Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to the most common questions about Nostria and Nostr.

Getting Started

What is Nostria?

Nostria is a decentralized social media application built on the Nostr protocol. It gives you true ownership of your data and identity without corporate control.

How much does Nostria cost?

Nostria is completely free to use! Optional Premium features are available for enhanced functionality, but the core experience is free forever.

Do I need cryptocurrency to use Nostria?

No! While Nostria supports Bitcoin Lightning for tipping, you don't need any cryptocurrency to use the platform.

Simply visit nostria.app, click "Sign Up," and your account is created automatically. No email or phone number required!

Why don't you ask for an email or phone number?

Nostria uses cryptographic keys for identity instead of traditional authentication. This protects your privacy and gives you true ownership.

Account & Keys

What are public and private keys?

Public key (npub): Your identifier, like a username. Safe to share.
Private key (nsec): Your password. NEVER share this with anyone!

What if I lose my private key?

Unfortunately, there's no way to recover your account. This is the trade-off for true decentralization. Always back up your private key in multiple secure locations!

Can I change my private key?

No, your keys are permanent. If you want new keys, you need to create a new account.

How do I back up my account?

The most important thing is to back up your private key. Save it in:

A password manager
Written on paper in a safe place
An encrypted file on a secure device
Multiple locations for redundancy

Can I use the same account on multiple devices?

Yes! Use your private key to log in on any device or Nostr client.

Can I delete my account?

Yes, but note that due to decentralization, some relays may retain cached data. Nostria will send deletion requests to all connected relays.

Using Nostria

Why is my feed empty?

You need to follow people! Check the Global feed, use Search, or browse Recommendations to find interesting accounts.

How do I post?

Click the "Create Post" or "+" button, type your message, and click "Post."

Can I edit posts after publishing?

Currently, Nostr doesn't support post editing. You can delete and repost if needed.

How do I delete a post?

Click the menu (⋮) on your post and select "Delete." Nostria will request deletion from all relays, though some may retain it.

What's the character limit for posts?

Technically unlimited! However, relays may have limits (typically 5,000+ characters).

Can I post images and videos?

Yes! Click the media button when creating a post and upload your files.

How do I send a private message?

Click "Messages," start a new conversation, search for a user, and send your message. DMs are encrypted.

Are direct messages really private?

Yes, DMs use encryption (NIP-04). However, metadata like timestamps and recipient info is visible to relays.

How do I follow someone?

Visit their profile and click "Follow."

How do I unfollow someone?

Visit their profile and click "Unfollow."

What's the difference between repost and quote?

Repost: Share someone's post as-is
Quote: Share with your own commentary added

How do mentions work?

Type @ followed by a name or public key to tag someone in your post.

Can I block or mute users?

Yes! Use the menu on their profile to block (complete hide) or mute (hide from feed).

How do I join communities?

Browse Communities, find ones you like, and click "Join."

Technical Questions

What is Nostr?

Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) is an open, decentralized protocol for social media. Learn more →

What are relays?

Relays are servers that store and forward your messages. Nostria connects to multiple relays automatically.

Can I choose my own relays?

Yes! Go to Settings → Relays to view, add, or remove relays.

What happens if a relay goes down?

Nostria connects to multiple relays, so if one fails, others continue working.

What is NIP-05 verification?

A DNS-based verification that links your Nostr key to a domain name, showing a verified badge on your profile.

What are NIPs?

NIPs (Nostr Implementation Possibilities) are standards that define features and functionality in the Nostr protocol.

Privacy & Security

Is Nostria secure?

Yes! Your private key never leaves your device (unless you export it), and DMs are encrypted.

Can Nostria see my private messages?

No! Messages are encrypted end-to-end. Only you and the recipient can read them.

Who can see my posts?

Public posts are visible to everyone. Only you and recipients can see encrypted DMs.

Can posts be traced back to me?

Your posts are linked to your public key. If you want anonymity, don't link personal information to your profile.

Does Nostria track my activity?

No! Nostria doesn't track, collect, or sell your data. That's the whole point of decentralization.

Use the "Report" button on posts or profiles. You can also block users directly.

Premium Features

What is Nostria Premium?

An optional subscription offering enhanced features like automatic backups, dedicated relays, and advanced analytics.

How much does Premium cost?

Check nostria.app/premium for current pricing.

Do I need Premium to use Nostria?

No! Nostria is fully functional for free. Premium just adds conveniences.

Can I cancel Premium anytime?

Yes, cancel anytime without penalty. You keep access until your billing period ends.

Troubleshooting

Nostria won't load

Check your internet connection
Clear browser cache
Try a different browser
Update to the latest version

My posts aren't showing up

Check your internet connection
Verify you're connected to relays (Settings → Relays)
Try posting again
Wait a few moments for propagation

I can't see someone's posts

Make sure you're following them
Check if they've blocked you
Verify relay connectivity
Try refreshing

Images won't upload

Check file size (max 5-10MB typically)
Verify file format (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP)
Check internet connection
Try a smaller image

Notifications not working

Enable notifications in browser/OS settings
Check Nostria notification preferences
Verify internet connection
Try logging out and back in

Compatibility

What browsers work with Nostria?

Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Brave (all modern versions).

Is there a mobile app?

Native mobile apps are in development. Currently, use the web app on mobile browsers or install as a PWA.

Can I use Nostria offline?

Limited functionality offline. You can view cached content but need internet to post or sync.

Does Nostria work with other Nostr clients?

Yes! Your account works with any Nostr client. Just import your private key.

Content & Community

What can I post about?

Anything! Nostria supports free speech, but individual relays may have policies.

Are there content rules?

Nostria itself has no rules, but relays might. Respect community guidelines and laws.

How do I grow my following?

Post quality content regularly
Engage with others
Use relevant hashtags
Be authentic and helpful
Participate in communities

Can I monetize my content?

Yes! Set up a Lightning address to receive tips from followers.

How do I get verified?

Set up a NIP-05 identifier linked to a domain you control.

Platform Comparison

How is Nostria different from Twitter/X?

Nostria is decentralized—no company owns your account, data, or can ban you.

How is it different from Mastodon?

Nostr is a protocol, not a federation. Simpler, more portable, more resistant to censorship.

How is it different from BlueSky?

Nostr is already fully decentralized and operational. No corporate control or invite codes needed.

Can I import my Twitter/X followers?

Not directly, but tools exist to find contacts who've joined Nostr. Share your Nostria profile on other platforms!

Payments & Lightning

What is Lightning?

Bitcoin's Lightning Network—a fast, cheap payment layer. Used for tipping on Nostria.

How do I set up Lightning?

Get a Lightning wallet (Alby, Wallet of Satoshi, etc.) and add your Lightning address to your profile.

How do I send a tip?

Click the "zap" (⚡) button on a post and send the amount you choose.

Are there fees?

Lightning fees are typically less than a cent. Much cheaper than traditional payments!

Data & Export

Can I export my data?

Yes! Go to Settings → Import/Export to download your posts and profile.

Can I import from other Nostr apps?

Yes! Use the import feature to bring in follows, profile data, and more.

Where is my data stored?

On relays you're connected to. Premium users can also have automatic cloud backups.

Can I run my own relay?

Yes! Technically inclined users can run personal relays. Check Nostr relay documentation.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find your answer? Ask on Nostria using #NostriaHelp and the community will assist! 💜