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You can test Zcash NU7 without risking real ZEC by using public Testnet and confirming that your node or wallet is set to the test chain before you generate addresses or send funds. NU7 activated on public Testnet on October 4, 2026, at block height 4,465,026, according to the Zcash Foundation’s October 6 update. Testnet coins are not real ZEC and have no monetary value.
What you need to know before testing NU7
NU7 is active on Zcash public Testnet. The Zcash Foundation reported the October 4, 2026 activation at height 4,465,026 in its October 6 engineering update. The earlier projection of an October 6 activation was superseded by that report.
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The NU7-capable software cited for public Testnet is Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0, a release candidate announced by the Foundation on October 2. It is not described as a stable release. At the time of that announcement, the Foundation said no mainnet activation height had been set; that historical statement is not a current mainnet schedule. See the Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 announcement and its release notes for release-specific details.
Testnet coins are distinct from actual ZEC and do not have value, as the Zcash Android Wallet SDK documentation explains. They can help you exercise software, but they cannot be redeemed for real ZEC. Network selection—not the apparent balance—is the key safeguard against spending mainnet funds.
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How do I test NU7 without real ZEC?
- Select public Testnet. In the Zcash CLI,
-testnetselects the test chain. The CLI manual lists RPC port18232for Testnet. Confirm the network in the node or wallet before importing funds, creating a receiving address, or sending a transaction. Keep testnet and mainnet configurations and data clearly separated. The CLI manual documents the flag and port. - Use software appropriate to the test. For testing public Testnet consensus behavior, use NU7-capable node software. The Foundation’s Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 release candidate was announced for NU7 Testnet support, and its notes recommend it for testnet operators. It is a release candidate, so do not treat it as a stable mainnet release.
- For a wallet-focused experiment, follow the tool’s documented walkthrough. The zcash-devtool documentation shows an example that initializes a testnet wallet, synchronizes it with a testnet light-wallet service, receives test funds, and checks a balance. Treat its commands and service details as version-sensitive; they are an example workflow, not a verified current NU7 transaction recipe.
- Use only testnet funds for testnet transactions. Do not send mainnet funds to a testnet address, and do not assume testnet coins can be exchanged for or redeemed as real ZEC.
The available project materials do not establish one fully verified, current sequence that installs Zebra and creates and confirms a post-activation NU7 transaction. Check the matching release documentation for current installation and transaction instructions rather than relying on unverified commands.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Public Testnet or regtest?
Choose based on what you need to learn. The Zcash CLI manual treats -testnet and -regtest as different chain modes; regtest does not demonstrate behavior on the shared public test chain.
| Environment | Network | Block production | Best fit | CLI selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Testnet | Shared public test chain | Live chain behavior | Testing NU7 on the public test network | -testnet |
| Regtest | Special regression-test chain | Blocks can be solved instantly | Repeatable regression tests and application development | -regtest |
These distinctions and options are documented in the Zcash CLI manual.
Quick Recap
How to avoid mixing testnet and mainnet
- Check the network label or CLI configuration before using an address or sending a transaction.
- Keep testnet and mainnet data directories and configuration separate so that a network switch is deliberate.
- Never treat a testnet balance as money available to spend or withdraw.
- For public Testnet consensus testing, confirm that your node software supports the NU7 Testnet activation and consult its release-specific documentation.
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