What to do When Electrum Nodes Are Down

If you’re running a bitcoin full node and it happens to be down when you’re using the Electrum wallet, then you have come to the right place. There are a few different scenarios in which Electrum may not connect to the Bitcoin full node that you’re using. Don’t worry; the fix will only take a few minutes.

Introduction

If you have any questions during this article, then comment on your issues below, and we will make sure to get back to you and better assist you. If you encounter any more electrum problems, check out our library of stories as we have step by step guides for all common electrum problems. This will save you a lot of time since you won’t need to contact support and wait long periods in high ticket liquidity times.
Today we will be going over the steps you need to take to fix your node connection error with Electrum successfully.

Most of the Electrum Wallet issues can be resolve by updating!

Download last version of Electrum Wallet for:

1. **Download Electrum Wallet Setup version for Windows**
2. **Download Electrum Wallet Portabale version for Windows**
3. **Download Electrum Wallet for MAC OS**
4. **Download Electrum Wallet for Linux OS**

Nodes

Fortress.qtornado

If you’re using the above node, you may have noticed that the network has been having issues. This is due to Electrum’s server getting hit with DDoS attacks to try and take down the network. So when you are running a node that is connecting to the server, you will run into connection problems. Your funds are safe since you own the private keys, but you might be seeing downtime.
Step 1: Make sure you have the latest version of Electrum. You can download it from the official website and install it if you haven’t already. Your problem may be fixed if you download the newest version and didn’t have it before.
Step 2: Try running Electrum and using the console command below.
electrum.hodlister.co:50002
You’ll want to run it with high RESOURCE_USAGE_LIMIT
If this problem has not fixed itself, then the issue is probably on the Electrum side which is a waiting game. When the servers are being attacked, you will need to wait or use your node on another wallet and transfer your funds.

Conclusion

Even if the servers are down on Electrum, your funds are safe since your private key is not connected to the server. Your private key is the verification that you need to prove you own the funds. This verification is universal on the blockchain, so you could use your private key on another wallet it if you wanted to and would have access to the same funds.
If you upgrade to the newest version, make sure that you have your recovery phrase written down before you upgrade. Some users have experienced crashes with the new client, which would force you to recover your wallet. If you don’t have your recovery phrase, you will lose all of your coins.
It’s recommended that you keep your recovery phrase on a piece of paper and secure it in a lockbox that’s flameproof.