Zcash at a glance.
Zcash is a proof-of-work chain that lets users choose between transparent and shielded transactions using zero-knowledge cryptography. Here is how it works and how it is used, not the price.
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Value locked in DeFi protocols on Zcash. Updated Jun 2, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
ZEC
Used for fees and securing the network. See the live ZEC price.
How Zcash works.
Miners compete to solve the Equihash hashing puzzle, and the winner adds the next block roughly every seventy-five seconds and earns the reward. A community move toward proof of stake has been discussed, but the network currently runs on proof of work.
Miners compete to solve the Equihash hashing puzzle, and the winner adds the next block roughly every seventy-five seconds and earns the reward. A community move toward proof of stake has been discussed, but the network currently runs on proof of work.
Optional privacy
Users can choose to transact publicly or privately, so privacy is available on demand rather than applied to every transaction by default.
Transparent and shielded addresses
Funds can sit in transparent t-addresses, which behave like a public ledger, or shielded z-addresses, which keep details hidden.
Zero-knowledge proofs
Shielded transactions use zk-SNARKs, a method that proves a transaction is valid without revealing the sender, receiver or amount.
Proof of work today
The network secures blocks through Equihash mining now, while a shift toward proof of stake is being explored by the community.
What Zcash is used for.
ZEC is used for payments and transfers where users want the option of shielded, confidential transactions.
Shielded payments
Send value through z-addresses so the sender, receiver and amount stay private.
Transparent transfers
Use t-addresses for public, auditable transactions when privacy is not needed.
Selective disclosure
Choose per transaction whether details are public or shielded.
Hold, swap and spend ZEC.
Zcash is integrated in the Zypto App. Hold ZEC in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.
Be the reason Zcash ships next.
Zcash isn’t in the Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.
Request on XCommon questions.
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