Does closing a Lightning app cancel the channel and return Bitcoin on-chain immediately?

No. Closing an app is not the same as initiating a channel close; a channel can remain open while its node is offline. Settlement requires the protocol close process.

The answer

No. Closing an app is not the same as initiating a channel close; a channel can remain open while its node is offline. Settlement requires the protocol close process.

What to do next

Preserve the wallet recovery material and channel backups; reopen the app or follow the wallet’s documented channel-close procedure.

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Frequently asked questions

Can an offline Lightning node still forward payments?

No. A fully offline node normally cannot actively participate in routing until connectivity returns.

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