diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a9d620c..5ecc86f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -417,6 +417,8 @@ You can adjust these settings directly from the command line:
 seedpass config set kdf_iterations 200000
 seedpass config set backup_interval 3600
 seedpass config set quick_unlock true
+seedpass config set nostr_max_retries 2
+seedpass config set nostr_retry_delay 1
 ```
 
 The default configuration uses **50,000** PBKDF2 iterations. Lower iteration counts speed up vault decryption but make brute-force attacks easier. A long backup interval means fewer backups and increases the risk of data loss.
diff --git a/docs/docs/content/01-getting-started/01-advanced_cli.md b/docs/docs/content/01-getting-started/01-advanced_cli.md
index 6644a02..7fa3768 100644
--- a/docs/docs/content/01-getting-started/01-advanced_cli.md
+++ b/docs/docs/content/01-getting-started/01-advanced_cli.md
@@ -172,8 +172,8 @@ Code: 123456
 
 ### `config` Commands
 
-- **`seedpass config get <key>`** – Retrieve a configuration value such as `kdf_iterations`, `backup_interval`, `inactivity_timeout`, `secret_mode_enabled`, `clipboard_clear_delay`, `additional_backup_path`, `relays`, `quick_unlock`, or password policy fields like `min_uppercase`.
-- **`seedpass config set <key> <value>`** – Update a configuration option. Example: `seedpass config set kdf_iterations 200000`. Use keys like `min_uppercase`, `min_lowercase`, `min_digits`, `min_special`, or `quick_unlock` to adjust settings.
+- **`seedpass config get <key>`** – Retrieve a configuration value such as `kdf_iterations`, `backup_interval`, `inactivity_timeout`, `secret_mode_enabled`, `clipboard_clear_delay`, `additional_backup_path`, `relays`, `quick_unlock`, `nostr_max_retries`, `nostr_retry_delay`, or password policy fields like `min_uppercase`.
+- **`seedpass config set <key> <value>`** – Update a configuration option. Example: `seedpass config set kdf_iterations 200000`. Use keys like `min_uppercase`, `min_lowercase`, `min_digits`, `min_special`, `nostr_max_retries`, `nostr_retry_delay`, or `quick_unlock` to adjust settings.
 - **`seedpass config toggle-secret-mode`** – Interactively enable or disable Secret Mode and set the clipboard delay.
 - **`seedpass config toggle-offline`** – Enable or disable offline mode to skip Nostr operations.
 
@@ -210,6 +210,6 @@ Shut down the server with `seedpass api stop`.
 
 - Use the `--help` flag for details on any command.
 - Set a strong master password and regularly export encrypted backups.
-- Adjust configuration values like `kdf_iterations`, `backup_interval`, `inactivity_timeout`, `secret_mode_enabled`, or `quick_unlock` through the `config` commands.
+- Adjust configuration values like `kdf_iterations`, `backup_interval`, `inactivity_timeout`, `secret_mode_enabled`, `nostr_max_retries`, `nostr_retry_delay`, or `quick_unlock` through the `config` commands.
 - Customize password complexity with `config set min_uppercase 3`, `config set min_digits 4`, and similar commands.
 - `entry get` is script‑friendly and can be piped into other commands.
diff --git a/scripts/generate_test_profile.py b/scripts/generate_test_profile.py
index 3b92f8b..2837227 100644
--- a/scripts/generate_test_profile.py
+++ b/scripts/generate_test_profile.py
@@ -46,7 +46,9 @@ import gzip
 DEFAULT_PASSWORD = "testpassword"
 
 
-def initialize_profile(profile_name: str) -> tuple[str, EntryManager, Path, str]:
+def initialize_profile(
+    profile_name: str,
+) -> tuple[str, EntryManager, Path, str, ConfigManager]:
     """Create or load a profile and return the seed phrase, manager, directory and fingerprint."""
