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Using Privacy Wallets

This guide walks you through the complete workflow for using privacy wallets with verifiable credentials, from credential issuance to shielded transactions.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • MetaMask browser extension installed (Chrome or Brave recommended on Mac)
  • Base network configured as your default network in MetaMask
  • Make sure to have balances of least 5 USDC and 1 ETH for testing
  • Access to the platform at https://platform.ligetron.com
Network Setup

Look for the Base logo next to your MetaMask profile picture to confirm the network is properly configured.

Step 1: Generate Verifiable Credentials​

Verifiable credentials prove your eligibility to use the privacy pool without revealing your identity.

Request Credentials​

  1. Navigate to the credential request form
  2. Choose your Operator (illustration only at demo stage)
  3. Complete all form fields with your information
    • Bank data can be mock data for testing
    • Important: Ensure Date of Birth indicates age 18 or older. This is the default predicate implemented in the current demo.
  4. Click Submit

Issue Credentials (Provider Action)​

One user needs to approve the credential request:

  1. Navigate to the provider dashboard
  2. Locate your request in the Client Activity dashboard (appears at the top)
  3. Click the green Issue button next to the request details

The credentials will then be sent to the email address you provided; note that there will be two emails sent, save on your local device the attachment in the second email received (extension json_mdl.cbor)

Step 2: Shielded Transactions​

Access the wallet interface at https://platform.ligetron.com/Verifiable_Credentials/wallet

Shielding Tokens​

Shielding deposits your tokens into the privacy pool.

  1. Select Shield from the Action Type dropdown
  2. Click Connect MetaMask under Wallet Connection
  3. Approve the connection in the MetaMask extension
  4. Select your token (USDC) and enter the quantity to shield
    • Amounts are denominated in WEI
    • Example: 100 = 100 × 10⁻⁶ = 0.0001 USDC
    • Recommended test amount: 100-200
  5. Click Load Verifiable Credentials and select your saved credential file
  6. Click Shield Token

The browser console will display:

  • ZK proof generation progress (~4 seconds on modern hardware)
  • Data transmission to relayer
  • Confirmation when complete (15-45 seconds total)
Performance

Proof generation takes approximately 4 seconds on recent MacBooks. Total transaction time ranges from 15-45 seconds depending on network conditions.

Checking Your Balance​

  1. Select Balance from the Action Type dropdown
  2. Click Check Balance (credentials already loaded from previous step)
  3. View your shielded balance
  4. Expand to see individual UTXOs if needed

Transferring Tokens​

Transfers require two parties: a sender and a receiver.

Receiver: Generate Invoice​

  1. Select Generate Invoice from the Action Type dropdown
  2. Choose your token (USDC) and specify the amount
  3. Click Generate Invoice
  4. Copy the Note Public Key (npk) using the clipboard icon

Sender: Execute Transfer​

  1. Select Transfer from the Action Type dropdown
  2. Keep USDC selected in the Token dropdown
  3. Enter the transfer amount (must match receiver's invoice exactly)
  4. Paste the receiver's Note Public Key in the Receiver's NPK field
  5. Click Transfer Token

Verify Transfer​

Both parties should check their balances after the transfer completes to confirm the transaction succeeded. Balance can be verified by selecting Balance from the Action Type dropdown, load the Verifiable for the account of interest, and then hit 'Check Balance'

Important Notes​

Sequential Operations​

Execute actions one at a time. When performing an operation on one device, avoid simultaneous actions on another device to prevent conflicts.

UI Considerations​

Occasionally, entered amounts may change when switching fields. If this occurs:

  • Simply re-enter the correct amount
  • This typically happens at most once per session

UTXO Requirements​

The platform uses a UTXO-based model. For transfers:

  • Transfer amount must be less than or equal to a single UTXO
  • Example: To transfer 30, you need a UTXO with amount ≥ 31
  • Check UTXO status in the Balance dropdown
  • Only UTXOs with "Settled" status can be used
Coming Soon

UTXO merging functionality is in development for improved user experience.

Smart Contract Verification​

MetaMask may display a warning that the smart contract is unverified on Base. This is expected and can be safely acknowledged.

Troubleshooting​

Credential Issues​

  • Verify the Date of Birth indicates age 18+
  • Ensure credential file is properly saved and accessible
  • Confirm credentials were successfully issued in the provider dashboard

Transaction Failures​

  • Check that you have sufficient UTXO balance
  • Verify amounts match exactly between sender and receiver
  • Ensure adequate ETH balance for gas fees
  • Confirm Base is selected as the active network

Browser Compatibility​

  • Use Chrome or Brave on Mac for optimal performance
  • Ensure MetaMask extension is up to date
  • Clear browser cache if experiencing persistent issues

Coming Up Soon​

  • Learn about credential management
  • Upcoming advanced transaction features
  • Review privacy best practices