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Quick Start Guide

This guide will get you set up with Nostr finance capabilities in just a few steps.

Prerequisites​

You'll need:

  • A Nostr client (app)
  • A Lightning wallet
  • Some Bitcoin (satoshis)

Step 1: Choose a Nostr Client​

Popular clients with finance support:

ClientPlatformKey Features
DamusiOSNative zaps, NWC support
AmethystAndroidFull NWC, Cashu integration
PrimalWeb/iOS/AndroidBuilt-in wallet, zaps
NostrudelWebAdvanced features, NWC
CoracleWebPrivacy-focused, zaps

Step 2: Set Up a Lightning Wallet​

  1. Install Alby Browser Extension
  2. Create an account or connect existing wallet
  3. Fund with Bitcoin via Lightning or on-chain
Alby provides:
✓ Browser extension for web apps
✓ NWC connection strings
✓ Lightning address (you@getalby.com)
✓ Nostr key management

Option B: Alby Hub (Self-Custodial)​

For more control:

  1. Set up Alby Hub
  2. Open Lightning channels
  3. Generate NWC connection for apps

Option C: Other Wallets​

Compatible wallets include:

  • Zeus - Mobile wallet with NWC
  • Mutiny - Web-based, privacy-focused
  • Phoenix - Simple mobile Lightning
  • Wallet of Satoshi - Custodial, easy setup

Step 3: Connect Wallet to Nostr Client​

Using NWC (Nostr Wallet Connect)​

  1. In your wallet, generate an NWC connection string:

    nostr+walletconnect://pubkey?relay=wss://...&secret=...

  2. In your Nostr client:

    • Go to Settings → Wallet
    • Paste the NWC connection string
    • Set a budget (optional but recommended)

  3. Test with a small zap

Using Lightning Address​

If your client supports Lightning addresses:

  1. Set your Lightning address in your Nostr profile
  2. Others can now zap you directly
{
  "lud16": "yourname@getalby.com"
}

Step 4: Send Your First Zap​

  1. Find a post you appreciate

  2. Click the lightning bolt (⚡) icon

  3. Select an amount:

    • 21 sats - Small tip
    • 100 sats - Nice appreciation
    • 1000 sats - Great content!
    • Custom amount

  4. Confirm the payment

  5. See your zap appear on the post

Step 5: Receive Zaps​

To receive zaps, ensure your profile has:

{
  "lud16": "you@wallet.com",
  "lud06": "https://your-lnurl-endpoint..."
}

Most clients set this automatically when you configure a wallet.

Next Steps​

Now that you're set up, explore more:

Learn About Payments​

Explore Wallets​

Advanced Features​

Troubleshooting​

Zaps Not Working​

  1. Check wallet connection - Verify NWC string is correct
  2. Check balance - Ensure sufficient funds
  3. Check relays - NWC requires relay connectivity
  4. Check recipient - They need lud16 in profile

Wallet Not Connecting​

  1. Verify connection string - Copy entire string
  2. Check relay status - NWC relay must be online
  3. Regenerate connection - Create new NWC string

Not Receiving Zaps​

  1. Check profile - lud16 must be set correctly
  2. Test Lightning address - Try sending yourself sats
  3. Update profile - Republish kind 0 event
Start Small

Begin with small amounts (21-100 sats) while learning. This minimizes any mistakes while you get comfortable with the system.