Deleting a node

A consensus node transaction that deletes a node from the specified network.

Overview

This guide walks you through deleting an existing node on the Hedera network using the Transaction Tool. The node deletion process removes the node from the network’s consensus and invalidates its service and gossip endpoints. Once deleted, the node can no longer participate in consensus or collect node transaction fees.

---

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you should have completed the following:

• Transaction Tool Setup: New User Installation Guide.

• User Account Configuration: Account Setup process to create your user account.

You should also have:

• Node Operator Admin Key: The current administrative private key that controls the node.

• Fee Payer Account: A Hedera account with sufficient HBAR balance to pay transaction fees.

• Node ID: The ID of the node to be deleted.

Transaction Properties

Transaction Property	Description	Required	Example
Payer ID	The Hedera account ID that will pay the transaction fees. Must have sufficient HBAR.	Yes	0.0.12345
Valid Start	The date and time the transaction should be submitted to the network.	Yes	2025-04-05T10:00:00Z
Max Transaction Fee	The maximum HBAR you’re willing to pay.	Yes	2 HBAR (Default)
Transaction Memo	Optional text description for the node deletion transaction. Note: This is publicly visible on the network	No	Decommissioning Node 005
Node ID	The unique identifier of the node being deleted.	Yes	4

---

Transaction Signing Requirements

When deleting a node, the following signatures are required before the transaction can be executed:

• Node Operator Admin Key

  • Must sign the transaction to authorize deletion.

• Transaction Fee Payer Account

  • Must sign the transaction and hold enough HBAR to cover fees.

Note: Depending on the Hedera release version, additional governance or multi-party keys may be required.

• 0.56 Release: Only Account 55 keys could authorize deletion.

• 0.57 Release: Signatures required from the Node Admin Key.

---

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Start Node Deletion

• Select Create New from the main menu and choose Transaction.

• Choose Node and then select Node Delete.

---

Step 2: Configure Node Properties

Fill in the required account parameters in the form. Refer to the Transaction Properties table above for descriptions and examples.

---

Step 3: Submit the Transaction

• Select Create and Share to prepare the transaction for signing.

• Review all details carefully before confirming.

---

Step 4: Sign and Execute

Personal mode:

• Requires two signatures:

  1. Node Operator Admin Key.

  2. Fee Payer Account.

Organization mode:

• Select Create & Share to route for approvals and signatures.

---

Step 5: Verify Node Deletion

Upon successful execution, the transaction receipt will confirm the Node Delete Transaction.

To confirm deletion:

1. Check Transaction History

   • Navigate to the History tab in Transactions.

   • Locate the Node Delete Transaction.

   • Status should display Success.

2. Network Validation

   • Confirm that the deleted node’s ID no longer appears in network explorer tools.

   • Verify that its endpoints are no longer accessible.

---