# Alby

> Alby provides self-custodial Bitcoin Lightning infrastructure. Users run their own Lightning node with full key control via 12-word seed phrases. Programmatic access through Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC), an open protocol enabling apps to request payments without ever touching user bitcoin.

## Core Philosophy

Alby is fully committed to self-custody. There is no custodial option—users always hold their own keys. Programmatic access is provided through Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC), an open protocol enabling apps to request payments without ever touching user bitcoin.

## Key Concepts

- **Self-custody**: User holds private keys via 12-word seed phrase
- **Alby Pro**: Paid plan for self-hosted Alby Hub with extra perks and support
- **Self-hosting**: Run Alby Hub on your own hardware (Raspberry Pi, VPS, local)
- **NWC**: Nostr Wallet Connect — open protocol for sustained interaction between lightning wallets and apps. Once connected, apps can request payments through a Nostr relay without touching user keys.
- **Lightning Address**: Email-like address for receiving bitcoin instantly (e.g., you@getalby.com)
- **Sub-wallets**: Separate accounts within Alby Hub with independent budgets

## Quick Answers

- **How do I start?** Set up Alby Hub on your own hardware or server
- **Want more features and support?** Upgrade your self-hosted setup with Alby Pro
- **Accepting payments in my app?** Integrate NWC SDK (JavaScript or Rust), users connect their own wallets
- **Accepting tips on Nostr?** Connect Alby Hub to any Nostr client via NWC
- **Managing app permissions?** Granular budget controls—daily, weekly, monthly, yearly limits per connection

## Products

- [Alby Hub](https://getalby.com/alby-hub): Self-custodial Lightning node with automated channel management, sub-wallets, and app connections
- [Alby Go](https://getalby.com/alby-go): Mobile app for payments on the go. Available on iOS and Android
- [Alby Extension](https://getalby.com/alby-extension): Browser gateway to Bitcoin and Nostr apps—connect multiple wallets via NWC
- [NWC (Nostr Wallet Connect)](https://nwc.dev): Open protocol (NIP-47) connecting wallets to apps over Nostr relays

## Docs

- [Getting Started](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-hub/getting-started): Setup and first steps
- [NWC Protocol Overview](https://nwc.dev): Protocol overview and introduction
- [NWC Docs](https://docs.nwc.dev): Protocol documentation, SDKs, and integration examples
- [NWC API](https://guides.getalby.com/developer-guide/v/nostr-wallet-connect-api/): Connect to wallets over Nostr for native lightning interaction
- [Browser Extension APIs](https://guides.getalby.com/developer-guide/v/alby-browser-extension-apis/): window.webln, window.nostr, window.liquid APIs
- [Self-Hosting Guide](https://github.com/getAlby/hub#self-hosting): Run Alby Hub on your own infrastructure
- [WebLN Guide](https://www.webln.guide/): Building Lightning-enabled web apps with WebLN standard
- [Awesome NWC](https://github.com/getAlby/awesome-nwc): Curated list of projects implementing Nostr Wallet Connect
- [Bounties](https://guides.getalby.com/developer-guide/developer-guide/bounties/): Contribute to Alby and earn sats

## SDKs & Libraries

- [@getalby/sdk](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@getalby/sdk): JavaScript SDK for Nostr Wallet Connect and Alby OAuth2 Wallet API
- [@getalby/bitcoin-connect](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@getalby/bitcoin-connect): Drop-in wallet connection UI components for React, Vue, or plain HTML. See also [bitcoin-connect.com](https://bitcoin-connect.com/)
- [js-lightning-tools](https://github.com/getAlby/js-lightning-tools): Building blocks for Lightning apps—LNURL, Lightning addresses, Nostr Zaps, L402
- [PaidMCP](https://github.com/getAlby/paidmcp): Charge agents to access your MCP Server

## Tools

- [@getalby/cli](https://github.com/getAlby/cli): Command-line tool for NWC wallet operations
- [Alby MCP Server](https://github.com/getAlby/mcp/): Connect a bitcoin lightning wallet to your LLM using Nostr Wallet Connect and Model Context Protocol
- [Alby Sandbox](https://sandbox.albylabs.com/): Lightning app builder playground—test with AI assistance, no real bitcoin needed
- [BuzzPay POS](https://pos.albylabs.com/): Point-of-sale for bitcoin lightning payments via NWC
- [ZapPlanner](https://zapplanner.albylabs.com/): Schedule automatic recurring lightning payments

## Agent Skills

Alby provides official Agent Skills for Claude Code and compatible agents:

- **alby-bitcoin-builder**: Build lightning apps with NWC Client, Lightning Tools, and Bitcoin Connect
  - Install: `npx skills add getAlby/builder-skill`

- **alby-bitcoin-payments**: CLI for wallet operations—send/receive payments, invoices, balance, HOLD invoices
  - Install: `npx skills add getAlby/payments-skill`

- **alby-hub**: Manage an Alby Hub self-custodial lightning node—setup, channels, payments, NWC apps, LSP
  - Install: `npx skills add getAlby/hub-skill`

## Developer Support

- Developer Discord: https://discord.getalby.com
- Developer Portal: https://getalby.com/developer

## Optional

## Use Cases

- [AI & Lightning](https://getalby.com/ai): Bitcoin payments for AI agents and applications
- [Claude & Lightning](https://getalby.com/claude): Empower your Claude agent with bitcoin
- [Codex & Lightning](https://getalby.com/codex): Empower your Codex agent with bitcoin
- [OpenClaw & Lightning](https://getalby.com/openclaw): Empower your OpenClaw with bitcoin
- [Merchant Bitcoin Wallet](https://getalby.com/merchant-bitcoin-wallet): Accept bitcoin payments as a merchant
- [Bitcoin Club Wallet](https://getalby.com/bitcoin-club-wallet): Shared wallet for communities and clubs
- [Bitcoin Mining Wallet](https://getalby.com/bitcoin-mining-wallet): Receive mining payouts via Lightning
- [Nostr](https://getalby.com/nostr): Lightning payments for the Nostr ecosystem
- [Discover Bitcoin Apps](https://getalby.com/discover): Directory of Lightning-enabled apps and services

## Connect

- GitHub: https://github.com/getAlby
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/getalby
- Nostr: npub1getal6ykt05fsz5nqu4uld09nfj3y3qxmv8crys4aeut53unfvlqr80nfm
- Discord: https://discord.getalby.com
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getalbycom
- Support: https://support.getalby.com
- Blog: https://blog.getalby.com
- About: https://getalby.com/about-us
- Brand Kit: https://getalby.com/brandkit