Using Multiple Clients

One of Nostr's best features is using the same account across different apps. Here's how.

How It Works

Your Nostr identity is your key pair, not an account on a server:

         ┌──────────────────────────┐
         │      Your Keys          │
         │  (Public + Private)     │
         └───────────┬──────────────┘
                     │
     ┌───────────────┼───────────────┐
     ▼               ▼               ▼
┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐
│  Damus  │    │  Primal │    │ Amethyst│
│  (iOS)  │    │  (Web)  │    │(Android)│
└─────────┘    └─────────┘    └─────────┘
     │               │               │
     └───────────────┴───────────────┘
                     │
              Same followers,
              Same posts,
              Same identity!

Adding a New Client

Step 1: Get Your Private Key

From your current client:

1. Open Settings
2. Find "Keys" or "Account"
3. Reveal/copy your nsec

Step 2: Open New Client

Download or visit the new client.

Step 3: Log In

1. Choose "I have an account" or "Login"
2. Paste your nsec (private key)
3. Wait for your profile to load

Step 4: Done!

Your profile, follows, and posts are all there.

What Syncs Automatically

Syncs Across Clients	Doesn't Sync
Profile info	App settings
Followers/Following	Notification preferences
Posts	Drafts
Likes/Reactions	UI customizations
DMs	Cache/offline data
Zaps	Wallet connections

Common Client Combinations

Mobile + Web

Phone: Damus or Amethyst
Web: Primal or Snort

Use mobile for on-the-go, web at desk.

General + Specialized

Main: Primal
Articles: Habla
Photos: Olas
Chat: 0xchat

Different apps for different content types.

Multi-Platform

iPhone: Damus
Android tablet: Amethyst
Computer: Primal web

Same account everywhere.

Using Signers (Safer Method)

Instead of pasting your nsec everywhere, use a signer:

How Signers Work

┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐
│   Client    │────▶│   Signer    │────▶│   Relay     │
│  (Primal)   │ ask │  (Has Key)  │sign │  (Server)   │
└─────────────┘     └─────────────┘     └─────────────┘

1. Client asks to sign something
2. Signer shows you what it's signing
3. You approve
4. Signer signs without exposing key

Benefits

• ✅ Never paste nsec into apps
• ✅ Review what you're signing
• ✅ Key stays in one secure place
• ✅ Easy to revoke app access

Popular Signers

Platform	Signer	Notes
Browser	Alby	Also a wallet
Browser	nos2x	Simple, focused
Android	Amber	Mobile signing
Web	nsec.app	Web-based

Setting Up a Signer

Browser Extension (nos2x/Alby)

1. Install extension
2. Add your private key to extension
3. Visit web client
4. Click "Login with extension"
5. Approve connection

Mobile (Amber)

1. Install Amber
2. Import your nsec
3. When apps ask to sign, Amber handles it

Switching Between Clients

Same Device

Just open the other app! Your identity is already there.

Different Devices

Log in with your nsec or connect your signer.

Syncing Issues

Profile Not Showing?

1. Wait a moment - relays need time
2. Pull to refresh
3. Check relay connections
4. Both clients on same relays?

Missing Follows?

1. Check if relays synced
2. Follow list takes time to sync
3. Try refreshing the list

DMs Not Visible?

1. DMs are encrypted per-key
2. Should sync if same key
3. May take time to load

Security Considerations

When Using Multiple Clients

• ✅ Only use trusted clients
• ✅ Verify official sources
• ✅ Keep apps updated
• ✅ Consider using a signer

Revoking Access

With raw nsec: You can't revoke access (key is known).

With signer: You can stop approving requests from specific apps.

Tips for Multiple Clients

Do's

• ✅ Use a signer when possible
• ✅ Keep one "main" client
• ✅ Try different clients for their strengths
• ✅ Keep clients updated

Don'ts

• ❌ Use sketchy clients
• ❌ Log in on public computers
• ❌ Enter nsec on unfamiliar sites
• ❌ Forget which clients have your key

Example Workflows

The Casual User

Primary: Damus (iPhone)
Secondary: Primal web (occasionally)

The Power User

Desktop: Gossip (privacy-focused)
Mobile: Amethyst (features)
Writing: Habla (articles)
Signer: Amber (security)

The Creator

Posting: Primal (clean interface)
Streaming: Zap.stream
Articles: Habla
Photos: Olas

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Can't log in	Check nsec is correct
Profile blank	Wait for sync, check relays
Different followers	Force refresh follow list
DMs missing	Takes time to decrypt/load
Posts not appearing	Check relay connections

Next Steps

• Backup Your Keys - Essential
• Profile Setup - Optimize your profile
• Clients Overview - Find more clients