What is YWallet?
YWallet is a lightweight, privacy-focused wallet for **Zcash (ZEC)** and **Ycash (YEC)**. It is famous for its **Warp Sync** technology, which allows it to synchronize the shielded blockchain incredibly fast by processing blocks in chunks. It is designed for power users who require granular control over their keys, privacy settings, and transaction data.
Warp Sync
Downloads and processes transaction chunks in parallel, making it one of the fastest shielded mobile wallets available.
Cold Wallet Support
Capable of signing transactions offline, allowing for air-gapped security setups.
Advanced Setup Guide
1 Step 1: Installation & Platform
YWallet is highly portable. Choose the version that fits your threat model.
Mobile (Android/iOS)
Available on Play Store and App Store.
Pro Tip: Download the APK from GitHub to avoid Google dependencies.
Desktop
Portable ZIP for Windows, AppImage for Linux, DMG for macOS. No installation required; just unzip and run.
2 Step 2: Initialization & Security
Upon launch, click "New Account".
- Seed Phrase: Save your 24-word seed. This controls all pools (Transparent, Sapling, Orchard).
- Database Encryption: Go to Settings -> Security. Set a password. This encrypts the local database file, protecting your keys from malware that might steal files from your computer.
- Protect Send: Enable "Protect Send" to require biometric/PIN authentication before every transaction.
3 Step 3: Mastering Unified Addresses
YWallet gives you deep control over Zcash's complex address system.
- Unified Address (UA): This single address contains receivers for Transparent, Sapling, and Orchard. Use this by default.
- Diversified Addresses: Swipe the address card to generate "Diversified Addresses". These look different but link to the same wallet. Use a unique one for every vendor to prevent linkage.
- Transaction History: Note that Transparent funds do not require full sync, but Shielded funds do.
4 Step 4: Advanced Backup & Restore
YWallet offers more than just seed backups.
App Backup (Full Snapshot)
Go to Backup -> App Backup. This creates an encrypted snapshot of your wallet and synchronization data.
Benefit: Restoring from this file is instant—you don't have to rescan the blockchain from scratch.
Rescan vs Rewind
Rescan: Wipes all data and scans from the "Birth Height". Use this if your balance is completely wrong.
Rewind: Only deletes recent data. Use this if a recent transaction is stuck or missing.
Where to Spend Zcash
Zcash (Shielded) is a robust privacy tool. Use it to store wealth or swap for Monero (XMR) for use on these markets.
Additional Resources
Documentation links:
Conclusion
You have successfully set up YWallet. You now have one of the fastest and most secure tools for managing shielded Zcash. Remember to utilize the App Backup feature to save time on future restorations.
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