# Getting Started with myNode
# Download and Install
You can skip this step if you purchased a pre-loaded myNode device!
Setting up a new myNode device can be done in a few simple steps. First, you need to download the myNode image for your device type and flash it on an SD card according to the instructions on the download page.
# Power On and Attach External Storage
Next, power on the device and attach an external HDD or SSD.
Note: The drive will be re-formatted for use by myNode and existing data will be lost!
# Connecting to myNode
Your myNode device runs its own local web server that you can access with any browser on the same network. Visit http://mynode.local/ (opens new window) or http://(mynode.IP.address)/ (opens new window) in a web browser on a network-connected device. Here replace ’(mynode.IP.address)’ with the IP address of the myNode device.
You will be prompted to enter your product key. If you are using the Community Edition, you can choose that option. Otherwise, enter the product key that has either been emailed to you, or is found on the bottom of your device.
Next the device may run QuickSync. If you are using a hard drive, QuickSync may run, which downloads a pre-validated copy of the blockchain so you can get started more quickly. If you have a solid state drive (SSD) QuickSync should not run and recent versions of software default to having QuickSync disabled. It must be manually enabled via the settings page. This process could take several days depending on your device and your network bandwidth. The myNode device’s web interface will show you the current status of synchronization. Once QuickSync is completed, the device will automatically stay synchronized with the Bitcoin network.
Your myNode device is now ready and you will see the main myNode home page.
You can optionally connect to your myNode device via SSH if you are familiar with Linux. You can connect using the device IP or hostname.
# Default Credentials
Username: admin
Password: bolt
Note: It is recommended to change your password.
From here, you can start using all the features myNode has to offer!