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Mobile Clients

Mobile apps are the most popular way to use Nostr. Here are the best options for your phone.

iPhone / iOS​

Damus​

The most popular iOS client, known for its beautiful design.

Features:

  • Clean, Twitter-like interface
  • Zaps (Lightning payments)
  • Direct messages
  • Media sharing
  • Push notifications

Best for: General use, beginners

Primal​

A sleek client with a built-in Lightning wallet.

Features:

  • Built-in Bitcoin wallet
  • Trending content discovery
  • Premium caching (faster loading)
  • Clean interface

Best for: Users who want integrated Bitcoin wallet

Nostur​

A powerful iOS client with unique features.

Features:

  • Multiple account support
  • Customizable feeds
  • Advanced filtering
  • Gallery view for images

Best for: Power users on iOS

Android​

Amethyst​

The most feature-rich Android client.

Features:

  • Highly customizable
  • Zaps and Lightning
  • Live activities
  • Communities support
  • Advanced relay management

Best for: Users who want full control

Primal​

Same great experience as iOS, now on Android.

Features:

  • Built-in Bitcoin wallet
  • Fast, cached experience
  • Clean interface
  • Cross-platform consistency

Best for: Beginners, integrated wallet

0xchat​

A messaging-focused client for private communication.

Features:

  • Encrypted direct messages (NIP-17/NIP-44)
  • Group chats
  • Voice messages
  • Media sharing

Best for: Private messaging, group conversations

Specialized Mobile Apps​

Fountain​

Lightning-powered podcast app with Nostr integration.

Features:

  • Stream sats to podcasters
  • Nostr profile sync
  • Audio clips appear in Nostr feeds
  • Value-for-value podcasting

Best for: Podcast listeners who want to support creators

Amber (Android Signer)​

Keep your keys secure with this dedicated signing app.

Features:

  • NIP-46 signing device
  • Works with Amethyst, 0xchat, Fountain, and web apps
  • Granular permission controls
  • Multiple account support
  • No servers required

Best for: Security-conscious users who want to protect their keys

Citrine​

Run a Nostr relay on your phone.

Features:

  • Personal relay in your pocket
  • Backup your notes locally
  • Works offline

Best for: Advanced users wanting relay independence

Comparison Table​

AppPlatformWalletDMsDifficulty
DamusiOSExternal✅Easy
PrimalBothBuilt-in✅Easy
NosturiOSExternal✅Medium
AmethystAndroidExternal✅Medium
PlebstrAndroidBuilt-in✅Easy

Getting Started​

First Time Setup​

  1. Download your chosen app
  2. Create account or import existing keys
  3. Save your private key - This is crucial!
  4. Set up your profile - Name, picture, bio
  5. Find people to follow - Check suggestions

Importing an Existing Account​

If you already have a Nostr account:

  1. Open the app
  2. Choose "Login" or "I have an account"
  3. Enter your nsec (private key)
  4. Your account loads automatically
Use a Signer on Android

Android users can use Amber as a signer. This means you never have to paste your private key into apps directly.

Notifications​

Push Notifications​

Most mobile apps support push notifications for:

  • New followers
  • Mentions
  • Replies to your posts
  • Zaps received

To enable: Check Settings → Notifications in your app

How They Work​

Unlike traditional apps, Nostr notifications work through relay subscriptions. Some apps use their own notification servers for reliability.

Tips for Mobile Users​

Battery Life​

  • Reduce number of relays (fewer connections)
  • Disable auto-refresh if not needed
  • Use push notifications instead of constant polling

Data Usage​

  • Most apps cache content efficiently
  • Images/videos use the most data
  • Consider using WiFi for media-heavy browsing

Multiple Accounts​

Some apps support multiple accounts:

  • Nostur - Full multi-account support
  • Amethyst - Account switching
If you have...Start with...
iPhone, new to NostrDamus
iPhone, want walletPrimal
Android, new to NostrPrimal
Android, want featuresAmethyst

Next Steps​