> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.confi.cash/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create your first shielded balance

> Connect a Stellar wallet and create your first shielded testnet balance.

This guide takes you from a public Stellar testnet wallet to a shielded balance in Confi.cash.

## Before you begin

You need:

* A supported Stellar wallet. Freighter is the recommended starting point.
* A Stellar testnet account with a supported test asset.
* A modern browser with JavaScript and WebAssembly enabled.
* Time for the browser to download proving files and generate a zero-knowledge proof.

<Warning>
  Use testnet assets only. Testnet balances have no monetary value and may be reset by the network.
</Warning>

## Create your shielded balance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the testnet app">
    Visit [confi.cash](https://confi.cash) and confirm that the header displays **Testnet**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect your wallet">
    Click **Connect wallet**, choose your wallet, and approve the connection.

    Confi.cash connects to your public `G...` Stellar testnet account. Connecting does not move funds.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Unlock your shielded balance">
    Approve the message-signing request. Confi.cash uses the signature in your browser to derive your shielded identity.

    This request is not a transaction and does not spend funds. Use the same wallet account whenever you need to recover the same shielded balance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add testnet funds">
    Select **Add**, choose an asset and one of the available standard amounts, then click **Deposit & shield**.

    Approve the exact deposit transaction in your wallet. The public deposit amount becomes a shielded note after confirmation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the result">
    Wait for **Deposited into your private balance**. Return to the home screen and use **Rescan** if the balance has not appeared yet.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  Your balance is now represented by a shielded note. The deposit remains public, but later in-pool actions do not attach that note to your public Stellar address.
</Check>

## Continue

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Send to a shielded address" icon="send" href="/guides/send">
    Pay another Confi.cash user without publishing the amount.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Swap through Soroswap and other AMMs" icon="arrow-right-left" href="/guides/swap">
    Choose **Others** to access Soroswap, Aquarius, and other supported AMM liquidity from your shielded balance.
  </Card>
</Columns>