# Nostr: Can I change my Nostr private key?

A different private key produces a different public identity under Nostr's basic key model.

2026-08-08
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

A different private key produces a different public identity under Nostr's basic key model. You can create a new keypair and announce a move while you still control the old key, but existing signatures do not become signatures from the new key automatically. Move follows and profile details where your client allows, and tell people how to verify the new account.

## Sources

[NIP-01: Basic protocol](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/01.md), [NIP-02: Follow lists](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/02.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-can-i-change-my-nostr-private-key/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-08T11:59:57+00:00

Description: A practical answer to Can I change my Nostr private key?