Add a watch-only Nostr account
Use an npub to explore a Nostr identity without importing its private key. Understand what a watch-only account can and cannot do.
Choose Watch-Only when you have a public key and want to view an identity without importing its private key. This is useful for exploring a profile and its trust network before connecting a signing account.
Add the public key
- Copy the npub of the identity you want to view. Check that it belongs to the intended profile.
- Open the extension popup and select Watch-Only from the setup methods.
- Paste the public key into the field and select Continue. If validation fails, check that you copied the complete public key.
- Finish setup and confirm that the displayed identity matches the npub you entered. Allow time for profile information to load from relays.
Know the limits
A public key can identify an account but cannot authorize an action as that account. Watch-only mode cannot sign events, publish posts, or approve signing requests for that identity. Adding someone else's public key does not give you control of their account.
You do not need that person's private key to view their public identity. Never ask someone to send you an nsec or recovery phrase for this purpose.
When you want to sign
If the identity is yours, use Import Key or Backup with its private material, or Nostr Connect with a signer that controls it. Confirm the public key after connecting so you do not confuse two different identities.
If you do not yet have your own identity, create a new account. Compare all four setup methods.
