How to Shield Your Crypto and Go Invisible with Zcash (ZEC)

In the world of cryptocurrency, privacy is making a strong comeback. With blockchain transactions becoming increasingly transparent, more and more users are looking for ways to protect their financial activity. This is where Zcash (ZEC) comes in — a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that allows users to shield their assets and make fully confidential transactions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Zcash, Near Intents, and the Zashi wallet to keep your crypto safe and private.

Step 1: Download the Zashi Wallet

The Zashi wallet is the easiest way to start your privacy journey. Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, it brings Zcash’s advanced privacy technology to millions of mobile users. Once downloaded, create a new wallet and securely back up your private phrase. The app will automatically synchronize with the Zcash blockchain, allowing you to receive and send ZEC right from your phone.

Step 2: Swap Your Crypto for ZEC via Near Intents

To make your existing crypto private, you’ll first need to convert it into ZEC. Visit near-intents.org and connect your wallet, either Ethereum or Solana. Using Near Intents, you can easily swap popular assets like ETH, SOL, or USDC into ZEC. The process is intuitive: deposit your chosen crypto, confirm the swap, and within minutes your ZEC balance will be updated. This decentralized process is handled by solvers in the background, ensuring your trade remains secure and smooth.

Step 3: Send ZEC to Your Zashi Wallet

Once you’ve swapped your crypto for ZEC, the next step is to send it to your Zashi wallet. Simply copy your wallet’s transparent address or scan the QR code. Withdraw your ZEC from Near Intents, and after a short confirmation time, your funds will appear in your Zashi app.

Step 4: Shield Your ZEC and Gain Privacy

Here’s where the magic happens, shielding your ZEC. Inside the Zashi wallet, tap the “Shield” button to move your funds into the shielded pool, which is where Zcash’s privacy technology shines. This pool obscures transaction details, making it impossible for outside observers to trace who sent or received funds.

As Zcash founder Zooko explains, “Privacy doesn’t come from money in motion. Privacy comes from shielded money at rest.” The longer your ZEC stays in the shielded pool, the stronger your privacy becomes.

Step 5: Send Private Money to Anyone

After your funds are shielded for some time, you can unshield and send ZEC (or swap it back into other assets) through Near Intents. The beauty of this process is that once your funds emerge from the shielded pool, they can no longer be linked to your original wallet, giving you full financial anonymity.

With Zcash, Zashi, and Near Intents, crypto privacy has never been easier. Whether you want to protect your personal finances or simply value discretion, learning how to shield ZEC is a powerful step toward digital freedom.

Explore the full Zcash privacy tutorial on YouTube to see each step in action and learn how to send private money to your friends.

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Disclaimer

This article is intended to educate readers about certain topics and should not be considered financial advice in any way.