> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.libertyswap.finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.libertyswap.finance/zkx-wallet-web-app/public-mode-vs-private-mode.md).

# Public Mode vs Private Mode

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ZKX Wallet Web App operates in one of two modes, toggled with the **Public / Private** switch near the account name:

* **Public Mode** displays ordinary on-chain balances tied to the account's public (`0x…`) address. Standard sending, receiving, and swapping happen here.
* **Private Mode** displays Railgun shielded balances tied to the account's private (`0zk…`) address. The interface switches to an orange/amber accent to visually distinguish it from Public Mode.

For background on what each mode means and its privacy tradeoffs, see Public Mode and Private Mode.

**Switching into Private Mode for the first time**

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The first time you switch to Private Mode, the wallet scans encrypted Railgun notes belonging to your account's viewing key. This is shown as a percentage loader — in testing, this progressed from roughly 5% to 18% within about 15 seconds — with a notice that the initial load may take up to **15 minutes**. Subsequent switches are faster, since the wallet no longer needs to scan from scratch.

**Swap & Bridge always requires Public Mode**

If you open **Swap & Bridge** while in Private Mode, the app automatically switches you back to Public Mode, since swapping and bridging only operate on public balances, not shielded ones.