Alby Guides
Search
K

Hey 👋 Welcome to Alby Guides

If you have questions or just want to understand our product better you are in the right place.
You can type in your query in the search bar or browse through the categories below.
Features of the Alby browser extension and how to use them
Features of the Alby lightning account and how to use it.
Learn how to receive payments directly from your listeners.
🤖
Learn how to power your app with bitcoin.
✍️
Receive bitcoin payments on your WordPress page

FAQ

How do I install the Alby Browser Extension?
You can download and install the Alby Browser Extension for Chromium- and Firefox-based browsers. Download Alby here: Google Chrome, Brave, Mozilla Firefox, Tor Browser, Microsoft Edge Make sure to pin the extension to the browser bar after installation.
Do I need bitcoin to use the Alby browser extension?
No, you don't need bitcoin to use the Alby Browser Extension. You can quickly top up your wallet balance using these options.
How do I get bitcoin into my wallet in the Alby Browser Extension?
You can quickly top up your wallet balance using these options.
Why do I need an unlock password?
The Alby Browser Extension unlock password is necessary to lock it and prevent access from another person using Alby in the same browser. Therefore the password is comparable to a PIN from your mobile phone. It is also used to encrypt and decrypt the connection data (i.e. macaroons, passwords and other credentials).
Can I trust the software?
It is important to understand that the Alby browser extension is a full client-side application if you connect your own Lightning wallet. It comes without any tracking software. There is no connection to any Alby organization if you use your own Lightning wallet. Hence, no data is exchanged with us and you only trust the software with your data. The Alby browser extension is free and open software. The source code is completely available on GitHub for anybody to compile and use, including instructions on how to build the browser extension yourself.
I lost my password to the extension
Enter an invalid password and below the password field you will see 'Reset now and add a new account'. Click on that and it gives you the onboarding screen again. Simply choose a new password and connect your lighting account again.
You might see your old accounts which are unusable because they can no longer be decrypted. Simply delete those from the accounts list and add them back again.
Can I trust Alby and the software?
It is important to understand that the Alby browser extension is a full client-side application if you connect your own bitcoin lightning wallet. It comes without any tracking software. There is no connection to any Alby organization if you use your own bitcoin lightning wallet. Hence, no data is exchanged with us and you only trust the software with your data. The Alby browser extension is free and open-source software.
Do i have to sign-up for an Alby Account to use the Alby Browser Extension?
No, you can use the Alby Browser Extension without using an Alby Account by connecting your own bitcoin lightning node to the extension. The Alby Browser Extension supports several node and wallet providers. You will find the list with full instructions during the installation process.
Can I have my own personal Lightning address from Alby?
Yes, you can make your own personalized lightning address on setting up Alby for free. You can even use your own web domain as your lightning address together with an Alby lightning address.
Can I use Alby on Nostr?
Yes. Alby is your companion for the Nostr network with different services. Safely managing Nostr keys is one of these services. You'll find more here.
Can I use Alby for Bitcoin NFTs (Ordinals with inscriptions)?
Yes. You can buy and manage your Bitcoin NFTs with Alby. Just follow these steps.
I am a developer how can I use the Alby browser extension for my web project?
The Alby browser extension services as the bridge between the user's wallet and web apps. As A web developer you can create superior UX and onboard new users quickly by implementing the open WebLN standard.
How can I get involved and contribute to the Alby Browser Extension?
The Alby Browser extension is an open-source software. We welcome everybody (designers, developers, content creators and marketers) to make Alby better. Have a look at the contributor guide as developer, designer and join our Telegram group and community calls: Dates for 2023
Thursday 6th April Thursday 24th August
Thursday 20th April Thursday 7th September
Thursday 4th May Thursday 21st September
Thursday 18th May Thursday 5th October
Thursday 1st June Thursday 19th October
Thursday 15th June Thursday 2nd November
Thursday 29th June Thursday 16th November
Thursday 13th July Thursday 30th November
Thursday 27th July Thursday 14th December
Thursday 10th August Thursday 28th December
All calls take place at 3PM UTC on Jitsi. We hope to see you there.
If you can't find what you need here, visit our friendly community, where you'll find lots of people happy to help you, or if you need more support, you can contact us directly.
We can't wait to see you using Alby! 😀 💃🏽 💪🏽