::: faq-entry
# Is Phoenix a "real" Lightning node?

Yes. Phoenix is a real, self-contained Lightning node that runs on your phone. It does not require you to run another Lightning node at home or in the cloud. It is not a custodial wallet either, you are in full control of your funds.
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::: faq-entry
# Is Phoenix trustless?

Phoenix is trust-minimized, but not trustless. Wise people know that there is no such thing as trustless and that it's all a matter of trade-offs.

The creation or modification of a channel:
- When it is caused by an incoming Lightning payment, requires trust until the funding tx is confirmed. However the entirety of funds can always be spent at all time, even if the funding transaction is unconfirmed.
- When it is caused by an on-chain deposit, does not require trust. This is because Phoenix directly funds the transactions.

Swaps are trustless.

You can configure Phoenix to use your own Electrum server to watch the Blockchain and monitor your channels. This significantly reduces your dependency on third parties to secure your wallet.
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::: faq-entry
# How private are my payments on Phoenix?

The current version of Phoenix offers no advantage regarding privacy over existing, hosted, custodial wallets. We (ACINQ) know the final destination and amount of payments.

Later versions will be much more privacy friendly, but that's in the works. More details [here](https://acinq.co/blog/introducing-phoenix-trampoline) and [here](https://phoenix.acinq.co/privacy).
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::: faq-entry
# What happens if ACINQ disappears?

If ACINQ (or even the whole Lightning Network) completely disappears overnight, your funds will still be safe, but you won't be able to make any payments.

In that case, **and only in that case** (a catastrophic scenario where ACINQ disappears), you will need to force close your channels. **For all other issues, bugs, problems of any kind, do not force close your channels**, just get in touch with support (phoenix@acinq.co).

Let us say it again: Force-closing channels is an emergency mechanism to be used only as a last resort. High fees apply, and the procedure takes days to complete.

If you choose to proceed, go to Settings > Danger zone, and click on "Force close channels". Phoenix will unilaterally close your channels, and after a 720 blocks delay (~ 5 days) your funds will be moved back on-chain. [Follow this procedure to recover your funds](#my-channels-got-force-closed-how-do-i-recover-my-funds). Do not uninstall the app or reset its internal data until you have successfully recovered all your funds!
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