What is Nighthawk Wallet?
Nighthawk is an open-source Android Zcash wallet developed with support from Zcash ZOMG grants. It's designed to make shielded ZEC transactions accessible to everyday users — clean UI, strong privacy defaults, and active development aligned with the latest Zcash network upgrades including Orchard.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Android (Google Play + direct APK) |
| Shielded protocols | Sapling + Orchard (via NU5) |
| Default address | Unified Address (shielded by default) |
| Open source | ✅ GitHub: nighthawk-apps/nighthawk-wallet-android |
| Backup method | 24-word seed phrase |
| ZEC/USD display | ✅ Live price |
| Hardware wallet | ⌠Not supported |
Step 1: Download from Google Play
Search "Nighthawk Zcash Wallet" on the Google Play Store, or visit the official GitHub releases for the direct APK. Always verify the developer name is "Nighthawk Apps" to avoid fake wallet scams.
Step 2: Create a New Wallet
Tap "Create New Wallet." You'll be shown your 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down offline on paper — this is the only way to restore your wallet. Verify the phrase by re-entering selected words when prompted.
Step 3: Sync the Wallet
Nighthawk needs to sync with the Zcash blockchain to show your balance and transaction history. On first use with a new wallet, this is fast (minutes) since there's no history to scan. Restored wallets may take longer depending on wallet age.
Step 4: Receive ZEC
Tap "Receive" to view your Unified Address — a long string starting with "u1..." This is your primary receiving address. Share it with anyone sending you ZEC. Nighthawk will automatically receive into your shielded Orchard balance when the sender supports it.
Step 5: Shield Any Transparent ZEC
If you receive ZEC to a transparent address (e.g., from a mining pool), Nighthawk will display a "Shield Funds" prompt. Tap it, confirm the amount, and approve — the app will generate the shielding transaction and broadcast it within seconds.
Step 6: Send a Private Transaction
Tap "Send," enter the recipient's Unified Address or z-address, set the amount, optionally add an encrypted memo, then confirm. Nighthawk handles the zk-SNARK proof generation in the background. The transaction confirms in ~75 seconds.
Nighthawk vs Zashi vs YWallet: Quick Decision Guide
Choose Nighthawk if you're on Android and want a polished, community-backed experience with strong privacy defaults. Choose Zashi if you want the simplest interface and iOS support. Choose YWallet if you need the fastest sync or Ledger hardware wallet support.