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You can test NU7 without spending real ZEC by using Zcash’s public Testnet and testnet-only coins. NU7 activated on public Testnet on October 4, 2026, at height 4,465,026, according to the Zcash Foundation’s October 6 update. The essential safeguard is to confirm that your wallet or node is set to testnet before generating addresses or sending funds. Testnet coins are not actual ZEC and have no monetary value.
What you need to know before testing NU7
For testing NU7 on the shared public test chain, use software that supports NU7 on Testnet. The Zcash Foundation announced Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 as a release candidate for NU7 public-Testnet support and recommended it to testnet node operators. It is a release candidate, not a stable release. Check the Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 announcement and its linked release information for compatibility and instructions before installing.
The Foundation’s October 6, 2026 engineering update reports Testnet activation at height 4,465,026 on October 4. That is a public-Testnet activation, not a mainnet schedule. The earlier release announcement said no mainnet activation height had been set at that time; do not treat a historical target or Testnet activation as confirmation of a mainnet date.
How do I test NU7 without real ZEC?
- Select the test network. In Zcash CLI, the
-testnetoption selects the test chain. The CLI manual lists18232as the Testnet RPC port. Confirm the selected network in your wallet or node before generating an address, importing funds, or submitting a transaction. Keep Testnet and mainnet configuration and data clearly separated to reduce the chance of using the wrong network. See the Zcash CLI manual. - Choose your test environment. For NU7 behavior on the shared public chain, use public Testnet and NU7-capable node software. Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0 is the cited release candidate. Read the matching release notes and follow their current installation guidance; do not assume an old command or configuration applies to a newer build.
- Set up a wallet for Testnet. For wallet-only experiments, follow the documented zcash-devtool walkthrough, which demonstrates initializing a Testnet wallet and syncing it against a Testnet light-wallet service. It also shows receiving test funds and checking a balance. Treat its commands and service details as version-sensitive and verify them against the current documentation.
- Use only test value on Testnet. Testnet coins are distinct from actual ZEC and have no value. Do not send mainnet ZEC to a Testnet address or expect Testnet coins to be redeemed or transferred into real ZEC. The Zcash Android Wallet SDK documentation states that Testnet coins “are distinct from actual ZEC and do not have value.”
Public Testnet or regtest?
Choose based on what you need to exercise. The Zcash CLI manual distinguishes the public test chain, selected with -testnet, from the special regression-test chain, selected with -regtest.
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| Environment | Network and block behavior | Best fit | CLI selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Testnet | Shared public test chain with live chain behavior | Testing NU7 on the public test network | -testnet |
| Regtest | Special regression-test chain where blocks can be solved instantly | Repeatable regression tests and application development | -regtest |
Regtest is useful for controlled development work, but it does not demonstrate behavior on public Testnet. The selection flags and distinctions are documented in the CLI manual.
What is not established by the available setup guides?
The cited official materials establish NU7 Testnet status, identify a compatible release candidate, and provide a wallet-tool walkthrough. They do not establish a single current, verified sequence covering Zebra installation, creating a post-activation NU7 transaction, and confirming it on the network. Check the release documentation for the exact software version you choose, and avoid treating example commands as verified for your setup unless that documentation confirms them.
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