Z-TextDocs

Getting Started

Get up and running with Z-Text in under five minutes. This guide covers installation, wallet creation, and sending your first encrypted message.

Installation

Download Z-Text for your platform from the official website or your app store. The app is available on all major platforms with the same feature set.

  • Android -- Google Play Store or download the APK directly
  • iOS -- Apple App Store
  • Desktop -- Download from the Z-Text website for Windows, macOS, or Linux

Creating Your Wallet

When you first launch Z-Text, you'll be guided through wallet creation. This generates your cryptographic identity on the BitcoinZ blockchain.

  1. Open Z-Text and tap Create New Wallet
  2. The app generates a shielded z-address (your messaging identity) and a transparent t-address (for receiving funds)
  3. You'll be shown your 24-word seed phrase -- this is critical for recovery

Important: Save Your Seed Phrase

Your seed phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if you lose your device. Write it down on paper and store it in a safe place. Never share it with anyone. Never store it digitally where it could be compromised.

Seed Phrase Backup

Your 24-word seed phrase derives all your private keys. If you lose access to your device, this phrase is the only way to restore your wallet, messages, and contacts.

  • Write the 24 words in order on paper
  • Store the paper in a secure, private location
  • Consider making a second copy stored in a different location
  • Never take a screenshot or save it in a notes app
  • The app will quiz you on select words to verify you wrote them correctly

Setting Up PIN

After backing up your seed phrase, you'll set a 6-digit PIN. This PIN protects access to the app and is required every time you open Z-Text.

  • Choose a PIN you'll remember but others can't guess
  • On supported devices, you can enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or Face ID) as an alternative to PIN entry
  • The PIN can be changed later in Settings

Biometric Authentication

Enable fingerprint or Face ID for faster app access. Your PIN still serves as a fallback if biometrics fail.

Your First Message

To send your first message, you need to complete a handshake with a contact. This establishes a shared encryption key between you and the other person.

  1. Navigate to the Contacts tab
  2. Tap Add Contact and enter their z-address (or scan their QR code)
  3. Send a Handshake Request -- this is a small blockchain transaction
  4. Once the other person accepts the handshake, you can start messaging
  5. Type your message and tap send -- it will be encrypted and broadcast to the blockchain

Handshake Cost

The handshake requires a small BTCZ transaction fee. You'll need a small amount of BTCZ in your wallet to initiate handshakes and send messages. Each message costs a minimal transaction fee.

Previous
Welcome
Next
Messaging