# Nostr: Can I run my own Nostr relay?

Yes.

2026-08-08
::
Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Yes. A relay is server software that accepts, stores, and serves Nostr events over the protocol. Running one means choosing storage, moderation, access rules, backups, updates, and an uptime plan. NIP-11 lets a relay advertise its capabilities and policies to clients. A personal relay can give you more control over your copy of events, but other users still need a way to discover it.

## Sources

[NIP-01: Basic protocol](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/01.md), [NIP-11: Relay metadata](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/11.md).

- Categories:
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- Tags:
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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-can-i-run-my-own-nostr-relay/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-09T01:00:46+00:00

Description: A practical answer to Can I run my own Nostr relay?