     initialize_app()
     seed_txt = APP_DIR / f"{profile_name}_seed.txt"
@@ -98,7 +100,7 @@ def initialize_profile(profile_name: str) -> tuple[str, EntryManager, Path, str]
     cfg_mgr.set_password_hash(hashed)
     backup_mgr = BackupManager(profile_dir, cfg_mgr)
     entry_mgr = EntryManager(vault, backup_mgr)
-    return seed_phrase, entry_mgr, profile_dir, fingerprint
+    return seed_phrase, entry_mgr, profile_dir, fingerprint, cfg_mgr
 
 
 def random_secret(length: int = 16) -> str:
@@ -159,7 +161,7 @@ def main() -> None:
     )
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
-    seed, entry_mgr, dir_path, fingerprint = initialize_profile(args.profile)
+    seed, entry_mgr, dir_path, fingerprint, cfg_mgr = initialize_profile(args.profile)
     print(f"Using profile directory: {dir_path}")
     print(f"Parent seed: {seed}")
     if fingerprint:
@@ -173,6 +175,7 @@ def main() -> None:
             entry_mgr.vault.encryption_manager,
             fingerprint or dir_path.name,
             parent_seed=seed,
+            config_manager=cfg_mgr,
         )
         asyncio.run(client.publish_snapshot(encrypted))
         print("[+] Data synchronized to Nostr.")
diff --git a/src/constants.py b/src/constants.py
index dfcd0d1..2ebdf36 100644
--- a/src/constants.py
+++ b/src/constants.py
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 # -----------------------------------
 # Nostr Relay Connection Settings
 # -----------------------------------
-MAX_RETRIES = 3  # Maximum number of retries for relay connections
-RETRY_DELAY = 5  # Seconds to wait before retrying a failed connection
+# Retry fewer times with a shorter wait by default
+MAX_RETRIES = 2  # Maximum number of retries for relay connections
+RETRY_DELAY = 1  # Seconds to wait before retrying a failed connection
 MIN_HEALTHY_RELAYS = 2  # Minimum relays that should return data on startup
 
 # -----------------------------------
diff --git a/src/nostr/client.py b/src/nostr/client.py
index 1268f73..b37d6de 100644
--- a/src/nostr/client.py
+++ b/src/nostr/client.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import base64
 import json
 import logging
 import time
-from typing import List, Optional, Tuple
+from typing import List, Optional, Tuple, TYPE_CHECKING
 import hashlib
 import asyncio
 import gzip
@@ -27,8 +27,12 @@ from nostr_sdk import EventId, Timestamp
 from .key_manager import KeyManager as SeedPassKeyManager
 from .backup_models import Manifest, ChunkMeta, KIND_MANIFEST, KIND_SNAPSHOT_CHUNK
 from password_manager.encryption import EncryptionManager
+from constants import MAX_RETRIES, RETRY_DELAY
 from utils.file_lock import exclusive_lock
 
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover - imported for type hints
+    from password_manager.config_manager import ConfigManager
+
 # Backwards compatibility for tests that patch these symbols
 KeyManager = SeedPassKeyManager
 ClientBuilder = Client
@@ -91,10 +95,12 @@ class NostrClient:
         relays: Optional[List[str]] = None,
         parent_seed: Optional[str] = None,
         offline_mode: bool = False,
+        config_manager: Optional["ConfigManager"] = None,
     ) -> None:
         self.encryption_manager = encryption_manager
         self.fingerprint = fingerprint
         self.fingerprint_dir = self.encryption_manager.fingerprint_dir
+        self.config_manager = config_manager
 
         if parent_seed is None:
             parent_seed = self.encryption_manager.decrypt_parent_seed()
@@ -270,11 +276,27 @@ class NostrClient:
         self._connected = False
 
     def retrieve_json_from_nostr_sync(
-        self, retries: int = 0, delay: float = 2.0
+        self, retries: int | None = None, delay: float | None = None
     ) -> Optional[bytes]:
         """Retrieve the latest Kind 1 event from the author with optional retries."""
