Run a Node on Shardeum with One-Click Node Setup

(Last updated on May 1, 2025)

Want to run a Shardeum mainnet node without dealing with hardware or technical setup? You’re in the right place. You can easily run your node using a VPS provider like Contabo or AWS. For an even simpler experience, Shardeum also supports “one-click node setup”.

As the name suggests, one-click node setup (or 1-click validator) require far lesser number of steps and technical know-how to host your node when compared to self-hosting and renting a VPS. You simply need to choose a suitable cloud service provider available in the market, pay a subscription fee and let them handle all the technical aspects for you to run the node seamlessly while you earn SHM rewards. Additionally, they provide a balance between convenience and contributing to network decentralization.

Who is This For?

• Beginners and non-technical users who want to run a Shardeum mainnet validator node without worrying about the setup process or hardware requirements.
• Anyone looking for the easiest path to support decentralization and earn SHM rewards—no technical setup needed. Manage your node through a simple, click-based (GUI) dashboard.
• Web3 enthusiasts who prefer a plug-and-play experience where the provider handles installation, configuration, and maintenance.

How One-Click Node Setup Works

1. Software Comes Pre-installed: The validator software comes pre-installed and pre-configured by the one-click provider. After paying a subscription fee, you’ll follow a couple of simple steps to activate your node.
2. No Hardware Setup Needed: No need to buy compatible hardware or rent a VPS. The provider takes care of hosting, uptime, and server infrastructure behind the scenes.
3. Staking SHM: To operate your validator node and start earning rewards on the Shardeum mainnet, you’ll need to stake 2400 SHM—the minimum required to participate in network consensus.
4. 24/7 Uptime Managed by Provider: Your node is designed to run 24/7 on enterprise-grade infrastructure managed by the provider, helping you earn SHM rewards without worrying about uptime or power/network issues.
5. Monitoring: You get a clean, GUI-based dashboard to monitor your validator node’s health, performance, and rewards—no server access or command line knowledge needed.
6. Provider Handles Maintenance and Version Upgrades: The provider handles software updates and version upgrades.

- Setup Time: Just a few minutes to activate node, connect your wallet, stake, and launch your node. Once you complete the setup, your one-click node effectively becomes your validator node.

- Make sure your wallet has sufficient staked SHM always

- Ongoing Commitment: While the provider handles most of the heavy lifting, it’s still your responsibility to keep your subscription active, monitor your node, and ensure it remains eligible for validator rewards.

- One-click node service providers will be available soon after the mainnet launch, and we’ll announce them officially when ready

How to Run a Node Using One-Click Node Setup?

Please note the following content is an excerpt from the official tutorial by Mintair, a one-click node setup service provider – which we are reusing in this blog for educational purposes for our users.

Step 1: Add Funds to Your Shardeum Wallet Account

To run a validator node on Shardeum, you’ll need a minimum of 2,400 SHM in your self-custodial wallet, such as MetaMask. You can easily follow this quick, step-by-step tutorial to buy SHM and withdraw it to your wallet.

Step 2: Connect Your Wallet on Mintair

Login to Mintair dashboard. Connect your wallet using the icon at the top right—MetaMask and other popular EVM-compatible wallets are supported. Once connected, select Shardeum from the list of supported networks and click the Run Node button to proceed.

Step 3: Choose Your Subscription Plan and Purchase a Slot

Select your preferred subscription plan. Mintair offer various payment plans, starting at $19.99 per month. Then click on Purchase

To purchase a slot, you’ll first need to add credits. After clicking Purchase, you’ll be redirected to the payment terminal—simply click Buy Credits to continue.

Step 4: Install Your Node

After purchasing credits, you’ll be redirected back to the purchase window, where your updated credit balance will appear in the top right corner

Once the transaction is complete, navigate to the side menu—you’ll see your node listed as “running” in the Shardeum terminal. Note that this status indicates the node is installed, not yet active. You’ll also see the validity end date displayed alongside it.

Step 5: Access Dashboard and Start Node

Back on Mintair, click the “Visit Node” button. Be sure to save your password securely—it’s only visible once and cannot be retrieved later.

You’ll now be redirected to Mintair’s Node Analytics page, where you’ll need to log in to the Shardeum validator dashboard using the password you just saved.

After logging in, you’ll land on the dashboard’s welcome page. Click the Start Node button located on the far right, then refresh the page to proceed.

Step 6: Stake SHM

After refreshing, you’ll see a prompt indicating that the node requires staking. Click the Add Stake button, manually enter the minimum amount of 2400 SHM via your Shardeum wallet account, and then click Stake to complete the process. (10 SHM was used for testing purposes)

Once the transaction is signed and completed, refresh the page—you’ll see your node in Standby mode, indicating that your SHM has been successfully staked. At this point, you’re officially eligible to validate transactions and start earning rewards.

- If your node status is on Standby and you have 2400 SHM or more staked, your validator node is setup correctly.

- The network will automatically add your validator to be active in the network. The time to be added as an active validator will vary based on network load and validators in the network

- Standby nodes are essential for handling spikes in network traffic and supporting the regular rotation of active validators. To enhance security, standby nodes are selected at random rather than following a FIFO approach.

- Only active nodes earn rewards based on their time in the active set, while standby nodes do not. This design choice prevents vulnerabilities and ensures the network remains efficient and fair.

Video Tutorial (Testnet)

Disclaimer: Shardeum does not endorse or take responsibility for third-party service providers. Always DYOR.

We will also share more details about reward policies, eviction, validator rules among other important information soon.

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