# Nostr: What is remote signing, and when is it useful?

NIP-46 lets a client communicate with a separate signer, sometimes called a bunker, to request signatures.

2026-08-15
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

NIP-46 lets a client communicate with a separate signer, sometimes called a bunker, to request signatures. This can keep a long-term private key off a device or web app you use for reading and posting. It adds another service and connection to secure, so review its approvals and availability. Remote signing is useful when you want to reduce where the key is exposed.

## Sources

[NIP-46: Remote signing](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/46.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-what-is-remote-signing-and-when-is-it-useful/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-15T21:51:13+00:00

Description: A practical answer to What is remote signing, and when is it useful?