> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nullmask.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nullmask.pro/user-guide/depositing.md).

# Depositing

Deposits move funds from your public wallet balance into the Nullmask shielded pool.

### Steps <a href="#steps" id="steps"></a>

1. Navigate to the **Shield** screen
2. Select the token (ETH or ERC-20)
3. Enter the amount
4. If your wallet is on the wrong network, you'll be prompted to switch to the base chain (e.g., Ethereum Mainnet)
5. For ERC-20 tokens, approve the token allowance if needed
6. Confirm the deposit transaction in your wallet

### What Happens <a href="#what-happens" id="what-happens"></a>

1. Your wallet sends a `deposit()` transaction to the Nullmask contract on the base chain
2. The transaction includes the deposit amount plus a small gas escrow (to cover the guard's gas costs)
3. The deposit enters a **pending** state
4. The guard service screens your address
5. Once approved, a note is created in the Merkle tree representing your shielded balance
6. The deposit appears in your shielded balance (typically within 15-30 seconds)

### ERC-20 Deposits <a href="#erc-20-deposits" id="erc-20-deposits"></a>

For ERC-20 tokens:

1. The app checks if the contract has sufficient allowance
2. If not, you'll be prompted to approve the token
3. The deposit transfers tokens via `safeTransferFrom`
4. Fee-on-transfer tokens are supported — the actual deposited amount is measured via balance delta

### Gas Escrow <a href="#gas-escrow" id="gas-escrow"></a>

Each deposit includes a small ETH gas escrow sent alongside the deposit. This escrow:

* Pays the guard's gas costs for approving or rejecting the deposit
* Is paid to the guard regardless of the outcome
* Is refunded if you withdraw a pending deposit

### Withdrawing a Pending Deposit <a href="#withdrawing-a-pending-deposit" id="withdrawing-a-pending-deposit"></a>

If your deposit is still pending (not yet approved or rejected), you can withdraw it:

* Ca~~l~~l `withdrawPendingDeposit()` on the contract
* Both the deposit amount and gas escrow are refunded


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