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import AnonymizeETHIntro from './_how-to-anonymize-eth-intro.mdx';
:::warning Warning This zk.money guide was written using the old version of zk.money. We believe it may work similarly, but we apologize if there are some mistakes. Feel free to update the guide and help maintain this resource. :::
First you will need to start off by creating a fresh Ethereum address. For clarity, we will call the wallet where your public non-anonymous ETH originates from Wallet1.
To anonymize ETH, you must create a second fresh Ethereum account that is tied to a new seed. One way to do this, is to simply download Metamask on a different browser and create a brand new seed. It is important to use an entirely different seed to Wallet1 to minimize the risk of linking the accounts.
If you want to be highly secure, install Metamask on a browser like Brave or Firefox and use it alongside a VPN. (Tor is not compatible with zk.money)
Once you have downloaded Metamask on this new browser, create an account and backup your seed. Copy and paste your account's public key onto a text file. We'll use this later on. We will now refer to this account as Wallet2.
On the browser associated with Wallet1, navigate to the zk.money website. Connect Wallet1 to zk.money. Pick a username to set as your alias.
Then click 'Register'. This may take several minutes. Do not close the window until you see the dashboard.
Deposit at least 0.01 ETH for the username registration to be complete. You'll be able to withdraw your ETH later or include them in a payment.
Now convert your ETH to zkETH by shielding your coins. Shield your preferred asset by clicking the “Shield” button on your dashboard. You can reduce the time the shielding will take by paying a higher transaction fee here.
Keep waiting until the SHIELD and CREATE ACCOUNT transactions are settled. Only then is your username successfully registered. This may take a few hours.
You’ll be able to follow your transaction status in the dashboard. Please note that while your account balance may show zkETH available, you won’t be able to send any funds until your new sendable balance is settled.
Once you have a sendable balance of zkETH you will be in privacy mode. The entire process may take several hours, so don’t stress if the balance does not show up immediately.
Now that the ETH has been anonymized, send it to Wallet2. Simply paste the Wallet2 address into the Recipient section.
The coins received by Wallet2 will be normal ETH (as opposed to zkETH). However, the transaction history will have been anonymized. Etherscan will show the funds were sent from the Aztec contract to Wallet2.
Wallet2 is now an anonymous account you can use that isn't tied to any of your past Ethereum transaction history (remember to use it in combination with Tor or a VPN for increased anonymity).
This tutorial is for informative purposes only. We make no representation as to the tutorial's accuracy, usefulness, or completeness. As a consequence, the above tutorial is offered to you without any warranties. We are not liable for any claims, losses, damages, judgments, fines, litigation costs, and/or legal fees arising out of or in connection with your use of the information provided or any other action or transaction related thereto.
This tutorial is not presented as, nor should it be construed as, an endorsement of zk.money. In addition, this tutorial is not presented as, nor should it be construed as, a recommendation to engage in any transaction or taken as the basis for making decisions. By viewing the above tutorial, you acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for your own transactions and decisions (“Your Actions”), and that we are not responsible for Your Actions or the consequences thereof.