New to Monero? This guide shows you how to buy XMR quickly (with or without KYC) and send XMR safely from a reputable wallet. We’ll cover wallets, purchase routes (card, BTC→XMR swap, cash), and step-by-step sending—plus privacy tips that fit Monero’s ethos.
Quick Start (TL;DR)
- Install a wallet: Monero.com (Cake), Monerujo (Android), or Stack Wallet.
- Back up your seed phrase (24 words). Never share it. Store offline.
- Buy XMR: Use a no-account swap (e.g., Quickex) if you already have BTC; or use a card/fiat on-ramp (e.g., ChangeNOW).
- Send XMR: Paste/scan recipient address → choose fee → confirm → save the TXID.
Step 1 — Choose a Trusted Monero Wallet
- Monero.com (Cake) — iOS/Android, simple UI, QR send/receive, exchange integrations. Download
- Monerujo — Android-native, power-user features, remote node support. Download
- Stack Wallet — iOS/Android/F-Droid, multi-coin, open source. Download
Tip: On first launch, create a new wallet and write down your seed phrase on paper (not cloud notes or screenshots). Consider setting a strong passcode.
Step 2 — Buy XMR (Multiple Options)
Option A: Swap BTC → XMR (No Account, No KYC)
If you already hold BTC or another crypto, instant swaps are the fastest route:
- Quickex — Direct BTC→XMR pair, clean UI. Editor’s pick for speed + simplicity.
- PegasusSwap — No-KYC swaps, wide coin support.
- ChangeNOW — Fixed/floating rate choices.
- ChangeHero | Exolix | Godex | StealthEX | Swaponix
Compare rates: Trocador • SwapSpace • Swapzone
Option B: Buy with Credit/Debit (Fiat → XMR)
Some on-ramps let you pay by card and receive XMR to your wallet:
- ChangeNOW — Streamlined fiat checkout; fixed/floating rates.
- BitcoinVN — Well-established desk with various payment methods (regional availability applies).
Note: Card purchases often require KYC. If you want to avoid KYC, use the BTC→XMR route (Option A) or cash options (Option C) below.
Option C: Buy XMR with Cash (P2P, No KYC)
- XMRGlobal — No-KYC P2P Monero exchange. Many sellers accept cash-by-mail; the platform frequently opens mail for dispute resolution and may record video for transparency. Always vet counterparties and follow marketplace guidance.
Advanced: Atomic Swaps (Trust-Minimized)
- eigenwallet.org — BTC↔XMR atomic swaps. More technical, but strong privacy.
Step 3 — Send XMR (Step-by-Step)
- Get the recipient’s XMR address (or scan their QR). Prefer subaddresses (start with
8…). - Open your wallet → tap Send → paste/scan the address. Add an optional label for your records.
- Enter amount (XMR). Many wallets let you paste a payment URI that auto-fills amount + address.
- Select fee priority (normal is fine). Higher fee = faster inclusion in the next block (~2 minutes target).
- Double-check first/last characters of the address and the amount. Then confirm.
- Save the TXID. Share it with the recipient if they need to verify.
When is it “final”? For everyday spends, many accept 0–1 confirmations. For full settlement, recipients typically wait ~10 confirmations (~20 minutes).
Best Practices for Privacy & Safety
- Fresh subaddress for each counterparty (your wallet can generate these easily).
- Use your own node or a trusted remote node to avoid leaking metadata during sync.
- Back up your seed phrase offline; consider a second backup copy in a separate location.
- Tor/VPN: Consider Tor for wallet sync and when visiting swap sites.
- Start small: Test with a tiny amount when using a new exchange or recipient.
Troubleshooting
- Wallet shows 0 balance after buying? Ensure your wallet is fully synced. Check the receiving subaddress you used on the order and compare TXIDs.
- Swap delayed? BTC mempool congestion or underpaid BTC fees can slow crediting. Choose a reasonable BTC fee or a fixed-rate order window.
- Recipient can’t see funds? Share the TXID. If they use view-only setups, they may need the TX key to verify a payment on a third-party explorer.
Useful Links
- Wallets: Monero.com (Cake) • Monerujo • Stack Wallet
- Instant swaps (no account): Quickex • PegasusSwap • ChangeNOW • ChangeHero • Exolix • Godex • StealthEX • Swaponix
- Compare rates: Trocador • SwapSpace • Swapzone
- Cash/P2P: XMRGlobal
- Atomic swaps: eigenwallet.org
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate referrals. Do your own research, verify URLs, and consider Tor for additional privacy.