         if self.offline_mode or not self.relays:
             return None
+
+        if retries is None or delay is None:
+            if self.config_manager is None:
+                from password_manager.config_manager import ConfigManager
+                from password_manager.vault import Vault
+
+                cfg_mgr = ConfigManager(
+                    Vault(self.encryption_manager, self.fingerprint_dir),
+                    self.fingerprint_dir,
+                )
+            else:
+                cfg_mgr = self.config_manager
+            cfg = cfg_mgr.load_config(require_pin=False)
+            retries = int(cfg.get("nostr_max_retries", MAX_RETRIES))
+            delay = float(cfg.get("nostr_retry_delay", RETRY_DELAY))
+
         self.connect()
         self.last_error = None
         attempt = 0
diff --git a/src/password_manager/config_manager.py b/src/password_manager/config_manager.py
index e3c9d10..08c5988 100644
--- a/src/password_manager/config_manager.py
+++ b/src/password_manager/config_manager.py
@@ -52,6 +52,8 @@ class ConfigManager:
                 "secret_mode_enabled": False,
                 "clipboard_clear_delay": 45,
                 "quick_unlock": False,
+                "nostr_max_retries": 2,
+                "nostr_retry_delay": 1.0,
                 "min_uppercase": 2,
                 "min_lowercase": 2,
                 "min_digits": 2,
@@ -74,6 +76,8 @@ class ConfigManager:
             data.setdefault("secret_mode_enabled", False)
             data.setdefault("clipboard_clear_delay", 45)
             data.setdefault("quick_unlock", False)
+            data.setdefault("nostr_max_retries", 2)
+            data.setdefault("nostr_retry_delay", 1.0)
             data.setdefault("min_uppercase", 2)
             data.setdefault("min_lowercase", 2)
             data.setdefault("min_digits", 2)
@@ -285,3 +289,29 @@ class ConfigManager:
         """Retrieve whether quick unlock is enabled."""
         cfg = self.load_config(require_pin=False)
         return bool(cfg.get("quick_unlock", False))
+
+    def set_nostr_max_retries(self, retries: int) -> None:
+        """Persist the maximum number of Nostr retry attempts."""
+        if retries < 0:
+            raise ValueError("retries cannot be negative")
+        cfg = self.load_config(require_pin=False)
+        cfg["nostr_max_retries"] = int(retries)
+        self.save_config(cfg)
+
+    def get_nostr_max_retries(self) -> int:
+        """Retrieve the configured Nostr retry count."""
+        cfg = self.load_config(require_pin=False)
+        return int(cfg.get("nostr_max_retries", 2))
+
+    def set_nostr_retry_delay(self, delay: float) -> None:
+        """Persist the delay between Nostr retry attempts."""
+        if delay < 0:
+            raise ValueError("delay cannot be negative")
+        cfg = self.load_config(require_pin=False)
+        cfg["nostr_retry_delay"] = float(delay)
+        self.save_config(cfg)
+
+    def get_nostr_retry_delay(self) -> float:
+        """Retrieve the delay in seconds between Nostr retries."""
+        cfg = self.load_config(require_pin=False)
+        return float(cfg.get("nostr_retry_delay", 1.0))
diff --git a/src/password_manager/manager.py b/src/password_manager/manager.py
index 548bb8e..50c7e17 100644
--- a/src/password_manager/manager.py
+++ b/src/password_manager/manager.py
@@ -544,6 +544,7 @@ class PasswordManager:
                 self.nostr_client = NostrClient(
                     encryption_manager=self.encryption_manager,
                     fingerprint=self.current_fingerprint,
+                    config_manager=getattr(self, "config_manager", None),
                     parent_seed=getattr(self, "parent_seed", None),
                 )
                 logging.info(
@@ -1020,6 +1021,7 @@ class PasswordManager:
                 fingerprint=self.current_fingerprint,
                 relays=relay_list,
                 offline_mode=self.offline_mode,
+                config_manager=self.config_manager,
                 parent_seed=getattr(self, "parent_seed", None),
             )
 
@@ -3718,6 +3720,7 @@ class PasswordManager:
                 encryption_manager=self.encryption_manager,
                 fingerprint=self.current_fingerprint,
                 relays=relay_list,
+                config_manager=self.config_manager,
                 parent_seed=getattr(self, "parent_seed", None),
             )
 
