Difference between revisions of "Resyncing SPV file"

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(Add section recommending connection to own Bitcoin node for persistent/slow SPV sync problems (incl. links); minor clarity improvements & heading fix.)
 
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'''Resyncing the SPV file''' (Simplified Payment Verification file, `bisq.spvchain`) can often solve wallet issues within Bisq, such as an incorrect balance showing, missing transactions, or other synchronization problems.
  
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<!-- This seems to be s solution to a problem. Perhaps a Problem/Solution format may work well? -->
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__TOC__
  
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'''Problem'''
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== How to Resync the SPV File ==
  
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<!-- Is this section needed? "The Bisq application uses the Bitcoin Simplified Payment Verification (SPV) mechanism. SPV allows Bisq to verify that a transaction is included in a block without downloading the entire block." -->  <!-- is downloading a block something that a user needs to know or deal with? Does the user deal with downloading a block at all? Or, can we just say that SPV simplifies a Bisq transaction (or something similar)? -->
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It is generally best to initiate an SPV file resync using the button within the Bisq application interface. However, if Bisq cannot start properly, you may need to initiate it manually via the file system.
  
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The SPV file <!-- we didn't mention a file? Also, we're now mentioning a problem. --> may become corrupt <!-- "or falls out of sync" Out of sync from what? To say this we now need to explain it. Maybe just leave it as "may become corrupt"), -->  and create Bisq wallet issues, such as a wallet not displaying the correct account balance.
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=== From the Bisq Interface ===
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This is the recommended method if Bisq is operational.
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# Go to `Settings` > `Network Info`.
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# Click the `Delete SPV File and Resync` button.
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# Bisq will prompt you to restart the application '''twice'''. Follow the prompts carefully.
  
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'''Solution'''
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{{Admonition_Warn|'''Sync Time & Performance:'''
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*Resyncing can take a significant amount of time*, depending on the age of your wallet and the number of transactions it contains.
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*It is normal for your computer to experience '''high CPU usage''' during the resync process.
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*Bisq '''may become unresponsive''' while syncing. Please be patient and let the process complete.}}
  
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Resync the SPV file by deleting it and then rebuilding it from the Bitcoin blockchain. Bisq can then retrieve accurate transaction information.
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[[File:Resync-spv-file.png|600px|thumb|left|Click the button under Settings > Network Info to resync the SPV file via the UI.]]
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For more information, please refer to [https://docs.bisq.network/backup-recovery.html#resync-spv-chain Resync SPV chain]
 
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== How to Resync the SPV File ==
 
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<ol>
 
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<li> Open Bisq and click <code>Settings</code><li>
 
  
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[[File:Market tab.png|thumb|left|500px]]
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<div style="clear: both;"></div>
  
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<br clear=all>
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=== From the File System ===
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Use this method if you cannot access the button within Bisq (e.g., if Bisq fails to start fully).
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# Ensure Bisq is completely '''closed'''.
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# Navigate to your [[Data_directory|Bisq data directory]].
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# Locate and '''delete''' the SPV chain file: `btc_mainnet/wallet/bisq.spvchain`
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# Start Bisq and wait for it to fully load (it will begin the resync process).
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# '''Crucially, close Bisq completely and restart it a second time.''' Bisq will ''not'' prompt you for this second restart when using the manual method, but it is required for the wallet state to initialize correctly after the sync.
  
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<li>  In the <code>Network Info</code> tab click <code>Delete SPV File and Resync </code> <li>
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{{Admonition_Warn|'''Sync Time & Performance:'''
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*As with the interface method, resyncing manually can take a '''significant amount of time''', depending on wallet age and transaction count.
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*Expect '''high CPU usage''' and potential Bisq '''unresponsiveness''' during the sync process. Be patient.}}
  
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[[File:Network info.png|thumb|left|500px]]
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=== Fix an Incomplete SPV Resync ===
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Sometimes, especially on older or larger wallets, the SPV resync might hang or get interrupted. If restarting Bisq causes the resync to start over from 0% instead of resuming, you can try this:
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# Ensure Bisq is completely '''closed'''.
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# Navigate to the root folder of your [[Data_directory#Default_locations|Bisq data directory]].
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# Locate and '''delete''' the file named `resyncSpv`. (This file typically only exists if a previous resync was interrupted).
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# '''Restart Bisq'''.
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It should now attempt to resume the SPV sync from where it previously left off.
  
