> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.heaa.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.heaa.xyz/operations-flows/shielding-funds.md).

# Shielding Funds

## Shielding Funds

Shielding moves funds from your public wallet into your private encrypted balance. This is how you "go private."

### Steps

1. **Select a token.** Choose the token you want to shield from the token cards (for example USDC, SOL, or USDT). Each card shows your wallet balance so you know what's available.
2. **Choose Shield.** Select the shield action.
3. **Enter an amount.** Type how much to shield, or use a preset.
4. **Approve.** Your wallet will prompt you to approve. Confirm.
5. **Done.** The amount moves from your **wallet** balance into your **encrypted** balance. The card updates to reflect the new split.

### What's happening

Your funds move from your public account (ATA) into your encrypted account (ETA) inside the dark pool. The act of shielding is visible on-chain — observers can see you shielded — but from this point on, your balance amount is private and anything you do with it inside the pool leaves no public trail.

### Shielding SOL

SOL gets a small amount automatically set aside to cover network fees, so shielding "all" your SOL always leaves enough to keep your wallet operational. You never have to calculate this yourself.

### After shielding

Your funds are now in your encrypted balance, ready to:

* **Send privately** to another encrypted account, or
* **Unshield** back to your wallet whenever you choose.