Explain the unsettled portion of an LND channel balance
An aggregate channel balance can change as HTLCs enter and leave channels or new channels open. Separate the pending categories before comparing two snapshots.
Read the balance components
Capture the local, remote, unsettled and pending-open objects on the same node. Each amount object has satoshi and millisatoshi representations. Pick one unit consistently across reports.
lncli channelbalance | jq '{local_balance, remote_balance, unsettled_local_balance, unsettled_remote_balance, pending_open_local_balance}'
Distinguish flows from funds awaiting activation
A pending-open local balance belongs to channels still opening. An unsettled local balance describes balances in unresolved channel activity. Check individual channels and pending openings when deciding what moved. The aggregate local balance alone cannot tell whether any single first hop can carry a specified transfer.