# Micro Node setup

Turn an Android phone into a Micro node that shares its mobile connection. Setup takes about two minutes and everything runs from the Noderr app. No computer, no Docker and no helper app.

> Node rewards are not being paid yet. See [Testnet Status](../../introduction/testnet-status.md).

## What you need

- An Android phone on Android 7 or newer that can stay plugged in and online
- A SIM with mobile data. Wi‑Fi alone is not enough because the node shares your mobile IP.

For other platforms, start with the [platform selector and downloads](https://micronodes.noderr.xyz/#get-started). Full requirements are on [Micro nodes](./README.md).

## Step 1: Install the app

1. On the phone, open **[micronodes.noderr.xyz](https://micronodes.noderr.xyz)** and tap **Download for Android**.
2. Open the downloaded `.apk`. When Android warns about installing from your browser, tap **Settings → Allow from this source**, then **Install**.
3. Open the **Noderr Micronode** app.

## Step 2: Choose what the phone does

On first launch the app asks whether to **share its connection** or set up a **full node**. Choose **Share its connection**. That is the Micro node role and it needs only the two permissions below.

A full node also runs automation tasks and needs several extra system permissions. Skip it unless you have been told otherwise. You can change this later in **Settings → Node role**.

## Step 3: Agree to share your connection

The app shows what sharing means: other Noderr traffic may exit through your phone's mobile IP address. Read it, then tap **I agree & start earning**.

This is a real, recorded consent. Nothing is shared until you agree, and nothing else is bundled with it. You can stop at any time from the same screen. The node stops serving within about a minute.

## Step 4: Allow notifications and background use

1. Tap **Allow** when the app asks to show notifications. This is how it tells you if the node needs attention.
2. Tap **Allow** to disable battery optimization for the app, so Android does not put it to sleep. On some brands you also need to mark the app as unrestricted:

| Phone | What to set |
|---|---|
| **Samsung** | Settings → Apps → **Noderr Micronode** → **Battery → Unrestricted**; and Settings → Battery → **Background usage limits** → make sure it is **not** in *Sleeping* / *Deep sleeping apps* |
| **Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO** | Settings → Apps → Manage apps → **Noderr Micronode** → turn on **Autostart**, and set **Battery saver → No restrictions** |
| **OnePlus / Oppo** | Settings → Apps → **Noderr Micronode** → **Battery usage → Allow background activity** + **Allow auto‑launch** |
| **Google Pixel / stock** | Settings → Apps → **Noderr Micronode** → **Battery → Unrestricted** |

3. Tap **Allow updates**. Android opens a switch called **"Allow from this source"**. Turn it on for Noderr Micronode and go back. Without it, updates download but can never install.

Keep your normal screen lock. The node never needs to unlock or operate your screen.

## Step 5: Set up your wallet and register

1. The app creates a secure wallet for the node, or lets you import one. It holds the node's identity and receives rewards. The private key is encrypted on the device and never leaves it.
2. Tap **Register Node**. The phone registers with the Noderr coordinator (`verification.noderr.xyz`).
3. Tap **Mint Utility NFT**. The mint is gasless because Noderr covers the gas.
4. The node goes **Online** and runs quietly in the background.

## Check it is working

The dashboard shows **Online**. The **Sharing & Consent** screen shows **Sharing your connection** with the date you agreed. Leave the phone plugged in and on mobile data.

## Updates

The app checks for updates every 30 minutes and downloads them itself.

- Most phones have no privileged bridge and show a system prompt, **"Do you want to update this app?"**. Tap **Update**.
- If a settings page opens asking to **Allow from this source**, switch it on. The update installs on the next check.

Your node identity and rewards are kept. Never uninstall the app to update it.

## Troubleshooting

| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Node shows **Offline** | Check mobile data is on and battery optimization is disabled (Step 4). |
| Not sharing / **no cellular** | The phone needs a SIM with mobile data. Wi‑Fi alone cannot share a mobile IP. |
| App says **credentials rejected / re‑enrol** | Open the app and tap **Re‑enrol now** (or Settings → Re‑register Node). Your wallet carries over. |
| **Update won't install** | Tap **Update** on the system prompt. If it still fails, wait 15 minutes and retry — do **not** uninstall. |
| Node dies after **reboot** | Confirm it's in **Protected apps / Auto‑start** (Step 4). |

Need help? Ask the team in the [Noderr Discord](https://discord.gg/bPznF37J2e).