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<br clear=all>
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{{Admonition_Note|When resuming an incomplete sync this way, the Bisq UI might load and show balances ''before'' the background sync is fully complete. Your balance may appear incorrect until the process finishes. You can repeat steps 1-4 if the sync gets interrupted again, allowing it to complete in stages.}}
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# Restart
 
  
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<!-- Restart is confusing Is this user initiated or this happens in response to step 3? --> Upon starting the resync process, you'll be prompted to restart Bisq. Please be advised that re-syncs can take a while depending on the age of your wallet and number of transactions. CPU usage may be high and the Bisq application may not respond for a while—this is normal. Please be patient while the re-sync finishes!
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== Preventing Frequent or Slow Resyncs: Connect to Your Own Node ==
  
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== Help! I Can't Access the Bisq Settings Screen==
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If you find that Bisq frequently requires SPV file resyncs, or if the process consistently takes an extremely long time (especially with an older or high-transaction wallet), the most robust solution is to connect Bisq to your own Bitcoin full node.
  
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When connected to your local node, Bisq gets blockchain information directly and reliably, bypassing the need for the SPV synchronization process over the Tor network. This typically results in faster startups and eliminates most common sync-related issues and errors.
  
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If you can't open Bisq to access the Settings section, you can manually delete the <code>btc_mainnet/wallet/bisq.spvchain</code> from your [[Data_directory|data directory]].
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For details on setting up a node and configuring Bisq to use it, please see:
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* [[Installing your own Bitcoin node]]
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* [[Connecting to your own Bitcoin node]]
  
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The default data directory locations can be found [https://bisq.wiki/Backup_%26_Recovery here]. You will then need to manually restart Bisq '''twice''' to complete the resync.
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While running a full node requires more resources (disk space, bandwidth), it offers the best performance, privacy, and stability when using Bisq.
  
 
[[Category:Use Cases]]
 
[[Category:Use Cases]]
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[[Category:Troubleshooting]]

Latest revision as of 13:46, 18 April 2025

Resyncing the SPV file (Simplified Payment Verification file, `bisq.spvchain`) can often solve wallet issues within Bisq, such as an incorrect balance showing, missing transactions, or other synchronization problems.

How to Resync the SPV File

It is generally best to initiate an SPV file resync using the button within the Bisq application interface. However, if Bisq cannot start properly, you may need to initiate it manually via the file system.

From the Bisq Interface

This is the recommended method if Bisq is operational.

  1. Go to `Settings` > `Network Info`.
  2. Click the `Delete SPV File and Resync` button.
  3. Bisq will prompt you to restart the application twice. Follow the prompts carefully.
Warn
 Sync Time & Performance:
  • Resyncing can take a significant amount of time*, depending on the age of your wallet and the number of transactions it contains.
  • It is normal for your computer to experience high CPU usage during the resync process.
  • Bisq may become unresponsive while syncing. Please be patient and let the process complete.
Click the button under Settings > Network Info to resync the SPV file via the UI.

From the File System

Use this method if you cannot access the button within Bisq (e.g., if Bisq fails to start fully).

  1. Ensure Bisq is completely closed.
  2. Navigate to your Bisq data directory.
  3. Locate and delete the SPV chain file: `btc_mainnet/wallet/bisq.spvchain`
  4. Start Bisq and wait for it to fully load (it will begin the resync process).
  5. Crucially, close Bisq completely and restart it a second time. Bisq will not prompt you for this second restart when using the manual method, but it is required for the wallet state to initialize correctly after the sync.
Warn
 Sync Time & Performance:
  • As with the interface method, resyncing manually can take a significant amount of time, depending on wallet age and transaction count.
  • Expect high CPU usage and potential Bisq unresponsiveness during the sync process. Be patient.

Fix an Incomplete SPV Resync

Sometimes, especially on older or larger wallets, the SPV resync might hang or get interrupted. If restarting Bisq causes the resync to start over from 0% instead of resuming, you can try this:

  1. Ensure Bisq is completely closed.
  2. Navigate to the root folder of your Bisq data directory.
  3. Locate and delete the file named `resyncSpv`. (This file typically only exists if a previous resync was interrupted).
  4. Restart Bisq.

It should now attempt to resume the SPV sync from where it previously left off.

Note
 When resuming an incomplete sync this way, the Bisq UI might load and show balances before the background sync is fully complete. Your balance may appear incorrect until the process finishes. You can repeat steps 1-4 if the sync gets interrupted again, allowing it to complete in stages.

Preventing Frequent or Slow Resyncs: Connect to Your Own Node

If you find that Bisq frequently requires SPV file resyncs, or if the process consistently takes an extremely long time (especially with an older or high-transaction wallet), the most robust solution is to connect Bisq to your own Bitcoin full node.

When connected to your local node, Bisq gets blockchain information directly and reliably, bypassing the need for the SPV synchronization process over the Tor network. This typically results in faster startups and eliminates most common sync-related issues and errors.

For details on setting up a node and configuring Bisq to use it, please see:

While running a full node requires more resources (disk space, bandwidth), it offers the best performance, privacy, and stability when using Bisq.

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