FAQ

Frequently asked questions about ZeroK.

What happens if I lose access?

Your wallet is your recovery key. When you deposit, ZeroK encrypts your note using a key derived from your wallet’s signature. Reconnecting with the same wallet automatically recovers all your deposits — across browsers, devices, and time. No files to back up.

The only thing you must keep safe is your wallet itself. If you lose your Solana wallet seed phrase, you lose access to your deposits — just like any other self-custodial protocol.

How fast are deposits and withdrawals?

• Deposits confirm in under 1 second (Solana’s fast finality)
• Proof generation takes a few seconds in your browser
• Withdrawals are processed within a few seconds after the proof is submitted

Why does ZeroK use fixed pool sizes?

Fixed denominations are essential for privacy. If deposits were variable amounts, an observer could match deposits to withdrawals by amount. For example, if you deposited 1.337 SOL and someone later withdrew 1.333 SOL (minus fees), the unusual amount would make the link obvious.

With fixed pools, every deposit and withdrawal in a pool is the same size, making them indistinguishable from each other.

Do I need to choose a specific amount?

No. Enter any amount starting from 0.1 SOL and ZeroK automatically handles the privacy math behind the scenes. Deposits are optimally split and batched into a single transaction whenever possible — you just enter the number and approve.

How many wallet popups will I see?

For most deposits, one. ZeroK batches multiple privacy notes into a single transaction, so even a larger deposit typically fits in a single wallet approval. Very large deposits may require two approvals.

Is ZeroK open-source?

Yes. The smart contracts, zero-knowledge circuits, and frontend code are publicly available. Transparency in the core protocol is essential for trust and security.

What could leak my privacy?

Even with strong cryptographic protections, certain behaviors can weaken your privacy:

• Timing correlation — depositing and withdrawing in quick succession with few other deposits in between
• Recipient address reuse — withdrawing to the same wallet multiple times links those withdrawals
• Small anonymity sets — fewer deposits in a pool means fewer possibilities for an observer to consider
• Off-chain disclosure — telling someone when and how much you deposited

See the Privacy Model page for a full breakdown and best practices.

Can I withdraw without paying gas?

Yes. The protocol submits the withdrawal transaction and covers all network fees automatically — this is a core privacy feature. If you had to fund your recipient wallet before withdrawing, that funding transaction could link your identity. A small 0.3% protocol fee is deducted from your withdrawal amount to cover these on-chain costs.

Is ZeroK custodial?

No. ZeroK is fully non-custodial. Your funds are held by an on-chain smart contract — not by any person, company, or server. Only someone with the correct note can generate a valid withdrawal proof. The protocol itself cannot access, freeze, or redirect your deposits. You maintain full self-custody at every step.

How does ZeroK compare to other privacy solutions?

ZeroK is purpose-built for Solana with several advantages:

• Native Solana integration — no bridges, no wrapped tokens, no cross-chain risk
• Groth16 proofs — compact, fast-verifying proofs that work efficiently on Solana
• Fast finality — deposits confirm in under a second, unlike multi-minute confirmations on other chains
• Protocol-powered withdrawals — the protocol pays gas, removing a common privacy leak in other systems
• In-browser proving — your secrets never leave your device

What wallets are supported?

ZeroK currently supports:

• Phantom — phantom.app
• Solflare — solflare.com

Can I make multiple deposits?

Yes. You can deposit into the same pool multiple times or into different pools. Each deposit generates a separate note that must be saved independently.

Do notes expire?

Notes can become invalid if you wait too long before withdrawing. Check the app for current guidelines on note expiration and make sure to withdraw before your note expires.