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Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC)

Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) is an open protocol that connects your Lightning wallet to apps. Think of it as USB-C for Bitcoin wallets — one connection standard that works everywhere.

What is NWC?​

NWC allows any app to request payments from your wallet:

NWC Flow

  1. You connect your wallet once using a connection string
  2. Apps send encrypted payment requests through Nostr relays
  3. Your wallet pays automatically (within limits you set)
  4. You never share your wallet credentials with apps

Why Use NWC?​

Without NWCWith NWC
Copy invoice, switch to wallet, paste, pay, switch backOne-click zaps
Enter wallet credentials in every appConnect once, use everywhere
Trust apps with your wallet accessWallet controls spending limits
Manual confirmation for each paymentAutomatic payments within limits

Key Benefits​

For Users​

  • One-click zaps — No more switching apps
  • Your keys, your funds — Wallet stays in your control
  • Spending limits — Set maximum amounts per app
  • Works everywhere — Same wallet in all NWC apps

Security​

  • Zero custody — Apps never hold your funds
  • Encrypted — All communication is end-to-end encrypted
  • Revocable — Disconnect any app anytime
  • Configurable — Set spending limits and frequency caps

How to Set Up NWC​

Step 1: Get an NWC-Compatible Wallet​

WalletTypeBest For
Alby HubSelf-custodialPower users, own node
Alby AccountCustodialEasy setup
PrimalBuilt-inPrimal users
CoinosCustodialWeb-based

Step 2: Create a Connection​

In your wallet:

  1. Find "Nostr Wallet Connect" or "App Connections"
  2. Click "Create Connection" or "Add App"
  3. Set spending limits (e.g., 1000 sats/day)
  4. Copy the connection string (starts with nostr+walletconnect://)

Step 3: Connect to an App​

In the Nostr app:

  1. Go to Settings → Wallet
  2. Choose "Nostr Wallet Connect"
  3. Paste your connection string
  4. Done! Start zapping

Supported Apps​

Nostr Clients​

AppPlatformNWC Support
DamusiOS✅
AmethystAndroid✅
PrimalAll✅ Built-in
SnortWeb✅
CoracleWeb✅
NostrudelWeb✅

Other Apps​

  • Wavlake — Music streaming
  • Fountain — Podcasts
  • Stacker News — Bitcoin forum
  • Zap.stream — Live streaming

Wallet Options​

Self-custodial wallet that runs on your own hardware:

  • Full control of your funds
  • Connect multiple apps
  • Detailed spending analytics
  • Run on Umbrel, Start9, or cloud

Get started: albyhub.com

Alby Account​

Easy custodial option:

  • Quick setup
  • Browser extension included
  • Lightning address included
  • Good for beginners

Get started: getalby.com

Primal Wallet​

Built into the Primal app:

  • Zero configuration needed
  • Works across Primal web/mobile
  • Easy onboarding
  • NWC for other apps too

Connecting Your Own Node​

Have an Umbrel, Start9, or LND node? Connect it via NWC:

  1. Install Alby Hub or NWC plugin
  2. Create connection strings
  3. Use your node from any app

Setting Spending Limits​

Protect yourself with limits:

SettingDescription
Max per paymentLargest single payment allowed
Daily budgetMaximum spend per day
Monthly budgetMaximum spend per month
ExpirationConnection auto-expires after date
Use CaseSuggested Limit
Casual zapping500-1000 sats/day
Active user5000-10000 sats/day
Creator support20000+ sats/day

Managing Connections​

View Active Connections​

In your wallet, see:

  • Which apps are connected
  • Spending per app
  • Last activity
  • Remaining budget

Revoke Access​

If you want to disconnect an app:

  1. Open wallet settings
  2. Find the app connection
  3. Click "Revoke" or "Delete"
  4. App can no longer request payments

Troubleshooting​

Zaps Not Working?​

  1. Check connection — Is the connection string still valid?
  2. Check balance — Do you have enough sats?
  3. Check limits — Have you hit your daily limit?
  4. Check wallet — Is your wallet online?

Connection String Invalid?​

  • Make sure you copied the full string
  • Check it starts with nostr+walletconnect://
  • Try creating a new connection

Wallet Offline?​

Some wallets need to be online to process payments:

  • Alby Hub — Must be running
  • Mobile wallets — App should be open/backgrounded
  • Primal — Always available

Privacy Considerations​

What's Private​

  • Payment amounts (encrypted)
  • Payment destinations (encrypted)
  • Your wallet details

What's Visible​

  • That you're using NWC (connection to relay)
  • Timing of payments (metadata)

Advanced: Multiple Connections​

Create different connections for different purposes:

ConnectionUseLimit
Social appsDamus, Primal500 sats/day
Music/PodcastsWavlake, Fountain2000 sats/day
TestingNew apps100 sats/day

NWC vs Other Methods​

MethodConvenienceSecuritySetup
NWC⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Medium
Built-in wallet⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Easy
Manual invoices⭐⭐⭐⭐None
Sharing credentials⭐⭐⭐Easy

Resources​

Next Steps​