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This guide covers Node.js server-side usage. For mobile (iOS/Android) see the React Native guide, and for browser apps see the Web guide. For concepts shared across all guides, see the Quickstart Overview.

Prerequisites

  • Node.js v18 or laterDownload here
  • A testnet BTC balance for transaction fees (see Quickstart Overview for faucet links)
  • Basic familiarity with async/await JavaScript
This guide uses testnet. Never use mainnet keys or real funds while following this tutorial. Testnet assets have no monetary value.

Step 1: Install the SDK

The @utexo/rgb-sdk package is Node.js only and is not browser-compatible. It requires access to the file system and native crypto modules. For browser environments use @utexo/rgb-sdk-web; for iOS and Android use @utexo/rgb-sdk-rn.

Step 2: Generate Wallet Keys

Start by generating a BIP-39 mnemonic. This 12-word seed phrase is the only way to recover your wallet — store it securely before proceeding.
Back up your mnemonic immediately. If you lose it, your wallet and any assets it holds cannot be recovered. Never commit mnemonics to source control.

Step 3: Initialise the Wallet

Create and initialise a UTEXOWallet instance using your mnemonic. Initialisation connects to the default RGB transport and Bitcoin indexer endpoints for testnet.
initialize() performs the initial sync with the Bitcoin indexer and RGB transport layer. This may take a few seconds on first run.

Step 4: Get a Deposit Address

Get your wallet’s Bitcoin deposit address. You will use this to receive testnet BTC from a faucet — a small BTC balance is required to pay RGB transaction fees.
Send testnet BTC to this address using one of the faucets listed in the Quickstart Overview. Wait for at least 1 confirmation before continuing. A few thousand satoshis is enough to cover fees for this tutorial.

Step 5: Create UTXOs

RGB asset state must be anchored to Bitcoin UTXOs. Before you can receive any RGB asset, your wallet needs dedicated UTXOs created for this purpose.
Parameter reference: refreshWallet() syncs the wallet’s local state with the Bitcoin chain. Always call it after any on-chain operation before querying balances or generating invoices.

Step 6: Get the USDT on Bitcoin Asset ID

Before generating an invoice, you need the asset ID of the USDT on Bitcoin token on testnet. This ID uniquely identifies the asset contract in the RGB protocol.
If no assets appear, your wallet may not yet have been assigned any RGB assets. You can also obtain the canonical testnet USDT asset ID from the SDK Reference or by asking in the Utexo Discord.

Step 7: Generate an RGB Invoice (Receiver Side)

The receiver generates a blinded invoice to share with the sender. The blinded invoice hides the receiver’s UTXO from the sender while still allowing the transfer to be verified client-side.
Parameter reference: Invoices expire after durationSeconds. The sender must complete the transfer before the invoice expires, otherwise a new invoice is required.

Step 8: Send an RGB Asset (Sender Side)

The sender uses the invoice from Step 7 to transfer the asset. The sender must already hold a balance of the RGB asset being transferred.
The send() call constructs the RGB state transition, attaches it to a Bitcoin transaction, and broadcasts it. The RGB transport layer (rpcs://) is used to communicate the state transition to the receiver. The amount and assetId in the send() call must exactly match those in the invoice. Mismatches will cause the transfer to be rejected by the receiver’s client-side validator.

Step 9: Verify the Transfer

After both wallets have called refreshWallet(), check the balances to confirm the transfer completed successfully.
Expected result: the receiver’s asset list shows a balance of 100 for the USDT asset. If the transfer is still pending confirmation, call refreshWallet() again after the next Bitcoin block. RGB transfers require Bitcoin confirmation to finalise. On testnet, a new block typically arrives every 1–10 minutes.

Step 10: Create and Pay a Lightning Invoice

With an open Lightning channel, you can send and receive payments using createLightningInvoice and payLightningInvoice.
Opening a channel requires a funded node connected to a peer. Refer to the RGB Lightning Node section for channel management details.
For USDT-over-Lightning payments, set asset.assetId to the USDT asset ID and asset.amount to the RGB amount on the invoice.

Step 11: On-Chain Receive and Send

The same UTEXOWallet instance handles on-chain Bitcoin addresses and RGB on-chain transfers.
getAddress() returns a standard Bitcoin address for on-chain BTC deposits. blindReceive() returns an RGB blinded invoice for asset transfers. Both are available on every UTEXOWallet instance without additional setup.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter an issue not listed here, join the Utexo Discord for community support.

Next Steps

  • SDK Reference — Full method reference for UTEXOWallet, including Lightning channel management and backup
  • Architecture — Understand how Bitcoin, Lightning, and RGB fit together
  • Glossary — Definitions for RGB, PSBT, blinded invoice, UTXO, and other key terms