> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://second.tech/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install the plugin

Install the Bark plugin on your BTCPay Server and set up a Bark wallet for your store.

## Before you start

You need:

* A self-hosted [BTCPay Server](https://docs.btcpayserver.org/Deployment/) on version 2.3.9 or later. Installing plugins requires server admin access, so accounts on [third-party hosts](https://docs.btcpayserver.org/Deployment/ThirdPartyHosting/) won't work.
* A [store](https://docs.btcpayserver.org/CreateStore/) on that server.

<Note>
  You don't need to set up a Lightning node. If you already have Lightning enabled, the Bark plugin will take over your store's Lightning functionality once installed.
</Note>

## Download and install the plugin

The Bark plugin isn't listed in the BTCPay plugin directory yet, so you install it by uploading the plugin file.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the plugin file">
    Download `BTCPayServer.Plugins.Bark.btcpay` from the plugin's [official page](https://plugin-builder.btcpayserver.org/public/plugins/bark) on the BTCPay Plugin Builder website.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/second-0659a37d/OfW--dvR5MfSzvzn/images/btcpay/plugin-builder-bark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=OfW--dvR5MfSzvzn&q=85&s=dbdb8749bbddda79745ec74573323e91" alt="Screenshot of the Bark plugin page on the BTCPay Plugin Builder, with the Download button on the right" width="1920" height="908" data-path="images/btcpay/plugin-builder-bark.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Manage Plugins">
    Sign in to BTCPay Server as a server admin. At the top right of the interface, select the block icon to open the dropdown menu, then select **Manage Plugins**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload the plugin file">
    Scroll to **Upload Plugin** at the bottom of the page, below the plugin list. Select **Upload Plugin**, browse to the `.btcpay` file you downloaded, then select **Upload**. The upload can take a few minutes on a slow connection.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/second-0659a37d/OfW--dvR5MfSzvzn/images/btcpay/upload-plugin.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=OfW--dvR5MfSzvzn&q=85&s=469b7023384ebaaf768d90c6505ec1c3" alt="Screenshot of the Add plugin manually section at the bottom of the Manage Plugins page, with the file picker and the Upload button" width="1920" height="908" data-path="images/btcpay/upload-plugin.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart BTCPay Server">
    Restart when prompted. BTCPay Server loads the plugin during startup.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Set up a Bark wallet for your store

After the restart, your store's sidebar gains a **Bark** entry under Wallets. Opening it for the first time takes you to the **Set up Bark** screen.

<Frame caption="The Set up Bark screen, with the payments toggle and the pre-filled Ark server and chain source fields">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/second-0659a37d/OfW--dvR5MfSzvzn/images/btcpay/setup-bark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=OfW--dvR5MfSzvzn&q=85&s=cfe37323de1e267074177a81207d0872" alt="Screenshot of the Set up Bark screen, with the plugin toggled on, and the Ark server and chain source fields set to the default values." width="1918" height="914" data-path="images/btcpay/setup-bark.png" />
</Frame>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Bark in your store's sidebar" />

  <Step title="Keep the Accept Lightning & Ark payments toggle on">
    You can change this later in the plugin's [settings](/docs/btcpay/settings).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the Ark server and chain source">
    Both fields come pre-filled for mainnet: `https://ark.second.tech`, the Ark server that manages your VTXOs, and `https://mempool.second.tech/api`, the chain source that verifies on-chain activity. See [Ark server and chain source](/docs/btcpay/settings#ark-server-and-chain-source) for the available options.

    <Note>
      The Ark server and chain source you confirm here can't be changed later. To move the store to a different Ark server, you would need to [remove](/docs/btcpay/uninstall) and reinstall the plugin.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Confirm & Enable">
    The plugin checks that both endpoints are reachable, creates a Bark wallet for your store, and opens the wallet dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The plugin creates and manages your store's wallet keys on the server. See [Back up your wallet](/docs/btcpay/backups) to keep them recoverable.
</Note>

## Lightning is now driven by Bark

Completing setup enables two new payment methods on your store's checkout, Ark and Lightning:

* You should see status lights turn green for Lightning and Bark in the sidebar.
* The Lightning page will show that it is being managed by Bark.
* Checkout will now start showing a QR code and payment link that combines on-chain, Ark, and Lightning payment methods.

After installing the plugin, the first thing to do is [back up your wallet](/docs/btcpay/backups).