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Understanding Relays

Relays are servers that store and share Nostr content. Understanding them helps you get the most out of Nostr.

What is a Relay?​

Think of relays like:

  • Post offices - They receive, store, and deliver messages
  • Bulletin boards - Places where content is posted
  • Radio towers - Broadcasting your signal

Relay Network

Why Multiple Relays?​

Using several relays provides:

BenefitExplanation
ReliabilityIf one goes down, others work
ReachDifferent people use different relays
SpeedGeographic distribution
PrivacySpread your data around
FeaturesSome relays offer special capabilities

Types of Relays​

Free/Public Relays​

  • Open to everyone
  • No cost
  • May have limits
  • Good for starting out

Examples:

  • wss://relay.damus.io
  • wss://nos.lol
  • wss://relay.nostr.band
  • Require payment
  • Usually less spam
  • Better performance
  • Support relay operators

Examples:

  • wss://nostr.wine
  • wss://relay.nostr.pro

Private Relays​

  • Invite only
  • Community-specific
  • More controlled environment

Your Relay List​

What's in Your List​

Your client maintains a list of relays:

  • Read relays - Where you get content
  • Write relays - Where you post content
  • Both - Most relays do both

Default Relays​

Most clients start with sensible defaults:

wss://relay.damus.io
wss://nos.lol
wss://relay.nostr.band
wss://relay.primal.net
wss://purplepag.es

Checking Your Relays​

In your client:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Find "Relays" section
  3. See your connected relays

Managing Relays​

Adding a Relay​

  1. Find relay settings
  2. Click "Add Relay"
  3. Enter the URL (starts with wss://)
  4. Save

Removing a Relay​

  1. Go to relay settings
  2. Find the relay
  3. Delete or disable

When to Add Relays​

  • Following someone whose content you're missing
  • Joining a specific community
  • Wanting better performance
  • Adding backup options

When to Remove Relays​

  • Relay is slow or unreliable
  • Too much spam
  • Don't use that community anymore

General Purpose​

RelayNotes
wss://relay.damus.ioPopular, reliable
wss://nos.lolFast, well-maintained
wss://relay.nostr.bandGood search features
wss://relay.primal.netPrimal's relay
wss://nostr.winePaid, high quality

Special Purpose​

RelayPurpose
wss://purplepag.esProfile discovery
wss://relay.nostr.bgMedia-focused

How Relays Affect What You See​

Following Someone​

When you follow someone:

  1. Your client checks where they post
  2. Adds those relays (or uses hints)
  3. Fetches their content

If You Don't See Someone's Posts​

They might be on relays you're not connected to:

  1. Check their profile for relay hints
  2. Add their relays
  3. Refresh your feed

Relay Tips for Users​

Do's​

  • ✅ Use 5-10 relays for balance
  • ✅ Include popular public relays
  • ✅ Check relay status occasionally
  • ✅ Support paid relays if you can

Don'ts​

  • ❌ Use too many relays (slow)
  • ❌ Use only one relay (risky)
  • ❌ Ignore relay errors

Finding New Relays​

Relay Directories​

From Others​

Check relay lists of people you follow in their profile.

Privacy Considerations​

What Relays Know​

Relays can see:

  • Your IP address
  • Your posts
  • Who you follow (via REQ patterns)
  • When you're online

Privacy Tips​

  • Use multiple relays (spread data)
  • Consider VPN for IP privacy
  • Some relays offer better privacy

Troubleshooting​

Relay Connection Issues​

ProblemTry
Won't connectCheck URL is correct
Keeps disconnectingInternet may be unstable
Very slowRemove slow relays
Missing contentAdd more relays

Common Errors​

  • Connection refused - Relay might be down
  • Rate limited - Slow down or try later
  • Not found - Check the URL

Advanced: NIP-65​

NIP-65 is how your relay list is published:

Your client publishes a "kind 10002" event listing your relays. This helps others find you.

You don't need to manage this manually - clients handle it.

Running Your Own Relay​

For advanced users:

If you want to run your own relay, check the Developer Guide.

Benefits:

  • Complete control
  • Guaranteed availability
  • Support the network

Next Steps​