LND Autopilot -- Automatic Channel Management

What is LND Autopilot?

Autopilot automatically opens channels to well-connected nodes based on your settings. It saves time but gives less control than manual channel management.

Enable Autopilot in lnd.conf

[autopilot]
active=true
maxchannels=5
allocation=0.6
heuristic=externalscore:0.95
heuristic=preferential:0.05

Key Parameters

maxchannels — max number of channels autopilot will open

allocation — fraction of wallet funds autopilot can use (0.6 = 60%)

minchansize — minimum channel size in satoshis

heuristic — scoring method (externalscore uses BOS scores, preferential prefers high-degree nodes)

Check Autopilot Status

lncli autopilot status

Modify Autopilot Score

lncli autopilot modify \
  --node_scores <pubkey>:<score>

Score range: 0.0 (avoid) to 1.0 (prefer). Override specific nodes.

Common Issues

- Autopilot opens too many small channels — increase minchansize

- Channels keep closing — lower allocation, ensure sufficient on-chain funds for fees

- "autopilot agent already active" — already running, no action needed

Manual vs Autopilot

For routing nodes: use manual channel selection for better control over liquidity and fees. For casual users: autopilot is a convenient starting point.