MONOSTR is a Nostr client for Android focused on privacy and direct tipping with Monero. It's open-source software, doesn't hold your funds in escrow or include an integrated wallet, and is currently in beta.
WHAT IS IT?
Monostr lets you use the decentralized social network Nostr from your mobile device: post notes, follow accounts, reply, repost, quote, send private messages, and manage relays.
Its distinguishing feature is that it integrates tips in Monero (XMR) without relying on Lightning or a custodian.
MAIN ADVANTAGES
PRIVACY BY DESIGN:
Tips are sent directly from your Monero wallet; the app doesn't store spending keys or hold funds in escrow.
NO LIGHTNING OR INTERMEDIARY:
It avoids the typical Lightning infrastructure and doesn't require trusting a service to control your funds.
VERIFIABLE TIPS:
When a tip is received, a watcher posts a signed receipt on Nostr, visible below the note or profile.
ANONYMOUS TIPPING OPTION:
The system allows you to send tips without necessarily revealing the sender's identity.
SELF-HOSTING AVAILABLE:
You can use the default Nostr watcher or set up your own on a Raspberry Pi, small server, or your own Monero node, keeping the viewing key at home.
OPEN AND REPRODUCIBLE SOURCE:
It is released under the AGPL-3.0 license or later, with reproducible release builds.
COMPLETE SOCIAL EXPERIENCE:
Includes feeds, threads, profiles, reactions, reposts, quotes, replies, mentions, hashtags, search, and notifications.
MESSAGE AND LIST PRIVACY:
Offers private messages (NIP-17), private bookmarks, and private mutes (NIP-51).
RELAY CONTROL:
Use your relay list (NIP-65) and add an author's writing relays when opening their profile.
LIGHTWEIGHT AND MULTILINGUAL:
The APK is approximately 15.2 MB, supports light/dark themes, and eight languages.
HOW DO TIPS WORK?
1. Tap the Monero symbol below a note or on a profile and choose an amount.
2. Your compatible wallet app—for example, Unstoppable, Monfluo, or Cake—opens with the payment ready.
3. The recipient must have registered their Monero address and viewing private key with a watcher.
4. The watcher monitors incoming payments and posts a signed receipt to Nostr. The tip appears associated with the note.
The viewing key allows the watcher to see earnings, but not spend the funds; however, sharing it reduces some of the financial privacy of the receiving address, so it's advisable to use a specific address or sub-address for tips if privacy is a priority.
AVAILABLE PLATFORMS
AVAILABILITY MODE
ANDROID APP
Yes; it's distributed as an APK and also through Zapstore, Obtainium, and F-Droid, with updates arriving a few days later.
WEB APP
There is no functional web interface for monostr; the official site is primarily a project information page with an introduction, download page, and other details.
iOS
There is no mention of an iPhone or iPad version.
DESKTOP
There is no mention of a Windows, macOS, or Linux version.
STATUS AND PRECAUTIONS
MONOSTR's tips are real Monero on the mainnet; The project itself recommends starting with small amounts and carefully verifying the registered payment address.
It's also worth noting that some optional features rely on external services: the follower count may come from Primal, a proprietary service, and this integration is disabled by default.
For those who value sovereignty and privacy, the best setup is to use their own wallet, a self-hosted watcher, and trusted relays.
#monostr #xmr #monero #nostrclients
