# Getting Started

### Installation

The process is extremely simple: go to the [Common Extension page](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/common-private-crypto-wal/gaaehfidjhhdadgepelamhnekfghhmml?authuser=0\&hl=en) and click 'Add to Chrome'. The extension will install in your browser and open a welcome page.

{% hint style="info" %}
Even though we keep referring to Chrome for simplicity, the extension is available on all Chromium-based browsers.
{% endhint %}

### Setting up an account

<figure><img src="https://1435593893-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fsa5q8PnIrDhXMesB4ZbZ%2Fuploads%2F3L3Jrgf03YNm3MsrDzZ0%2FZrzut%20ekranu%202024-12-16%20o%2015.08.23.png?alt=media&#x26;token=15ab12d7-7192-4e15-87a0-c2890d100a1e" alt="Account creation screen, allowing you to create a new wallet (account) or import an existing one." width="375"><figcaption><p>The wallet creation screen.</p></figcaption></figure>

You will be asked whether you want to create a new account or import an existing one: either one is fine. Importing an existing account doesn't affect the privacy of your shielded assets in any way.

Assuming you'd like to create a new wallet, you will be prompted for a password (remember to choose a strong one), and see the following screen:

<figure><img src="https://1435593893-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fsa5q8PnIrDhXMesB4ZbZ%2Fuploads%2Fdmi0HLgFGVJwniAPsusl%2FZrzut%20ekranu%202024-12-16%20o%2015.08.59.png?alt=media&#x26;token=39b614ba-baee-4256-8c58-2c67ec6b0325" alt="The success screen after creating a wallet, allowing you to backup your recovery phrase." width="375"><figcaption><p>The success screen, allowing you to backup your seed phrase.</p></figcaption></figure>

We recommend backing up your secret recovery phase, storing it somewhere very safe and **never** sharing it with anyone.

### Done!

<figure><img src="https://1435593893-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fsa5q8PnIrDhXMesB4ZbZ%2Fuploads%2F2wbb7Xw4X4TB1EuzQb3Q%2FZrzut%20ekranu%202024-12-16%20o%2015.09.44.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8674f1d5-a9a2-4002-bd0c-2ceda96a9067" alt="The welcome page of the Common Wallet, displaying the wallet itself and a showcase of Aleph Zero ecosystem apps."><figcaption><p>The first view you see after creating your account!</p></figcaption></figure>

You should see the following screen if everything was successful: just like that, you're ready to shield your assets and use web3 in a private way!

In the next few sections we will see how to shield and transfer the funds.