FAQ
Frequently asked questions about proving on the Nexus Layer 1.
Getting Started
What is Nexus?
Nexus is building a Layer 1 blockchain for the AI era – a world supercomputer that gets more powerful with each connected device. Nexus makes it easy for anyone to contribute compute power from any device, even a laptop or phone. With just one click, users can connect at app.nexus.xyz to start earning rewards and help scale a verifiable network built for the AI economy.
What are the Nexus Testnet and Nexus Devnet?
Testnet is the public testing environment for the Nexus ecosystem. When available, Devnet is a public-facing environment used for testing under development features.
There have been several testnets and one devnet so far:
- Testnet 0: October 8 – 28, 2024
- Testnet I: December 9 – 13, 2024
- Testnet II: February 18 – 22, 2025
- Devnet: February 23 - June 22, 2025
- Testnet III: Starts June 23, 2025
Can I participate in the Nexus testnet?
Yes, anyone can participate by creating and logging into a Nexus account at app.nexus.xyz or by registering a CLI node at app.nexus.xyz/nodes and running the Nexus CLI with that node id. In doing so, your device becomes a node, contributing compute power to the network.
Nexus is designed to scale verifiable computation through a unique architecture where our servers assign workloads—programs and inputs to be proved—to each connected node. Every node operates a Nexus zero knowledge virtual machine (zkVM), which uses cryptographic techniques to verify computations.
Unlike other blockchains, the Nexus testnet gets more powerful with each connected device, so your contributions matter.
Why should I contribute compute power?
By participating in the Nexus testnet, you’re helping develop and test a world supercomputer to make the internet verifiable – where every action can be proven, every AI model audited, and every interaction verified.
Users play an essential role in helping develop and test the Nexus ecosystem. They equip the Nexus blockchain with the speed and scalability required to support AI systems at global scale.
Also, if you log in to your Nexus account, you can earn rewards, such as points and tokens, for your contributions. More on that below.
How do I create a Nexus account?
To create a Nexus account, simply follow the steps to connect your email or wallet. Once your account is set up and you connect to the network, you’ll automatically start earning NEX Testnet Points and appearing on leaderboards.
Can I use multiple devices to contribute compute power?
You can link and manage multiple devices including desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and servers all from a single account. There’s no need to create separate accounts for each device. You can even prove computations in multiple browser tabs at once, with each tab utilizing one CPU core.
What is happening when I am contributing compute power?
Your device proves computations in the form of software programs assigned by Nexus’s server. These computations verify the integrity of each program. Here’s what happens step by step:
- Your device connects to the Nexus network, and runs its own instance of the zkVM.
- The Nexus network sends a program and its input data to your device.
- The Nexus zkVM, which is running on your device, executes the program, generating a proof.
- Your proof is submitted to the network, along with performance metrics.
- Your account will earn rewards such as points and tokens for your contributions. More on this below in Points and Tokens.
- The process repeats as long as your device remains connected.
What’s the difference between connecting my device through the Nexus web app and running the CLI from my device terminal?
Logging into a Nexus account at app.nexus.xyz enables users to contribute compute power from their device to the network effortlessly via a web browser—with no technical knowledge required. It is also the main dashboard for managing and overseeing all your contributions across devices. The Command Line Interface (CLI) is designed for more advanced users running provers on dedicated machines looking to customize compute power contribution by device.
Can I buy a pre-installed prover from a third-party provider?
Yes, there are a number of third-party providers that provide one-click setup to users. However, because these are third-party vendors, Nexus will not be able to provide assistance with setup or troubleshooting.
What is the maximum amount of nodes I can create?
Users cannot create more than 100 existing nodes. Delete existing nodes or create a new account if you need more than 100.
Users are rate limited to creating 50 nodes per day.
Points and Tokens
What are NEX Testnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens?
NEX Testnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens are Nexus’s native reward system for recognizing user and developer participation during testnet phases.
How do I earn NEX Testnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens?