diff --git a/src/password_manager/portable_backup.py b/src/password_manager/portable_backup.py
index 3e27671..8731818 100644
--- a/src/password_manager/portable_backup.py
+++ b/src/password_manager/portable_backup.py
@@ -90,7 +90,11 @@ def export_backup(
         enc_file.write_bytes(encrypted)
         os.chmod(enc_file, 0o600)
         try:
-            client = NostrClient(vault.encryption_manager, vault.fingerprint_dir.name)
+            client = NostrClient(
+                vault.encryption_manager,
+                vault.fingerprint_dir.name,
+                config_manager=backup_manager.config_manager,
+            )
             asyncio.run(client.publish_snapshot(encrypted))
         except Exception:
             logger.error("Failed to publish backup via Nostr", exc_info=True)
diff --git a/src/seedpass/cli.py b/src/seedpass/cli.py
index 6280749..1eb32d5 100644
--- a/src/seedpass/cli.py
+++ b/src/seedpass/cli.py
@@ -464,6 +464,8 @@ def config_set(ctx: typer.Context, key: str, value: str) -> None:
         "kdf_iterations": lambda v: cfg.set_kdf_iterations(int(v)),
         "kdf_mode": lambda v: cfg.set_kdf_mode(v),
         "backup_interval": lambda v: cfg.set_backup_interval(float(v)),
+        "nostr_max_retries": lambda v: cfg.set_nostr_max_retries(int(v)),
+        "nostr_retry_delay": lambda v: cfg.set_nostr_retry_delay(float(v)),
         "min_uppercase": lambda v: cfg.set_min_uppercase(int(v)),
         "min_lowercase": lambda v: cfg.set_min_lowercase(int(v)),
         "min_digits": lambda v: cfg.set_min_digits(int(v)),
diff --git a/src/tests/test_cli_config_set_extra.py b/src/tests/test_cli_config_set_extra.py
index be4cae6..6c06b0c 100644
--- a/src/tests/test_cli_config_set_extra.py
+++ b/src/tests/test_cli_config_set_extra.py
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ runner = CliRunner()
         ("kdf_iterations", "123", "set_kdf_iterations", 123),
         ("kdf_mode", "argon2", "set_kdf_mode", "argon2"),
         ("quick_unlock", "true", "set_quick_unlock", True),
+        ("nostr_max_retries", "3", "set_nostr_max_retries", 3),
+        ("nostr_retry_delay", "1.5", "set_nostr_retry_delay", 1.5),
         (
             "relays",
             "wss://a.com, wss://b.com",
diff --git a/src/tests/test_cli_doc_examples.py b/src/tests/test_cli_doc_examples.py
index e9012d4..44bf430 100644
--- a/src/tests/test_cli_doc_examples.py
+++ b/src/tests/test_cli_doc_examples.py
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@ class DummyPM:
             set_clipboard_clear_delay=lambda v: None,
             set_additional_backup_path=lambda v: None,
             set_relays=lambda v, require_pin=False: None,
+            set_nostr_max_retries=lambda v: None,
+            set_nostr_retry_delay=lambda v: None,
             set_offline_mode=lambda v: None,
             get_secret_mode_enabled=lambda: True,
             get_clipboard_clear_delay=lambda: 30,
diff --git a/src/tests/test_config_manager.py b/src/tests/test_config_manager.py
index 61016a3..d26e465 100644
--- a/src/tests/test_config_manager.py
+++ b/src/tests/test_config_manager.py
@@ -181,3 +181,18 @@ def test_quick_unlock_round_trip():
 
         cfg_mgr.set_quick_unlock(True)
         assert cfg_mgr.get_quick_unlock() is True
+
+
+def test_nostr_retry_settings_round_trip():
+    with TemporaryDirectory() as tmpdir:
+        vault, _ = create_vault(Path(tmpdir), TEST_SEED, TEST_PASSWORD)
+        cfg_mgr = ConfigManager(vault, Path(tmpdir))
+
+        cfg = cfg_mgr.load_config(require_pin=False)
+        assert cfg["nostr_max_retries"] == 2
+        assert cfg["nostr_retry_delay"] == 1.0
+
+        cfg_mgr.set_nostr_max_retries(5)
+        cfg_mgr.set_nostr_retry_delay(3.5)
+        assert cfg_mgr.get_nostr_max_retries() == 5
+        assert cfg_mgr.get_nostr_retry_delay() == 3.5
diff --git a/src/tests/test_generate_test_profile.py b/src/tests/test_generate_test_profile.py
index 6313968..8b6da8c 100644
--- a/src/tests/test_generate_test_profile.py
+++ b/src/tests/test_generate_test_profile.py
@@ -24,7 +24,8 @@ def test_initialize_profile_creates_directories(monkeypatch):
         assert spec.loader is not None
         spec.loader.exec_module(gtp)
 
-        seed, mgr, dir_path, fingerprint = gtp.initialize_profile("test")
+        seed, mgr, dir_path, fingerprint, cfg_mgr = gtp.initialize_profile("test")
+        assert cfg_mgr is not None
 
         assert constants.APP_DIR.exists()
         assert (constants.APP_DIR / "test_seed.txt").exists()