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Private Messages

Private messages in Buho Jump use NIP-17 — the most secure messaging standard in Nostr. Every message is gift-wrapped and double-sealed so that only you and the recipient can read it.

Starting a conversation

  1. Open the Chat tab
  2. Tap the compose button (bottom right)
  3. Search by name, paste a profile address, or pick from your contacts
  4. Start typing

How encryption works

When you send a message:

  1. The message is wrapped in a "rumor" (unsigned event)
  2. The rumor is sealed with the recipient's key (NIP-44 encryption)
  3. The sealed message is wrapped again in a gift wrap addressed to the recipient
  4. A second copy is sealed and wrapped for yourself (so you can see your sent messages)

The relays only see gift wraps — they cannot read the content, see the sender, or link messages to conversations.

Message features

Replies

Long-press a message and tap Reply. Your response shows the original message as a quote above it.

Self-destructing messages

Tap the + button next to the input, then choose a timer: 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 24 hours. The message disappears from the conversation after the time expires.

INFO

Self-destructing messages are hidden from the UI after expiry. The encrypted event may still exist on relays, but nobody can read the content without your keys.

Content warnings

Tap the + button and enable content warning. Type a reason (e.g., "spoiler" or "sensitive"). The recipient sees the warning and chooses when to reveal the content.

Tips

If the person you're chatting with has a Lightning address in their profile, you can send them a Bitcoin tip directly from the conversation. Tap the + button and choose the tip option.

Offline behavior

Messages you send while offline are queued and delivered when connectivity returns. The message shows a "sending" indicator until it's confirmed by at least one relay.

If delivery fails, the message shows a red indicator. Tap it to retry.