How do I set up a Nostr identity for PeerBadge?

Your Nostr identity is the key that all of your badges – both the ones you hold and ones you've signed – are tied to. You set up the Nostr identity you'd like to link to PeerBadge the first time you use the mini app. 

At that point, you also choose how it is backed up: with your Fedi personal backup phrase or with a separate recovery phrase. To get here, the first step is to add the PeerBadge mini app to your Fedi app by following the process outlined in What is the PeerBadge app?

Once added, open the PeerBadge mini app. The first time you open it, you will land on the welcome screen. From there, tap I'm new – set up PeerBadge to set up your Nostr identity & recovery method.

With Your Fedi Backup

This option uses the Personal Backup tied to your Fedi account, so there is no extra phrase to save. 

1. Tap Continue with Fedi.

2. Fedi asks if you want to share a private key with PeerBadge. Tap Approve. If you have set a PIN in Fedi, you will be asked to enter it first.

3. PeerBadge creates your identity and takes you to its main screen. You're all set!

Note that PeerBadge gets its own private key, derived from your Fedi account's personal recovery phrase. To preserve your privacy, the PeerBadge app does not use your Fedi chat profile identity by default.

You can opt to use it, but to do so you will need to manually input your chat-related Nostr secret key – which you can find by going to Settings > Nostr Details.

Your Fedi recovery phrase is never shown to the PeerBadge mini app. Because this identity is tied to your Fedi app, you should recover your Fedi account before recovering PeerBadge if you ever change devices.

With a Separate Recovery Phrase

Choose this if you'd rather keep your PeerBadge backup separate from your Fedi account.

1. Tap Create a recovery phrase instead.
2. PeerBadge shows your 12 words. Write them down in order and store them in a secure, offline location.
3. Once done, tap I've saved my phrase.

Note that the PeerBadge mini app does not ask you to re-confirm the words, so double-check them before you continue. Anyone with this phrase can restore your badges on another device, so never share it.

If you need to see your phrase again, tap the Gear icon at the top right > Reveal app recovery phrase. 

Keep in mind that however you choose to set up your Nostr identity, the choice is permanent given that badges cannot be transferred between identities. Once you have set up an identity, you're ready to get a signed badge or start signing badges.