> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zer0.build/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zer0.build/advanced-features/running-a-mixnode.md).

# Running a Mixnode

Virtual Mixnodes are browser-run Zer0 Nodes that power privacy-preserving compute workloads directly from your zer0 browser. They're the entry point to the Zer0 DePIN network with low barrier and consistent yields.

***

## 🎯 Quick Overview

| Parameter         | Details                                          |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **What**          | Browser-run node processing zk-compute workloads |
| **Minimum Stake** | 5,000 $ZER0                                      |
| **Base APY**      | 15%                                              |
| **Compute Fees**  | +3-5% (from query processing)                    |
| **Lock Period**   | 6 or 12 months                                   |
| **Requirements**  | zer0 browser, stable internet, 95%+ uptime       |

***

## 🚀 Getting Started

### Step 1: Accumulate $ZER0

You need at least 5,000 $ZER0 to activate a Virtual Mixnode:

* **Browse to earn:** 0.13 $ZER0/min of active browsing
* **Purchase:** Available on Meteora (Contract: `Cf9hZDWdJsQPrt9q8yrTcyc9PSDmQUyXktHz6rFu8amJ`)
* **Auto-stake option:** Enable 70% auto-stake from earnings

### Step 2: Activate Your Node

1. Open zer0 browser
2. Go to **Menu → Nodes → Virtual Mixnode**
3. Click **"Activate Node"**
4. Enter stake amount (min 5,000 $ZER0)
5. Select lock period:
   * **6 months:** 15% base APY
   * **12 months:** 18-22% APY + 5% bonus + guild priority
6. Confirm transaction
7. Receive your **Node License NFT**

### Step 3: Start Earning

Your node immediately begins processing workloads:

* **zk-agent offloads** from browser users
* **Oracle queries** for DeFi protocols
* **Enterprise data processing** (anonymized)
* **Bridge verification** for cross-chain transactions

***

## 💰 Earnings Breakdown

### Revenue Streams

| Source           | Rate              | Description                         |
| ---------------- | ----------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| **Base APY**     | 15%               | Guaranteed minimum yield            |
| **Compute Fees** | $0.01-$0.05/query | Per zk-workload processed           |
| **Ad Subsidies** | 10% of 10x CPM    | Treasury allocation to active nodes |
| **Guild Boosts** | +5-10%            | For high-uptime nodes in DAOs       |

### Projected Monthly Earnings

| Stake  | Lock Period | Base | Fees | Total APY | Monthly   |
| ------ | ----------- | ---- | ---- | --------- | --------- |
| 5,000  | 6 months    | 15%  | +3%  | \~18%     | 75 $ZER0  |
| 5,000  | 12 months   | 18%  | +5%  | \~23%     | 96 $ZER0  |
| 10,000 | 12 months   | 22%  | +5%  | \~27%     | 225 $ZER0 |

### At Scale (5M Users)

| Stake        | Monthly Yield | Annual Yield  |
| ------------ | ------------- | ------------- |
| 5,000 $ZER0  | $125–$250     | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 10,000 $ZER0 | $250–$500     | $3,000–$6,000 |

***

## ⚙️ Technical Requirements

| Requirement   | Minimum               | Recommended           |
| ------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- |
| **Browser**   | zer0 (latest version) | zer0 (latest version) |
| **CPU**       | 2 cores               | 4+ cores              |
| **RAM**       | 4 GB                  | 8 GB                  |
| **Storage**   | 10 GB                 | 20 GB                 |
| **Bandwidth** | 5 Mbps                | 10+ Mbps              |
| **Uptime**    | 95%                   | 99%+                  |

**Supported Platforms:**

* Windows 10+
* macOS 10.13+
* Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 10+)

***

## 🔒 Vesting & Penalties

### Lock Period Benefits

| Period        | Base APY | Bonus | Guild Priority  |
| ------------- | -------- | ----- | --------------- |
| **6 months**  | 15%      | —     | Standard        |
| **12 months** | 18-22%   | +5%   | Priority access |

### Early Unstake Penalties

| Vest Progress | Burn Penalty |
| ------------- | ------------ |
| < 50%         | 10%          |
| 50-75%        | 7%           |
| 75-100%       | 5%           |

**Exit fees:** 2% burn + 1% to growth fund (finances new data centers)

***

## 🎫 Node License NFT

Upon activation, you receive a transferable Node License NFT:

* **Format:** "Zer0 Node License #1234"
* **Cliff Period:** 3 months before transfer enabled
* **Secondary Markets:** Trade on Magic Eden
* **Inheritance:** Buyers get your yield position but must maintain stake

***

## 🏛️ Upgrading to Physical Nodes

Want higher yields? Consider upgrading to a Physical Node:

| Feature                  | Virtual Mixnode | Physical Node     |
| ------------------------ | --------------- | ----------------- |
| **Minimum Stake**        | 5,000 $ZER0     | 10,000 $ZER0      |
| **Base APY**             | 15%             | 18-22%            |
| **Hardware**             | Your browser    | zer0 data centers |
| **Enterprise Workloads** | Limited         | Priority access   |
| **Guild Eligibility**    | Standard        | Priority          |

**Apply:** Menu → Nodes → Physical Application (KYC required)

***

## ❓ FAQ

<details>

<summary>Can I run multiple Virtual Mixnodes?</summary>

Yes! Each additional stake creates a new node. There's no maximum, and you can run multiple nodes from the same browser.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens if my browser closes?</summary>

Your node pauses and rewards stop accruing for compute fees (base APY continues). Uptime below 95% weekly reduces that week's bonus earnings.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I stake from mobile?</summary>

Not currently. Virtual Mixnodes require desktop/laptop. Mobile staking is planned for future releases.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I join a Guild?</summary>

Go to Menu → Guilds to browse available DAOs. Joining a guild pools your stake with others for +40% extra fees and enhanced voting power.

</details>

***

## 📚 Learn More

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zer0 Nodes</strong></td><td>Complete guide to all node types</td><td><a href="/pages/Gwbg0bdBeooitST0K79n">/pages/Gwbg0bdBeooitST0K79n</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Staking Guide</strong></td><td>Detailed staking mechanics</td><td><a href="/pages/kn9DnwG5SbEQp4Hf7Snh">/pages/kn9DnwG5SbEQp4Hf7Snh</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>The Flywheel</strong></td><td>How nodes power the economy</td><td><a href="/pages/hvljpeTiiooAvwVXqlS6">/pages/hvljpeTiiooAvwVXqlS6</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

{% hint style="success" %}
**Ready to run a mixnode?** Open zer0 browser and go to **Menu → Nodes → Virtual Mixnode** to get started!
{% endhint %}


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