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Direct Messaging

Nostr supports private messaging between users. Here's how it works and how to use it securely.

How DMs Work​

Direct messages on Nostr are:

  • Encrypted - Only sender and recipient can read
  • Stored on relays - Like other events
  • Linked to your identity - Uses your keys
┌─────────┐     Encrypted     ┌─────────┐
│   You   │ ────────────────▶ │ Relays  │
│ (send)  │                   │ (store) │
└─────────┘                   └────┬────┘
                                   │
                              Encrypted
                                   │
                                   ▼
                             ┌─────────┐
                             │ Friend  │
                             │(receive)│
                             └─────────┘

Encryption Versions​

NIP-04 (Legacy)​

The original DM encryption:

  • Widely supported
  • Has known limitations
  • Being phased out

NIP-44 (Modern)​

The newer, more secure version:

  • Stronger encryption
  • Better privacy
  • Not all clients support yet
Check Your Client

Look for "NIP-44" or "Encrypted DMs" in your client's features to know which version it uses.

Sending Messages​

Basic Steps​

  1. Open someone's profile
  2. Look for the message/DM icon
  3. Write your message
  4. Send!

In Different Clients​

ClientHow to DM
DamusProfile → Message icon
PrimalProfile → Message
AmethystProfile → Message
0xchatBuilt for messaging

Reading Messages​

Inbox​

Most clients have a messages section:

  • Look for envelope or chat icon
  • May show unread count
  • Organized by conversation

Notifications​

Get notified of new messages:

  • Push notifications (mobile)
  • In-app badges
  • Depends on client settings

Group Messaging​

Encrypted Groups​

Some clients support group DMs:

  • Multiple participants
  • Encrypted for all members
  • Features vary by client

0xchat​

Specialized for messaging:

  • Group chats
  • Voice messages
  • Media sharing
  • Mobile-first design

Privacy Considerations​

What's Encrypted​

✅ Message content ✅ Media in messages (usually)

What's Visible​

⚠️ That you messaged someone (metadata) ⚠️ When you messaged (timestamp) ⚠️ Size of messages

Metadata Privacy​

Even though content is encrypted:

  • Relays know who's talking to whom
  • Timestamps are visible
  • This is a trade-off for decentralization

Security Tips​

Do's​

  • ✅ Verify who you're messaging (check npub)
  • ✅ Use clients that support NIP-44
  • ✅ Be cautious with sensitive info
  • ✅ Use specialized messaging apps for more privacy

Don'ts​

  • ❌ Send sensitive credentials via DM
  • ❌ Trust unverified contacts
  • ❌ Assume total anonymity

Message Requests​

From Unknown Contacts​

Some clients filter messages from:

  • People you don't follow
  • New accounts
  • Potential spam

Managing Requests​

Look for:

  • Message requests folder
  • Filter settings
  • Spam controls

Troubleshooting​

Messages Not Sending?​

  1. Check relay connections
  2. Verify recipient's npub
  3. Try refreshing
  4. Check internet connection

Not Receiving Messages?​

  1. Check your DM inbox
  2. Look in requests/filtered
  3. Verify relay settings
  4. Other person might be on different relays

Can't Read Old Messages?​

If you've lost access to old messages:

  • Encryption keys may have changed
  • Relay may have deleted old data
  • Try other relays

Specialized Messaging Clients​

0xchat​

  • Best for: Messaging-focused experience
  • Features: Groups, voice, media
  • Platform: Mobile

Blowater​

  • Best for: Clean chat interface
  • Features: Focused on conversation
  • Platform: Web/Desktop

DMs vs. Other Communication​

FeatureNostr DMSignalEmail
Encrypted✅✅❌*
Decentralized✅❌❌
Linked to identity✅Phone #Email
Metadata protection⚠️✅❌

*Unless using PGP

Best Practices​

For Casual Chat​

  • Use any Nostr client
  • Standard DM features work well
  • Enjoy the convenience

For Sensitive Communication​

  • Use NIP-44 compatible clients
  • Consider specialized messaging apps
  • Be aware of metadata limitations
  • For very sensitive: use Signal, etc.

Future Improvements​

The Nostr community is working on:

  • Better group messaging
  • Improved privacy
  • Voice and video
  • Better relay privacy

Next Steps​