain the integrity of the Algorand ledger. By running a node, you become an active contributor to this decentralized system.

How to run an Algorand node

 

One-click nodes

Recommended for those with a non-technical background 

Pixelnode

Pixelnode is an all-in-one Algorand node manager. All you need to do is run one command line and Pixelnode installs all the dependencies required to run an Algorand node. 

Use Pixelnode
Aust One-Click Node

Aust One-Click Node enables you to participate in consensus with a Folks Finance Algo Liquid Governance smart contract. See this helpful video tutorial.

Use Aust One-Click Node

Manual node installation 

Technical expertise is required for manual setup 

 

Manual setup and running of an Algorand node requires a more hands-on approach compared to one-click options.

The Algorand Developer Portal provides an official step-by-step guide. The guide details a two-folder installation with an updater script to keep your software current. You'll download binaries, configure settings, and potentially use command-line tools to manage and interact with your node.

Set up a node

Disclaimer: Pixelnode and Aust One-Click Node are third-party services. The Algorand Foundation has no control over these external services and makes no guarantees regarding their functionality, security, or reliability. Please exercise caution when accessing these sites and ensure that you understand the associated risks. Never share your private key data with any service.

Why run an Algorand node?

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Secure the network

Your node acts as an independent validator. This helps prevent fraudulent activity and ensures only valid transactions are added to the blockchain.

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Support the ecosystem

Your node contributes to a robust Algorand infrastructure, benefitting projects, developers, and users.

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Vote on network proposals

Participating nodes have voting rights on network proposals, letting you directly influence Algorand's future development.

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Earn rewards

With the introduction of consensus incentivization later in 2024, you have the potential to earn rewards for helping process transactions on the network.

What are the types of Algorand nodes?

The Algorand network comprises relay nodes and consensus nodes. 

Relay nodes act as communication hubs, forwarding transactions and blocks to other nodes in the network. Currently, relay nodes are whitelisted, requiring approval to operate.

Consensus nodes (formerly participation nodes) focus on validating transactions and participating in Pure Proof-of-Stake consensus. Anyone can set up and operate a consensus node. 

Who can run a node? 

Anyone with an Algorand account with an account balance of at least 0.1 Algo can run a node. To run a participation node you need a computer with at least 8GB of RAM, a fast SSD, and a good internet connection (ideally 1 Gbps).

Ask the Algorand community 

Get help running a node

Head over to the dedicated #node-runners channel on the Algorand Discord server. Connect with experienced node runners, ask questions, and share your experiences. Or, get your node-related questions answered on the official Algorand Reddit page.

Discord Reddit

Additional node resources

  1. Monitor the voting health of your node at alerts.allo.info →
  2. Claim a Proof of Participation (PoP), an honorary NFT for validators participating in Algorand consensus →
FAQ

About nodes and node-running on Algorand

DISCLAIMER: The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. We do not recommend that Algo or any crypto assets be bought, sold, swapped, staked, or held by you. We make no warranties or representations about the third parties linked in this page, the information contained on their websites, the assets available through them, or the suitability, privacy or security of their products or services. You acknowledge sole responsibility for and assume all risk arising from your use of third-party services, including risk of loss for assets.