# Nostr: What is the difference between legacy DMs and NIP-17 messages?

Older Nostr direct messages commonly used the legacy NIP-04 approach.

2026-08-15
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Older Nostr direct messages commonly used the legacy NIP-04 approach. NIP-17 specifies a newer encrypted chat design built on NIP-44 and gift wrapping, aiming to reduce exposed message metadata. A client may support one scheme, both, or neither, so apparent compatibility matters. Do not assume every message with a lock icon has the same privacy properties.

## Sources

[NIP-17: Private messages](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/17.md), [NIP-44: Encryption](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/44.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-what-is-the-difference-between-legacy-dms-and-nip-17-messages/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-16T02:11:30+00:00

Description: A practical answer to What is the difference between legacy DMs and NIP-17 messages?