Private messaging, natively on Zcash.
Every message is a shielded ZEC transaction memo. No centralized chat server. No metadata leaks. Just log in to the app and experience truly private communication.
Why Zcash Chat?
Shielded by design
Each message is embedded in a shielded Zcash transaction memo on mainnet. Metadata is minimized; privacy is the default.
Wallet-first chat
Users get a Unified Address and QR code, can receive ZEC and messages in one place, and see balances directly in the app.
Infrastructure handled for you
The backend runs zebrad and lightwalletd; end users just use the app (web, PWA, or native mobile).
How it works
A complete architecture running on Zcash mainnet
Zebrad full node (mainnet)
lightwalletd (gRPC)
Rust wallet-core
Node.js backend + PostgreSQL
Next.js / React frontend
Messages are memos in shielded transactions, ensuring complete privacy. You don't have to run your own full node—we run zebrad and lightwalletd in the backend. You just use the app (web or mobile). The wallet engine talks to lightwalletd for blockchain interaction, while the backend manages state and synchronization. The frontend is a simple, intuitive messenger built on top of real ZEC transactions.
See Zcash Chat in action
2-minute demo: sending fully private messages over Zcash mainnet.
Platforms
Launching on web first, with native mobile apps to follow.
Badges are mockups; final branding TBD.
Roadmap
Now
Internal testing on mainnet with full node + lightwalletd.
Q1 2026
Public beta for web and mobile.
Next
Encrypted images and audio attachments.
Under research
Fully private live calls anchored to Zcash.
Built for the Zephyrpunk Hackathon
Zcash Chat is a hackathon project proving that chat can be truly private by using ZEC shielded memos and a self-hosted stack. The backend runs a synced node and lightwalletd, while the current focus is making the UX as simple as a normal messenger. This demonstrates that privacy-first communication doesn't have to compromise on usability.
View source on GitHubReady to make messaging actually private?
Experience truly private communication powered by Zcash's shielded transactions.
Get in touch
Questions? Feedback? Let's connect.