# Nostr: How do I back up my follows and relay settings?

Keep a secure record of your private-key recovery material, plus your public key, chosen relays, and any client export of follows.

2026-08-10
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Keep a secure record of your private-key recovery material, plus your public key, chosen relays, and any client export of follows. NIP-02 represents follows as a signed event; NIP-65 represents read and write relay choices. Those events may be recoverable from relays, but retention is not guaranteed. Test that a second client can find the data before you rely on a single app.

## Sources

[NIP-02: Follow lists](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/02.md), [NIP-65: Relay lists](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/65.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-how-do-i-back-up-my-follows-and-relay-settings/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-10T11:42:58+00:00

Description: A practical answer to How do I back up my follows and relay settings?