Messaging & Payments with Flash Chat

This guide provides a complete overview of Flash’s Chat feature, explaining how to use secure, censorship-resistant messaging and integrated Bitcoin payments through the NOSTR protocol.

Table of Contents

• What is the Chat Tab?
• Getting Started with Chat
• Privacy and Security
• Troubleshooting

What is the Chat Tab?

The Chat Tab is a full-featured messaging platform built directly into Flash that leverages the NOSTR protocol to provide secure, censorship-resistant communication. Unlike traditional messaging apps that rely on centralized servers, Flash Chat uses a decentralized network that ensures your messages remain accessible and cannot be censored.

Key Features

• Decentralized Messaging: Messages are distributed across multiple independent relay servers, with no single point of failure or censorship. Your conversations remain accessible even if individual servers go offline.

• Integrated Bitcoin Payments: Send Bitcoin payments (Zaps) directly within conversations with minimal fees using Lightning Network.

• Cross-Platform & Group Chat: Connect with users on other NOSTR-compatible apps and create both private one-on-one chats and group conversations with multiple participants.

Getting Started with Chat

Follow these steps to begin using Flash Chat:

1. Access the Chat Tab

   • Open the Flash app and tap the Chat icon in the bottom navigation bar

2. Set Up Your NOSTR Profile

   • Create a username and optional profile picture
   • Back up your private key when prompted

3. Find Friends and Contacts

   • Flash automatically syncs with your existing contacts
   • Search for friends by username or scan a QR code

4. Start Messaging

   • Tap on a contact to open a conversation
   • Messages are delivered even if the recipient is offline

Privacy and Security

Flash Chat is designed with privacy and security in mind:

• End-to-End Encryption: Private messages are encrypted using NIP-04 standards, and only the intended recipient can decrypt your messages.

• Key Management: Back up your private key in a secure location and never share it with anyone.

• Data Ownership: Your data belongs to you, not Flash. You can export your conversations and contacts at any time.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with Flash Chat:

• Connection Issues: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, try closing and reopening the app, and check relay status.

• Message Delivery Problems: Messages may be delayed during high traffic. Verify you have the correct public key for your contact.

• Payment Issues: Ensure you have sufficient balance and verify the recipient has a valid Lightning address.

For further development information on NOSTR, visit the official NOSTR protocol repository on GitHub.

Learn More About NOSTR

If you’re interested in understanding more about how the NOSTR protocol works, its technical details, and the broader ecosystem, check out our NOSTR Protocol page for an in-depth explanation of this innovative technology powering Flash Chat.