Electrum 4.6.0 Launches: Nostr Integration, Anchor Channels & Enhanced Privacy Controls

By @k8wm…uced July 17, 2025
Electrum, an open-source bitcoin wallet, today announced the release of Electrum 4.6.0, a landmark update introducing support for…
Electrum 4.6.0 Launches: Nostr Integration, Anchor Channels & Enhanced Privacy Controls

[Electrum](self-custody(https://lightning.news/insights-from-the-ama-hosted-by-pierre-corbin/), privacy, and interoperability within the bitcoin ecosystem.

> Electrum 4.6.0 is now available on [https://t.co/aHiZIZH54e). This major release adds support for anchor channels, submarine swaps over ">#nostr(https://t.co/rNyItkvMLb(https://t.co/rNyItkvMLb)

>

> — Electrum (@ElectrumWallet) [July 17, 2025](https://twitter.com/ElectrumWallet/status/1945803828730692023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Key Innovations in Electrum 4.6.0

1\. Nostr-Powered Submarine Swaps

Electrum now integrates Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) to enable decentralized, non-custodial atomic swaps. Users can discover swap providers directly through Nostr relays, eliminating reliance on centralized servers or public Lightning channels. This peer-to-peer system uses ephemeral keys for client privacy while allowing providers to advertise liquidity and fees trustlessly.

2\. Anchor Channels for Lightning Network

The update makes anchor commitments the default for new Lightning channels, enhancing capital efficiency. However, this requires accessible on-chain UTXOs for sweeping operations, restricting Lightning functionality in hardware or watch-only wallets without local keys. Existing channels remain unaffected.

3\. Third-Party Plugin Ecosystem

Plugins can now be installed via ZIP files on desktop binaries (Windows/macOS/Linux). A mandatory “plugin authorization password” – distinct from wallet passwords – prevents malware installations. Administrator permissions are required to set up this password, adding enterprise-grade security.

4\. Privacy & Security Upgrades

  • Screenshot Protection: Windows users get black rectangles over Electrum windows in screenshots (inspired by Windows Recall), preventing private key leaks.
  • Memory Access Restrictions: Linux systems now enforce stricter process memory access controls.
  • Dust Attack Mitigation: New options avoid spending from used addresses to deter surveillance.

    • 5\. Desktop & Mobile Enhancements

  • Qt GUI migrated to Qt6 with improved transaction batching, Lightning address contacts, and wallet unlocking states.
  • Android overhaul: New QR scanner, notification permissions, and screen brightness controls.
  • CLI improvements: Better help documentation and new commands like waitforsync and hold_invoice management.

    • Developer & Infrastructure Updates

  • Python 3.10 Required: Drops support for Python 3.8/3.9.
  • New Dependencies: electrum-aionostr (forked for Nostr support) and electrum-ecc (standalone libsecp256k1 bindings).
  • Hardware Compatibility: Ledger “Flex” added; “HW.1” and “Nano” devices discontinued.
  • Build Requirements: Windows 10 (1809+), macOS 11+, and Linux glibc 2.31+.

    • Availability

    Electrum 4.6.0 is available for download. Full [release notes](https://electrum.org/#download) detail additional fixes for Lightning, hardware wallets, and cross-platform optimizations.

    About Electrum

    [Electrum](https://electrum.org/) is a lightweight bitcoin wallet serving millions of users with its focus on speed, security, and simplicity. As a non-custodial open-source project, it remains a cornerstone of bitcoin’s infrastructure.

    Media Contact

    For interviews or technical queries, contact the Electrum team via GitHub or community forums.

    Release notes: [https://github.com/spesmilo/electrum/blob/master/RELEASE-NOTES](https://github.com/spesmilo/electrum/blob/master/RELEASE-NOTES )

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