Zano confirmed block 3,833,000 for Hard Fork 6 (HF6) activation, expected between Aug. 25 and 27, 2026. HF6 introduces Gateway Addresses, a technical solution designed to remove barriers that previously limited ZANO access on exchanges and decentralized exchange platforms. The upgrade addresses a long-standing friction point in Zano's privacy-focused architecture, which created integration challenges for platforms using conventional workflows while maintaining the network's core privacy functionality for regular users.
Zano Introduces Gateway Addresses in Hard Fork 6
The centerpiece of HF6 is Gateway Addresses, a new account-based address type designed specifically for exchanges, decentralized exchanges, bridges, and other infrastructure providers. Unlike standard Zano addresses, Gateway Addresses give services a directly tracked balance and faster sync, making it easier to connect with native ZANO and Confidential Assets without disrupting existing private address functionality for regular users.
"After more than a year of work, one of Zano's most significant upgrades yet has arrived. Hard Fork 6 opens Zano up to the rest of crypto, while keeping the privacy at its core fully intact," the Zano team said on X.
Zano Discusses Post-HF6 Integrations with Thorchain and DEXs
Zano is in talks with Thorchain and other DEXs about post-HF6 integrations, with the updated wallet live now. "Hard Fork 6 could make a real difference for Zano's adoption, as it opens an easier path for ZANO into DeFi liquidity pools and broader exchange listings, with Zano already in touch with platforms including Thorchain and other DEXs about post-HF6 integrations," said Quinten van Welzen. Those conversations point to concrete integration targets, not exploratory talks.
Hard Fork 6 Enables Two-Way Bridgeless Asset Movement
HF6 makes Bridgeless functionality two-way. Native ZANO and supported Confidential Assets will be able to move outward to Ethereum, TON, and Solana. External assets from those chains will be able to move into Zano. The result is a non-custodial path into public-chain liquidity, with users retaining the option to return to Zano for private transactions.
HF6 Delivers Security and Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond connectivity, HF6 includes a set of security and reliability improvements: stronger wallet-file encryption, making a stolen or copied wallet file considerably harder to crack; per-output payment IDs for cleaner exchange and merchant accounting, while keeping recipient privacy intact; safer encryption and decryption RPCs for developers; P2P denial-of-service hardening with SOCKS5 proxy support to protect nodes from traffic-flooding attacks.
Operators Must Upgrade Before Aug. 25 Activation Window
Wallets, miners, pools, node operators, and infrastructure providers all need to upgrade before the fork activates. The updated wallet is available now. With the block height confirmed, operators have roughly eight weeks to complete that process ahead of the expected Aug. 25 window.
FAQ
What is Zano Hard Fork 6 and when will it activate?
Zano Hard Fork 6 (HF6) is confirmed for activation at block 3,833,000, expected between Aug. 25 and 27, 2026. The upgrade introduces Gateway Addresses, two-way Bridgeless functionality, and security improvements.
What are Gateway Addresses in Zano Hard Fork 6?
Gateway Addresses are a new account-based address type designed for exchanges, decentralized exchanges, bridges, and infrastructure providers. They provide directly tracked balances and faster sync, making it easier to connect with native ZANO and Confidential Assets without disrupting existing private address functionality for regular users.
