Got ZEC from a swap? Shield it in your own wallet
Swaps usually deliver Zcash to a transparent address. Here is how to move it into the shielded pool so it is actually private.
Zcash has two sides. Transparent addresses begin with t and behave like Bitcoin, so everything on them is public. Shielded addresses hide the sender, the receiver and the amount. Newer wallets also display unified addresses beginning with u1, which combine both types in one.
Why your ZEC arrives transparent
Instant swaps send and receive Zcash using transparent addresses. That comes from how the exchange side works, and has nothing to do with your wallet. As a result, the coins you get stay visible on chain until you move them.
Shielding it yourself
- Pick a wallet that can shield coins, for example Zashi or YWallet.
- Enter your wallet's transparent address as the swap destination.
- Once the ZEC lands, use the shield function in your wallet to move it into the shielded pool.
- After that, spend only from your shielded balance.
The move from transparent to shielded can be seen, since the transparent side is public. Anything that happens inside the shielded pool after that cannot.
Good habits
- Avoid shielding an exact amount and then spending that same amount straight away. Give it time.
- Use a new transparent address for every swap.
Live rates are on the ZEC overview.
Quick answers
Can I receive directly into a shielded address?
Swaps send to transparent t addresses. So receive on a t address, then shield the coins yourself.
Does transparent Zcash give me privacy?
No. Transparent ZEC behaves like Bitcoin, and anyone can see the addresses and amounts. Your privacy begins once the coins are inside the shielded pool.
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