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First Steps

Welcome to Namada! This guide will help you take your first steps into the privacy-first blockchain ecosystem.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, you'll need:

  • A computer or smartphone with internet access
  • About 15-30 minutes to complete the setup
  • Some cryptocurrency to transfer (optional for exploration)

Step 1: Choose a Wallet​

The first thing you need is a wallet to interact with Namada. You have several options:

For Beginners: Browser Extension​

The Namada Browser Extension is the easiest way to get started:

  • ✅ User-friendly interface
  • ✅ Works in your browser
  • ✅ Supports shielded transfers
  • ✅ Free to install

👉 Install Namada Extension Guide

For Advanced Users: CLI Wallet​

The Command Line Interface (CLI) wallet offers more control:

  • ✅ Full feature access
  • ✅ Scriptable and automatable
  • ⚠️ Requires technical knowledge

👉 CLI Wallet Introduction

For Cosmos Users: Keplr​

If you're already using Keplr for Cosmos:

  • ✅ Familiar interface
  • ✅ Works with existing setup
  • ⚠️ Limited shielded features

👉 Setup Keplr for Namada

Step 2: Secure Your Seed Phrase​

When you create a wallet, you'll receive a seed phrase (also called recovery phrase or mnemonic):

word1 word2 word3 word4 word5 word6 word7 word8 
word9 word10 word11 word12 word13 word14 word15 word16 
word17 word18 word19 word20 word21 word22 word23 word24
Critical Security

Your seed phrase is the ONLY way to recover your wallet. If you lose it, you lose access to your funds forever. If someone else gets it, they can steal everything.

Best Practices for Seed Phrases​

✅ Do❌ Don't
Write it on paperStore it digitally
Keep multiple copiesTake screenshots
Store in secure locationsShare with anyone
Consider a metal backupStore in cloud storage
Memorize if possibleType it in websites

Step 3: Get Some NAM​

To interact with Namada, you'll need NAM tokens for:

  • Gas fees (transaction costs)
  • Staking (earning rewards)
  • Governance (voting on proposals)

Ways to Get NAM​

  1. Buy from an exchange - See Where to Buy NAM
  2. Transfer via IBC - From other Cosmos chains
  3. Receive from others - Get sent NAM from friends
  4. Earn through staking - Stake and earn rewards

Step 4: Understand Addresses​

Namada has two types of addresses:

Transparent Addresses​

tnam1qp6eyv...xyz
  • Start with tnam
  • Visible on block explorers
  • Like a regular blockchain address

Shielded Addresses​

znam1abc123...789
  • Start with znam
  • Private and unlinkable
  • Protected by zero-knowledge proofs

You'll have both types in your wallet. Use transparent for public transactions and shielded for private ones.

Step 5: Your First Transaction (Optional)​

Once you have NAM, try making a simple transfer:

  1. Transparent transfer: Send NAM to another tnam address
  2. Shield your NAM: Transfer from tnam to your znam address
  3. Shielded transfer: Send from znam to another znam
  4. Unshield: Transfer from znam back to tnam

See our Transaction Guides for detailed instructions.

What's Next?​

Now that you're set up, explore these topics:

Essential Guides​

Explore the Ecosystem​

Need Help?

Join the Namada Discord for community support, or check our FAQ for common questions.