Run an AUREN node
A node keeps its own copy of the network and checks every block. You need only Node.js 20+. No npm, no git, no build step, no admin rights.
There is one mainnet, one testnet and one devnet. You join them; you never create them. (The tools the core team uses to create a network are in docs/LAUNCH.md and are not needed here.)
| Network | Use it for | Status |
|---|---|---|
| testnet | trying everything with faucet coins (recommended) | official genesis in this package; join with auren join testnet |
| devnet | early features, may be reset | same command with devnet |
| mainnet | real value | not launched. It will only launch after independent audits and a long public test. auren join mainnet will say so. |
1. Get AUREN
Download the package from the official site's Run a node page (/run-a-node.html) and unpack it. It is under 200 KB and contains no keys. Every node started with --website serves it at /downloads/.
2. Join
Windows (easiest): unzip, right-click install\windows\Install-AUREN.ps1 → Run with PowerShell (installs Node.js if missing, adds AUREN Node to the Start Menu, can start it at sign-in), then open AUREN Node. Or in a terminal: auren.cmd join testnet.
macOS / Linux: install Node.js 20+ from nodejs.org, then in the unpacked folder:
./auren join testnetAndroid: install Termux (F-Droid), copy the package in, then sh install/android/termux-setup.sh. This runs a real node inside Termux. There is no standalone Android app yet: an APK needs the Android SDK and a signing key, which this project does not ship.
The first run creates ~/.auren/testnet (Windows: C:\Users\<you>\.auren\testnet) and syncs from the network's seed nodes. Leave the window open.
3. Check it
./auren status --network testnet # running · auren-testnet-1 · block 1234 · 4 peers · in syncYour node also serves the website, wallet and explorer: open the address printed in the node window (default port 9650).
Options
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
--port 9650 | port for your node |
--home <dir> | where data lives (never share one folder between two networks) |
--public | accept connections from other machines (default: only this computer) |
--tls-cert f --tls-key f [--tls-port 443] | also serve HTTPS |
Keep it running
- Windows:
Install-AUREN.ps1can create a sign-in task. Remove it withschtasks /Delete /TN "AUREN Node (testnet)" /F. - Linux:
deploy/auren-node.service(systemd). UseExecStart=/usr/bin/node bin/auren.js join testnet. - Android: Termux keeps running with a wake lock (
termux-wake-lock); disable battery optimization for Termux.
Update
Download the newest package and unpack it over (or beside) the old one. Your data in ~/.auren is separate and is kept. Never mix data between networks.
Becoming a validator (advanced)
A regular node checks the network, and with --earn it also earns AUR (see node-rewards.md). Validators also propose and sign blocks and earn rewards, and putting their stake at risk. Read docs/validators.md first: you will create a separate consensus key, stake AUR, and must never run two nodes with the same key (that is slashed).
Back up
Your wallet seed phrase is the only copy of your funds. Node data (~/.auren/<network>) can always be re-downloaded from the network; do back up priv_validator_key.json if you run a validator.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| "cannot reach the seed nodes" | the network's public address is not answering right now; try again in a minute |
| "has not been launched yet" | the network you named has no genesis in this package (mainnet) |
| "genesis … does not match the official one" | this copy was modified or is outdated: download a fresh package |
auren status says not running | start it first, or use --port if you changed the port |