Private Addresses (Z)
Three address types
| Type | Testnet | Mainnet | What the chain shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public (T) | tmor1… |
mor1… |
addresses and amounts |
| Private (Z) | tmorp1… |
morp1… |
neither addresses nor amounts |
| Unified (UA) | tmu1… |
mu1… |
depends on where the sender pays |
A unified address is an "envelope" holding several addresses at once: a private one is always inside, a public one is optional. The sender's wallet picks where to pay and shows what it picked.
Why a private address is private
A private address is a Sapling address. Payments to it create note commitments and proofs on the chain. An outside observer cannot read the private address or amount from those records. The recipient can view incoming payments with an incoming viewing key or spending key; the sender also knows the details of their payment.
An incoming viewing key lets its holder view incoming private payments but does not allow spending.
Where the address comes from
Keys for transparent and shielded addresses are derived from the same 24-word recovery phrase. The wallet shows your private address on the receive screen next to the transparent one.
If you own a MORID name (a readable name that stands for an address), you can store a unified address in it. People can then pay you just by name, and the sender's wallet will take the private route if it holds private funds.
Private addresses and the explorer
A private address cannot be looked up in the explorer, the website that shows blocks and transactions. This is by design: these addresses are not on chain, and a lookup would confirm that an address exists and help link payments. The explorer shows only that a private transfer happened, with no amounts or addresses.
Don't mix up networks
Testnet addresses start with t: tmor1, tmorp1, tmu1. Mainnet has its own prefixes, and an address from one network is no good on the other. Testnet coins are worth nothing.
Good habits
- Give a private or unified address for private payments. A public address is visible to everyone.
- Don't push the same amount through T → Z → T back to back. Matching amounts and timing reveal the link.
- Guard your 24-word phrase. Every key is derived from it, including the key that spends your private funds. Whoever knows the phrase can spend your money.