Once Testnet III begins, logged in users will begin to earn NEX Testnet Points for contributing compute power, and will be able to claim NEX Testnet Tokens from the NEX Testnet Points they earn. The ratio of NEX Testnet Points to NEX Testnet Tokens may vary during Testnet III. The system is for testing purposes only and is subject to change.
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NEX Testnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens during Testnet III are distinct from those accumulated in earlier testnets and devnets.
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To view NEX Testnet Points from previous testnets, log in to your Nexus account with the original email that you used to register.
Users cannot use NEX Testnet Points from previous testnets to claim NEX Testnet Tokens during Testnet III.
In the future, you may be able to earn points and tokens in a variety of other ways through your on-going participation in the Nexus ecosystem.
What are NEX Devnet Points and NEX Devnet Tokens?
NEX Devnet Points and NEX Devnet Tokens are Nexus’s native reward system for recognizing user and developer participation during a devnet phase. The system is for testing purposes only and is subject to change.
Once Testnet III begins, current NEX Devnet Points and NEX Devnet Tokens will reset so that users can begin earning NEX Testnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens.
How do I earn NEX Devnet Points and NEX Devnet Tokens?
You can earn NEX Devnet Points and NEX Devnet Tokens by contributing compute power via the Nexus web app or Nexus CLI during a devnet period. Like other devnet activity, these points and tokens may not be tracked.
What happened to my previous NEX Devnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens?
Once Testnet III begins, prior NEX Devnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens will reset so that users can begin earning NEX Testnet Points and NEX Testnet Tokens.
Troubleshooting
Is the Nexus devnet or testnet stable?
The Nexus devnet and testnet are currently undergoing testing, and stability improvements are ongoing. Bugs may occur and should not cause alarm. The goal of the devnet and testnet is to eliminate bugs before the mainnet is up and running. We appreciate community feedback to help improve and refine the system.
What should I do if I run into issues?
Most issues can be resolved easily by yourself. Try two simple steps:
- Clear your browser cache and try again.
- Check the docs for the CLI and try again. If neither of these steps help, we’re here to support you on Discord.
Where can I report bugs or issues?
Submit bug reports on our GitHub repositories, or ask a question on Discord. If you rented a node from a third-party service, please reach out to their support channels directly. If you receive a private message through any social media (Telegram, Discord, etc.) claiming to be support, it will be a scam.
Will you send me a friend request, private message, or direct message if I ask for help on your Discord server? / Will I receive a response to my request for help as a “ticket” in direct or private messages?
NO. If you receive a private message through any social media (Telegram, Discord, etc.) claiming to be support, it will be a scam.
My third-party prover node is not working / I’m having trouble getting my third-party prover node to work with my dashboard-generated node-id.
Because these are third-party vendors, Nexus will not be able to provide assistance with setup or troubleshooting. You will need to ask your vendor for support. Please make sure you use their official support site/contact; if you receive a private message through any social media (Telegram, Discord, etc.) claiming to be support, it will be a scam.
Privacy & Security
What personal information do you collect, and how is it used?
When you first connect, your device is assigned a random identifier to track proving activity. This identifier ensures continuity in tracking your device’s contributions. If you prefer unlinked proofs, reset your identifier in the settings. For more details, see our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Is my computer and data safe while connected to the Nexus network?
Yes. The Nexus CLI and Nexus zkVM code is open-source and available on GitHub. The Nexus web app runs in a sandboxed instance of the Nexus zkVM inside your browser.
Getting Involved
How do I join the Nexus community?
Nexus community is active on Discord and Telegram. Join us to connect with builders, get support, and stay up to date on Testnet III and beyond. Make sure to read the community guide and explore the channels!
Does the Nexus community have a role or ambassador system? How does it work?
Yes! Nexus has a community role and contribution system designed to recognize and reward meaningful involvement. Roles are assigned based on your activity and contribution. Ambassadors are trusted community leaders who help grow and support regional and interest-based groups. You can find the full guide in the #roles channel on Discord.
How can I partner with Nexus or contribute to the Nexus ecosystem?
If you are a project interested in partnership or collaboration opportunities, reach out to the Nexus team at growth@nexus.xyz