How to Use OpenClaw with Nostr

Nostr gives OpenClaw a decentralized direct-message channel. The docs describe it as an optional bundled plugin, disabled until configured, that receives and responds to encrypted DMs through NIP-04. That makes it different from Slack or Google Chat: the routing depends on a private key and relays rather than a workspace app. Treat the Nostr private key as a high-value credential because it represents the bot's identity on a public relay network.

Set up the key

If you need a new keypair, the docs show nak key generate. For non-interactive setup, use openclaw channels add --channel nostr --private-key "$NOSTR_PRIVATE_KEY". You can also pass relay URLs with --relay-urls, and use --use-env to keep the private key in the environment rather than storing it directly in config. In config, channels.nostr.privateKey accepts an nsec or hex private key.

Choose relays and restart

The config reference lists relays as an array, with defaults including public relay URLs. You can specify your own relay set when you want better reliability, privacy, or operational control. After enabling or changing the plugin, restart the gateway. Relay choice matters because decentralized messaging can feel flaky if the sender and bot do not share healthy relays. Keep the first test simple: one key, two relays, one known sender.

Control who can DM the bot

Nostr still needs access control. The docs list DM policies of pairing, allowlist, open, and disabled patterns through channel config. Pairing is the default in the configuration reference. Use pairing for a public-facing identity so unknown pubkeys do not get automatic access. If you already know the users, use allowFrom with their pubkeys. Avoid open mode unless the bot's capabilities are intentionally limited and public.

Profile metadata

The plugin can publish NIP-01 profile metadata as a kind:0 event. You can manage it in Control UI under Channels → Nostr → Profile or set profile fields in config, including name, display name, about text, picture, banner, website, NIP-05, and Lightning address. Profile URLs must use HTTPS. Imported relay profile data can merge with local overrides, so document which fields you own locally.

Operational checklist

Store the private key outside screenshots and chat logs, choose relays deliberately, set DM policy, test one known encrypted DM, and verify that unknown senders follow the expected pairing behavior. The OpenClaw Playbook's advice is blunt here: decentralized does not mean casual. A Nostr bot is still an assistant identity with credentials, permissions, and a public-facing profile. Write down the key source, relay list, access policy, and recovery path before you automate around it.

Think in public identity terms

A Nostr bot may receive private DMs, but its profile and relay presence are part of a public decentralized identity. Choose the name, about text, picture, and NIP-05 details with the same care you would use for a public support account. If you rotate keys, you are effectively changing identity. If you change relays, some users may stop reaching the bot until their clients find the new path. That is why the private key source and relay list deserve runbook treatment. Nostr gives independence from a platform workspace, but it shifts more identity management onto you.

Final verification

Before calling How to Use OpenClaw with Nostr finished, perform one direct test, one failure test, and one rollback check. The direct test proves the happy path works. The failure test proves the documented guardrail is real, not just assumed. The rollback check tells the next operator how to undo the change without improvising. Save those notes beside the channel, node, or gateway config you changed. OpenClaw gets powerful when agents can act, but it stays trustworthy when every new surface has a small, repeatable verification habit attached to it.