Beginner's Guide

How Zapable works with Bitcoin Lightning

New to Bitcoin’s Lightning Network? This guide walks you through everything you need to start buying and selling digital products on Zapable with sats.

The 3-step overview

Here’s a quick recap of the process before we dive deeper.

Get a Wallet

Download a Lightning wallet app to send and receive sats.

Add Bitcoin

Buy Bitcoin and move it to your Lightning wallet.

Start Using

Connect to Zapable to sell products or scan to buy.

What is the Bitcoin Lightning Network?

Bitcoin is the base layer—secure and decentralized, but sometimes slow for small transactions. The Lightning Network is a "Layer 2" solution built on top of Bitcoin.

It allows for instant, near-zero fee payments. This makes it perfect for buying digital products, tipping creators, or sending small amounts of value globally without waiting for block confirmations.

When you use Zapable, you are paying creators directly (peer-to-peer) using this network. No banks, no credit cards, just pure value transfer.

Step 1: Choose your Lightning wallet

Pick a wallet that fits how you like to use Bitcoin.

Browser Extension

Great for desktop creators

Connects easily with web apps like Zapable. Ideal if you work on a computer.

Popular: Alby

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Mobile App

Great for everyday use

Scan QR codes to pay instantly. Perfect for buying on the go.

Popular: Phoenix, Zeus

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Node Connected

For advanced users

If you run your own node, use a wallet that connects directly to it for full control.

Popular: Zeus, Alby

View Website

Step 2: Add Bitcoin (sats) to your wallet

You need "sats" (satoshis, the smallest unit of Bitcoin) to pay. You can buy Bitcoin on an exchange (like Coinbase, Kraken, or Cash App) and send it to your wallet.

Buy Bitcoin on a reputable exchange or from a friend.

Withdraw it to your Lightning wallet address.

Many wallets (like Phoenix) handle the swap from 'On-Chain' to 'Lightning' automatically for you.

Safety Tip: Always start with a small amount (e.g., $5-10) to get comfortable before moving larger funds.

Step 3: Connect and start using Zapable

For Creators

  • 1.Create your Zapable account.
  • 2.Connect your Lightning wallet (we recommend Alby for creators).
  • 3.Publish your digital products.
  • 4.Share links and get paid instantly in sats.

For Buyers

  • 1.Browse creators and find a product you want.
  • 2.Click "Buy Now" to generate a Lightning invoice.
  • 3.Scan the QR code with your mobile wallet (or copy/paste).
  • 4.Payment confirms instantly, and you get your file.

Stay safe

  • Back up your recovery phrase (12-24 words) and never share it.
  • Keep your wallet app updated to the latest version.
  • Beware of phishing links and fake support agents.

Useful Resources

Lightning Network Overview
Bitcoin for Beginners
Alby Wallet Guide

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