But how?
The easiest way is with AlbyGo – one of many wallet providers that support NWC. You can download the app at albygo.com.
But AlbyGo isn’t the only option! Another wallet that supports NWC is Zeus (zeusln.com). And there are more – we’re currently compiling a list of the best options. Try them both if you like! You can even use them in parallel with the same NWC. 🔄⚡
After installing a compatible wallet, just choose “Connect Wallet,” paste your NWC string or scan the QR code. Then give your wallet a name – and you’re good to go!
From now on, you can easily send and receive Bitcoin⚡Lightning payments. 🎉
What else do I need to know?
The most important things in a nutshell:
- Custody Wallet – what does it mean?
Your wallet is a custody wallet, meaning someone else manages your sats in a Lightning⚡channel on a Lightning⚡node. You should trust this person and be sure they won’t cheat you. - Risks & Responsibility
This technology is still young and may have its pitfalls:
→ The system behind the wallet could fail.
→ Funds may be lost or stolen in a hack.
→ In case of loss, the plebs running the infrastructure cannot provide refunds.
👉 Only keep as many sats on the wallet as you need – or would be okay donating in a worst-case scenario. - Your NWC string is your key
The NWC string you received is unique and a direct gateway to your wallet.
🔒 Never share it and store it securely!
If you scanned it with AlbyGo, you can view it again there. The hub operator does not store a copy for you – you alone are responsible.
🚨 Lose the NWC string, and you lose access to your wallet.
🔑 Back it up properly!
✅ Save it in a password manager.
❌ Don’t store it in an unsecured cloud note app!
❌ Don’t store it unencrypted on your PC!
❌ Don’t hide it somewhere, you will lose it!💡 Recommendation: Use note apps with encryption, like Standard Notes. This FOSS note app provides end-to-end encryption and can sync across devices. The free version is more than sufficient for most use cases. - Can the administrators see your wallet?
Yes, the hub administrators have access to:
→ Your wallet balance
→ Your payments
→ Comments on sent and received transactions
The administrators could refund you in an emergency, but that’s extra work – which you can avoid by securely storing your key.
What else can I do with this?
- Nostr Wallet Connect is a FOSS standard (Free and Open Source Software), so anyone can use and develop it. We’re just getting started and are currently developing the first wallets and apps. Stay tuned! Future apps will be listed here.
- Link your Alby account to get a Lightning address:
→ On getalby.com you can create an account.
→ Under “Settings > Wallet Configuration > Link to your own wallet > Nostr Wallet Connect,” you can enter your NWC string.
By default, you’ll receive a pre-set Lightning address. For a fee, which will be directly deducted from your wallet, you can customize the address. - Alby Browser Extension – native integration of the Lightning wallet
The Alby browser extension allows seamless use of the Lightning wallet on websites like verein.einundzwanzig.space or Nostr clients like coracle.social. With just one click, you can zap Satoshis, log in with your Alby account on websites, or sign Nostr notes – without having to enter your private key.
Here’s how it works:
1. Log in with your Alby account.
2. Install the Alby browser extension.
3. In the extension, click “+ Add” and select “Continue with Alby Account.” 🎉 That’s it! You now have a Lightning wallet directly in your browser.
Important notes:
→ By installing the extension, you’ll automatically get a Bitcoin (On-Chain) wallet (as a seed) and a Nostr key (private & public).
→ If you don’t have a Nostr account yet – congratulations, now you do! 🎉
→ If you already have one, you can delete the new key and enter your existing one.
→ Make sure to back up your seed! The seed is tied to the browser, not your Alby account.
→ From the seed, your Nostr keys (private & public) are derived.
→ You’ll need an “Unlock Password” for the extension – not to be confused with your Alby account password! - Link your Nostr account with the Lightning wallet & Alby account
The Lightning address you receive in your Alby account can be stored in your Nostr profile as a Lightning wallet for receiving Zaps. If you save your public Nostr key under “Settings > Nostr Address,” you can also use your Lightning address as a Nostr address. This way, a confirmation of the Nostr address will appear in your account, as it is linked to the getalby.com website and remains unique. - Send Nostr⚡Zaps directly from the client
In the Android client Amethyst, the NWC string can be directly entered in the app to send Zaps straight from the app. Here’s how it works:- Long press on a Zap⚡bolt in the app.
- A settings window for Zaps will open.
- There, you can either link Amethyst with your Alby account or manually enter the NWC string, or paste it using the clipboard icon to connect your own Lightning wallet.
- Lastly, a tip
Use this Alby User Template to keep track of everything.
How can I support or host something like this myself?
If you like the project, feel free to support the FOSS community – for example, by supporting Alby. 💛
They played a key role in the development of Nostr Wallet Connect and provided the first software for the infrastructure. Want to contribute? For example, by subscribing to the Pro Plan! With this, you’ll get a few nice extras, and the developers will appreciate it. 🙌
Feel free to follow them on Nostr! And if you ever feel like donating – here’s their Lightning⚡address: nwc@getalby.com
Want to run a full-fledged Alby Hub yourself and help decentralize the Lightning network? Then check out our Alby Hub Start Page! There, we walk you through every step to set up your own Alby Hub. 🔗⚡
Since 891677 / 891677 🤙