How to use Bisq Connect (WIP) - bisq-network/bisq-mobile GitHub Wiki

Setting Up a Trusted Node for Bisq Mobile

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up a trusted node for Bisq Mobile, allowing the app to connect to the http-api service from Bisq2. Users must host this trusted node service within their LAN, though port-forwarding is optional for external access and won't be covered in this document.

1. Setting Up the Trusted Node

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • A Linux/macOS machine (Windows users may need WSL)
  • Git installed
  • Java 22+ installed

Step 1: Download and Build Bisq2

# Clone the Bisq2 repository
$ git clone https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq2
$ cd bisq2

# Build the project & http-api-app
$ ./gradlew clean build apps:http-api-app:clean apps:http-api-app:installDist

Step 2: Run the HTTP API for WebSocket Connectivity

# Run the API server on port 8090 (or change the port if needed)
echo "Running HTTP API for WS connectivity on localhost:8090"
echo "Running in prod mode"
JAVA_OPTS="-Dapplication.appName=bisq2_http1 \
    -Dapplication.devMode=false \
    -Dapplication.network.supportedTransportTypes.1=TOR \
    -Dapplication.network.supportedTransportTypes.2=CLEAR" \
    apps/http-api-app/build/install/http-api-app/bin/http-api-app

Step 3: Configure Network Access

  • Ensure your Bisq2 HTTP API node is running on the same LAN as your mobile device.
  • If you need remote access, configure port forwarding (at your own risk) on your router.
  • If using a VPN, allow access to local services.

2. Connecting Bisq Mobile to the Trusted Node

Step 1: Install Bisq Connect

Step 2: Configure the WebSocket Connection

  1. Open Bisq Connect on your mobile device.
  2. The app detects when there is no connectivity and you will be prompted with the "setup trusted node" settings screen
  3. Enter the WebSocket URL in the format: 
    ws://[LAN_IP]:[PORT]
    Example: 
    ws://10.0.0.1:8090
  4. Save the configuration and tap on "test" to connect.

Step 3: Verify Connectivity

  • If the connection is successful, you will see a confirmation message.
  • If unsuccessful:
    • Ensure your mobile device and Bisq2 node are on the same network.
    • Check firewall settings on your Bisq2 host.
    • if your trusted node is under a VPN, make sure local services access is enabled
    • Restart the http-api-app service.

Recommendations

  • Use a VPN (if applicable) but ensure it allows access to local network services.
  • Check LAN Access: Your mobile device and Bisq2 node must be on the same network.
  • Security Considerations: If enabling port forwarding, be aware of security risks and consider using a firewall to limit external access.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Cannot Connect to Trusted Node

✅ Ensure:

  • The WebSocket URL is correct.
  • The Bisq2 HTTP API is running and reachable.
  • The mobile device is on the same LAN as the node.

Issue: Connection Drops Frequently

🔍 Possible Fixes:

  • Restart the http-api-app service.
  • Check network stability.
  • Use a static local IP for the Bisq2 node to avoid IP changes.

Now you're ready to use Bisq Connect with your trusted node! 🚀