> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blockmsg.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Get started with blockmsg in 5 minutes

## Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="EVM Wallet" icon="wallet">
    MetaMask, Rainbow, or any EVM-compatible wallet
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test ETH" icon="coins">
    Some test ETH for gas fees (we're on testnet)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Step 1: Connect Your Wallet

Navigate to [blockmsg.xyz](https://blockmsg.xyz) and click **Connect Wallet**.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Connect">
    Click the "Connect Wallet" button in the top right corner
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Wallet">
    Choose your wallet provider (MetaMask, WalletConnect, etc.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve Connection">
    Approve the connection request in your wallet
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2: Start a Conversation

Once connected, you're ready to send your first encrypted message!

<Steps>
  <Step title="New Message">
    Click the **+** button in the sidebar to start a new direct message
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Address">
    Enter the wallet address of the person you want to message
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send Message">
    Type your message and hit send. It will be encrypted on-chain!
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Enable Self-Destruct (Optional)

Want your message to disappear after a certain time?

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Timer">
    Click "Enable self-destructing messages" above the message input
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Duration">
    Choose a timer: 5 minutes, 1 hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, or 7 days
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send">
    Send your message. It will automatically delete after the timer expires!
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Once a message self-destructs, it becomes permanently unreadable. The encrypted data remains on-chain but the contract will no longer allow decryption. Make sure you've read important messages before they expire!
</Warning>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="How it Works" icon="lock" href="/how-it-works">
    Understand the encryption technology behind blockmsg
  </Card>

  <Card title="Features" icon="sparkles" href="/features/encrypted-messaging">
    Explore all blockmsg features
  </Card>
</CardGroup>