Zingo! wallet review
Zingo! is an open-source, self-custodial Zcash wallet for iOS and Android from Zingo Labs, with a command-line version called zingo-cli. It is Ironwood-ready, lets you spend before sync finishes, supports TEX and unified addresses and uses memos as private messages. It is a strong, lighter alternative to Zodl with fewer extras.
Zingo! comes from Zingo Labs, an independent team that has worked on Zcash light-client software for years. Where Zodl adds swaps and payment integrations, Zingo! concentrates on the core: shielded payments, private messages in memos, and a fast sync.
Zingo! at a glance
| Fact | Zingo! (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Type | Mobile light wallet; zingo-cli command-line client |
| Platforms | iOS, Android; zingo-cli on desktop |
| Open source | Yes: code public on GitHub (zingo-mobile, zingolib) |
| Custody | Self-custody; keys stay on your phone |
| Shielded pools | Ironwood and Sapling; transparent; unified and TEX addresses |
| Ironwood readiness | Ready (ZecHub, Oct 2026), for both Zingo! and zingo-cli |
| Sync | Light client with the pepper-sync engine; spend before sync completes; custom light-wallet server selectable |
| Hardware support | None documented |
| Status | Active |
What stands out
Pepper-sync
Zcash light wallets have to scan every new block on your device to find payments meant for you, because the server is not allowed to know which ones are yours. That makes sync the slowest part of using shielded ZEC. Zingo!'s pepper-sync engine lets you spend funds it has already found before the whole sync is finished, which helps if you open the wallet after a long break.
Memos as messages
Every shielded payment can carry an encrypted memo. Zingo! presents these as private messages that only the sender and receiver can read, with an address book for contacts.
TEX address support
Some exchanges give deposit addresses that start with tex1. A TEX address (ZIP 320) is a transparent address that must be paid only from transparent funds, so a shielded wallet first has to move the amount to a temporary transparent address. That takes two transactions. Zingo! handles this for you. See address types and sending ZEC.
Choose your own server
You can point Zingo! at a custom light-wallet server, including one you run yourself. A server cannot see your balance, but it does see your IP address and when you sync.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shielded-first, Ironwood-ready | Fewer integrations: no built-in swaps that we found |
| Spend before sync completes | No hardware wallet support documented |
| TEX, unified address and memo messaging support | Smaller team than Zodl |
| Custom server option; CLI for developers | No graphical desktop app documented |
Who Zingo! suits
- People who want a clean shielded wallet without swap or shopping features.
- Users who send to exchanges that require TEX addresses.
- People who use memos to communicate privately.
- Developers, who can use zingo-cli to script shielded payments without a full node.
If you want hardware wallet support or built-in swaps, choose Zodl. For multi-account and multisig features, see Zkool.
Moving Orchard funds
If your Zingo! wallet held funds in Orchard before 28 July 2026, they must leave Orchard through the turnstile into Ironwood. Update the app first, then follow our Orchard to Ironwood guide. Splitting large balances into several moves leaks less information than one big transfer.
Getting started with Zingo!
- Type zingolabs.org yourself and follow its App Store or Google Play link.
- Create a wallet and write down the recovery phrase on paper.
- Open the Receive screen and share your unified address.
- Send yourself a small test amount, then add contacts to the address book.
- Optional: in settings, point the wallet at a light-wallet server you trust or run.
Privacy notes
Like every light wallet, Zingo! hides your balance from the server but not your IP address or sync times. Running your own server, or using a network-level privacy tool, reduces that exposure. Memos are encrypted end to end for shielded payments, but remember the recipient can keep and share anything you write.
Verdict
Zingo! is a focused, capable shielded wallet from an experienced independent team. It is the best pick if you value fast sync, TEX support and memo messaging over swaps and shopping features, and a good second wallet even if you use Zodl.
Safety notes
- The official site is zingolabs.org. Type it yourself and follow its App Store and Google Play links, or check that the developer is Zingo Labs.
- Back up your recovery phrase on paper before receiving funds.
- Treat memo messages from strangers with caution. Scammers use memos to send links and fake support offers (BloFin, Aug 2026).
- If you run your own server, keep it updated after network upgrades such as NU7, planned for around 5 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zingo! wallet safe?
Zingo! is open source and self-custodial, and your keys stay on your phone. As with any wallet, download it from official links and keep your recovery phrase offline.
Does Zingo! support Ironwood?
Yes. ZecHub lists both Zingo! and zingo-cli as Ironwood-ready in October 2026.
Does Zingo! have a desktop version?
There is zingo-cli, a command-line wallet. We did not find a graphical desktop app documented on the official site.
What is a TEX address and does Zingo! support it?
A TEX address (tex1...) is a transparent address that must be paid from transparent funds, used by some exchanges. Zingo! supports paying TEX addresses from shielded funds, which takes two transactions.