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Quick Start Guide

Get from zero to shielded in 10 minutes! This guide covers everything you need to start using Namada.

Time Required

⏱️ 10 minutes | 🎯 Difficulty: Beginner

TL;DR - The Quick Version​

  1. Install Namada browser extension
  2. Create wallet & save seed phrase
  3. Get NAM from an exchange
  4. Send NAM to your wallet
  5. Shield your assets
  6. Done! 🎉

Detailed Steps​

Step 1: Install the Wallet (2 min)​

  1. Open Chrome or Brave browser
  2. Go to the Chrome Web Store
  3. Search for "Namada Extension"
  4. Click Add to Chrome
  5. Pin the extension to your toolbar

Step 2: Create Your Wallet (2 min)​

  1. Click the Namada extension icon
  2. Select Create new wallet
  3. Set a strong password
  4. IMPORTANT: Write down your 24-word seed phrase on paper
  5. Verify the seed phrase
  6. Your wallet is ready!
Seed Phrase Security

Never share your seed phrase. Never store it digitally. Write it on paper and keep it safe.

Step 3: Get Your Addresses (1 min)​

After setup, you'll have two addresses:

Transparent Address (tnam...):

tnam1qp6eyv5q2s3e4h8r7t9u0i1o2p3a4s5d6f7g8h9j

Shielded Address (znam...):

znam1abc123def456ghi789jkl012mno345pqr678stu901vwx234yz

Copy your transparent address - you'll need it to receive NAM.

Step 4: Get NAM (3 min)​

Option A: Buy from Exchange​

  1. Create account on a supported exchange
  2. Buy NAM with fiat or crypto
  3. Withdraw to your tnam address

Option B: IBC Transfer​

If you have ATOM, OSMO, or other Cosmos tokens:

  1. Go to a DEX with IBC support
  2. Swap your tokens for NAM
  3. IBC transfer to your Namada address

Step 5: Shield Your Assets (2 min)​

Now for the magic - making your NAM private!

  1. Open your Namada wallet
  2. Click Shield
  3. Select amount (or "Max")
  4. Confirm the transaction
  5. Wait for confirmation (~6 seconds)
Your NAM: tnam... (visible on explorer)
           ↓ Shield
Your NAM: znam... (private!)

Step 6: You're Done! 🎉​

Your assets are now shielded. You can:

  • Send privately: Transfer to other znam addresses
  • Earn rewards: Shielded assets earn rewards automatically
  • Stay private: Your balance and transactions are hidden

Verification Checklist​

Confirm everything is set up correctly:

  • Wallet installed and accessible
  • Seed phrase written down and stored safely
  • Both addresses available (tnam and znam)
  • NAM received in wallet
  • Assets successfully shielded

Common Issues​

"Transaction pending for too long"​

Wait up to 60 seconds. If still pending, check block explorer for network status.

"Insufficient funds for gas"​

Keep some NAM unshielded for transaction fees. Recommend: 0.5-1 NAM.

"Can't find my shielded balance"​

Make sure you're looking at the shielded section of your wallet. The balance won't appear in the transparent section.

What's Next?​

Immediate Next Steps​

  1. Send a Shielded Transaction
  2. Start Staking
  3. Understand MASP

Learn More​

Join the Community​

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