Zcash Shielded Transactions Explained — z-Address vs t-Address
Zcash Shielded Transactions Explained
Zcash's shielded transactions are its core privacy feature — the technology that makes ZEC genuinely anonymous when used correctly. Understanding how shielded transactions work, and when to use them, is essential for anyone serious about financial privacy with Zcash.
💡 A shielded transaction uses zk-SNARK cryptography to prove validity without revealing any transaction details. The network confirms the transaction is valid without knowing who sent it, who received it, or how much was sent.
z-Addresses vs t-Addresses
| Feature | z-Address (Shielded) | t-Address (Transparent) |
|---|---|---|
| Sender visible | ✅ Hidden | ❌ Public |
| Receiver visible | ✅ Hidden | ❌ Public |
| Amount visible | ✅ Hidden | ❌ Public |
| On-chain privacy | ✅ Complete | ❌ None |
| Like Bitcoin | No | Yes |
| Wallet support | Growing | Universal |
Transaction Types
- Shielded → Shielded (z→z) — fully private. Sender, receiver, and amount all hidden. Maximum privacy.
- Transparent → Shielded (t→z) — "shielding." Sender is visible, receiver and amount hidden. Partially private.
- Shielded → Transparent (z→t) — "deshielding." Receiver is visible, sender and amount hidden. Partially private.
- Transparent → Transparent (t→t) — fully public. No privacy, identical to Bitcoin.
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How to Use Shielded Transactions
Use a shielded-compatible wallet
Not all ZEC wallets support shielded transactions. Wallets that support z-addresses include: Zashi (official, iOS & Android), YWallet, Zcashd (full node), and Nighthawk Wallet.
Always use z-addresses for privacy
When receiving ZEC from Superswap.cx or any other source, use your z-address (starts with "zs1") rather than your t-address. This ensures your received funds are shielded from the moment they arrive.
Shield existing transparent ZEC
If you hold ZEC in a t-address, you can shield it by sending from your t-address to your own z-address. This removes it from the transparent blockchain.
⚠️ Many exchanges only support t-addresses. If you receive ZEC from an exchange to a t-address, that transaction is publicly visible. Shield it immediately if privacy matters.
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