Zallet: the zcashd wallet replacement
Zallet is the full-node Zcash wallet that replaces the zcashd wallet, which reached end of support on 18 July 2026 and does not support Ironwood. It is a Rust JSON-RPC wallet that works with the Zebra node, supports Ironwood and Sapling, and is open source under Apache-2.0 or MIT. It is still in beta, so it is aimed at exchanges, node operators and developers, not everyday users.
For most of Zcash's history, zcashd was both the main full node and a built-in wallet that exchanges, miners and services relied on. The ecosystem has been replacing it with two pieces: Zebra, a Rust node maintained by the Zcash Foundation, and Zallet, a separate wallet. zcashd reached end of support on 18 July 2026, when it was set to halt at block 3,417,100 (Tatum documentation), before the Ironwood upgrade, and it does not support the new pool.
Zallet at a glance
| Fact | Zallet (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Type | Full-node RPC wallet (command line / server) |
| Platforms | Desktop or server, alongside a Zebra node |
| Open source | Yes, dual-licensed Apache-2.0 or MIT (repository zcash/wallet on GitHub) |
| Custody | Self-custody |
| Shielded pools | Ironwood and Sapling; transparent |
| Ironwood readiness | Ready (Beta) per ZecHub, Oct 2026 |
| Sync | Full node: Zebra, with the Zaino indexer integrated (Mar 2026) |
| Hardware support | None documented |
| Status | Beta |
Why zcashd users must move
- No Ironwood: zcashd cannot receive into, or spend from, the Ironwood pool that went live on 28 July 2026.
- No more updates: its end of support means no fixes for future network upgrades. NU7 is planned for around 5 November 2026 (block 3,543,405), though a delay is possible.
- Legacy funds: NU7 also disables older v4 transactions, which makes any remaining Sprout funds unspendable (crypto.news, Oct 2026). If you still hold Sprout ZEC from an old zcashd wallet, look for a maintained way to move it before NU7; zcashd itself stopped running on 18 July 2026.
What Zallet does
Zallet provides a JSON-RPC interface in the style of zcashd, so exchanges and services can integrate it with fewer changes. It is written in Rust and talks to Zebra (and the Zaino indexer) for chain data rather than including its own node.
Its README is candid about the beta status: many zcashd JSON-RPC methods are not implemented yet, breaking changes may require you to delete and recreate your wallet, and the code has not been fully reviewed. Keep backups and do not rely on it for large balances without testing.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Official path off zcashd | Beta: breaking changes possible |
| Ironwood and Sapling support | Many zcashd RPC methods missing |
| Full-node privacy: no third-party server | Needs a synced Zebra node (disk, bandwidth, time) |
| Open source (Apache-2.0 / MIT) | Not for beginners; no graphical interface |
Who Zallet suits
- Exchanges and payment services migrating from zcashd.
- Node operators and miners who want a wallet on their own full node.
- Developers building on Zcash.
Everyday users should pick a light wallet instead: Zodl on mobile or Zkool on desktop. Zkool can also import zcashd keys, which is a simpler route for individuals with an old zcashd wallet. See desktop wallets.
Moving from zcashd: the big picture
- Back up your zcashd
wallet.datand export your keys before changing anything. - Install and sync a Zebra node.
- Install Zallet and follow the migration guide on ZecHub (zechub.wiki, "Migration Guide: From zcashd to Zebrad/Zallet").
- Test with small amounts, then move or migrate funds. Any Orchard balance must leave through the turnstile into Ironwood (guide).
Individuals who just want their coins back can instead import zcashd keys into Zkool.
Zebra, Zaino and lightwalletd: how the pieces fit
- Zebra is the full node that validates the chain. It replaces zcashd's node role.
- Zallet is the wallet that sits on top, replacing zcashd's wallet role.
- Zaino is a Rust indexer that runs on a Zebra node and serves data to wallets. It is the successor to lightwalletd, the server light wallets have used for years. In March 2026 Zaino was close to release and integrated with Zallet, and a lightwalletd deprecation path was drafted (ZecHub Arborist call, 19 Mar 2026). lightwalletd was still maintained.
If you run a public light-wallet server for mobile users, this is the stack to plan around.
Verdict
Zallet is the right destination for anyone who ran the zcashd wallet, and the only full-node wallet with Ironwood support listed by ZecHub. Its beta status means careful testing, backups and patience with missing RPC methods. Individuals without a business need for a full node will be better served by a light wallet.
Safety notes
- Get Zallet only from its official repository, zcash/wallet on GitHub. Type the address yourself. In 2019 a fake Zcash wallet "update" spread malware through a look-alike GitHub repository.
- Verify releases and checksums where published.
- Keep the RPC interface private: bind it to localhost or a protected network.
- Keep offline backups of keys, and do not delete your old zcashd wallet file until funds are safely moved.
Frequently asked questions
What is Zallet?
Zallet is the Rust full-node wallet that replaces the zcashd wallet. It works with the Zebra node and offers a zcashd-style JSON-RPC interface.
Is zcashd still supported?
No. zcashd reached end of support on 18 July 2026 and does not support the Ironwood pool. Its replacement is Zebra plus Zallet.
Is Zallet ready for production?
It is in beta. Its README warns that many zcashd RPC methods are missing and breaking changes may require recreating the wallet. Test carefully before relying on it.
I have an old zcashd wallet. Do I need Zallet?
Not necessarily. Individuals can import zcashd keys into Zkool, a light wallet. Zallet is mainly for exchanges, services and node operators.