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

# Quickstart

> Get started with SHIELD in under 5 minutes

# Quickstart

Get up and running with SHIELD in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through creating your first secure link.

## Prerequisites

You'll need:

* A web3 wallet (MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Rainbow, etc.)
* Some ETH on Base (for gas fees when creating policies)

## Step 1: Connect Your Wallet

1. Go to [app.shieldhq.xyz](https://app.shieldhq.xyz)
2. Click "Connect Wallet" in the top right
3. Select your wallet and approve the connection
4. Sign the SIWE (Sign-In with Ethereum) message

<Note>
  SIWI is a secure way to authenticate using your wallet. You're not spending any ETH, just proving ownership of your address.
</Note>

## Step 2: Create Your First Secure Link

1. Open the Shield dApp

2. Choose your content type:
   * **File**: Upload any file (images, documents, etc.)
   * **Message**: Type a text message

3. Set access conditions:
   * **Recipient**: Enter the wallet address of who can access this
   * **Expiration**: Choose when the link expires
   * **Max Attempts**: Set how many times it can be accessed

4. Click "Generate Link" and approve the transaction

<Warning>
  **Important**: The secure link containing the decryption key is only shown once. Copy it immediately and store it safely. If you lose it, you cannot recover it—not even the SHIELD team can help.
</Warning>

## Step 3: Share the Link

Send the secure link to your recipient through any channel (email, DM, etc.). The link looks like:

```
https://app.shieldhq.xyz/r/policyId#def456
```

The part after `#` is the decryption key. It's never sent to any server.

## Step 4: Monitor Access

Visit your [Profile](https://app.shieldhq.xyz/profile) to:

* See all your created links
* Check access attempt logs
* Revoke links early if needed

## What's Next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Learn the Details" icon="book" href="/user-guide/creating-secure-links">
    Deep dive into all features and options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understand Security" icon="shield" href="/architecture/trust-model">
    Learn how SHIELD keeps your data safe
  </Card>
</CardGroup>