How to add Nostr MCP Server to Windsurf

Let AI models post notes and send Lightning zaps on the Nostr protocol. Paste the config into ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json and restart Windsurf.

Last updated June 14, 2026 · 37★ · stdio · apikey

Windsurf config for Nostr MCP Server

npx -y @smithery/cli install @AbdelStark/nostr-mcp --client claude

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nostr-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@smithery/cli",
        "install",
        "@AbdelStark/nostr-mcp",
        "--client",
        "claude"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NOSTR_RELAYS": "wss://relay.damus.io,wss://relay.primal.net,wss://nos.lol",
        "NOSTR_NSEC_KEY": "your_nsec_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Setup steps

1Open Windsurf → Cascade → the hammer/MCP icon → Configure (or edit ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json).
2Paste the Nostr MCP Server config below.
3Fill in placeholder secrets, then save.
4Click Refresh in the MCP panel.
5Nostr MCP Server's tools become available to Cascade.

Before you start

Node.js 18+
A Nostr private key (nsec) for the account that will post
One or more Nostr relay URLs (e.g. wss://relay.damus.io)

What Nostr MCP Server can do in Windsurf

post_note

Posts a new note to the Nostr network. Takes a `content` string and broadcasts it to the configured relays.

send_zap

Sends a Lightning zap to a Nostr user. Takes a `nip05Address` and an `amount` (in sats). Marked work-in-progress in the README.

Security

Requires your Nostr private key (NOSTR_NSEC_KEY, an `nsec` secret) to sign and publish notes on your behalf. Keep this key secret — anyone with it controls your Nostr identity. Posting and zapping take real actions on the public Nostr network. Configure relays via NOSTR_RELAYS.

Nostr MCP Server + Windsurf FAQ

Where is the Windsurf config file?

Windsurf reads MCP servers from ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json. Paste the Nostr MCP Server config there under the "mcpServers" key and restart the client.

Is Nostr MCP Server safe to use with Windsurf?

What transport does the server use?

It supports both stdio and SSE modes, selected via the SERVER_MODE environment variable. The Smithery install for Claude Desktop runs it over stdio; SSE mode listens on a configurable PORT (default 9000) for real-time communication.

What credentials does it need?

Your Nostr private key (NOSTR_NSEC_KEY, starting with `nsec`) so it can sign and publish notes as you, plus a comma-separated list of relay URLs in NOSTR_RELAYS.

Is the zap feature fully working?

The README marks send_zap (Lightning zaps) as work-in-progress, while post_note is the primary supported tool.

View repo Full Nostr MCP Server page