Getting Started with Nostr WoT
Everything you need to install the Nostr WoT Extension and get your first trust network up and running.
This guide walks you through installing the Nostr WoT Extension, setting up your identity, and getting your trust network running. The whole process takes about two minutes.
Installing the Extension
The extension supports all major Chromium-based browsers and Firefox. Pick your browser and follow the steps below.
Chrome, Brave, Edge, and Opera
- Visit the download page and click the link for the Chrome Web Store.
- Click Add to Chrome (or the equivalent button in your browser).
- Confirm the installation when prompted.
- Pin the extension to your toolbar for easy access — click the puzzle piece icon in your browser and toggle the pin next to Nostr WoT.
Firefox
- Visit the download page and click the link for Firefox Add-ons.
- Click Add to Firefox and confirm the permissions prompt.
- Pin the extension to your toolbar by right-clicking the icon and selecting Pin to Toolbar.
After installation, the extension icon will appear in your browser toolbar. A gray icon means you are not yet signed in. It turns purple once your identity is active.
First-Time Setup
When you open the extension for the first time, the setup wizard walks you through the essentials. You will be asked to either create a new Nostr identity or import an existing one. No account registration with any third party is required.
Creating a New Nostr Key
If you are new to Nostr, select Create New Keys. The extension generates a private key (nsec) and a public key (npub) for you.
- Click Create New Keys in the setup wizard.
- Save your private key backup. Write it down or store it in a password manager. If you lose this key, there is no way to recover your account.
- Set a local password to encrypt your keys inside the extension. This password is never sent anywhere.
- Optionally fill in your profile details — display name, bio, and avatar.
Your private key is the master password to your Nostr identity. Never share it, paste it into a website, or store it in plain text. The extension encrypts it locally so sites never see it directly.
Importing an Existing Key
Already have a Nostr identity? Select Import Existing Key and paste your nsec or use a NIP-07 compatible signer extension.
- Click Import Existing Key.
- Paste your nsec private key or connect a hardware signer.
- Set a local encryption password.
- The extension fetches your profile from Nostr relays automatically.
Verifying Your Setup
Once your identity is active, click the extension icon. You should see your profile details, your npub, and an initial trust graph that starts building from your follow list. The extension fetches your contacts from relays and begins mapping your Web of Trust.
Give it a minute or two for the initial sync. After that, your trust network updates in the background as you browse.
What's Next?
Now that the extension is installed, learn how to manage your identity and understand how the Web of Trust works.
