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Complete Beginner's Guide

Master RetoSwap
in a few steps

Detailed guide to buy and sell Monero (XMR) anonymously, securely, and in a decentralized way.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to jump directly to it

1

What is RetoSwap?

Understanding the basics of this decentralized exchange platform

RetoSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that allows you to buy and sell Monero (XMR) anonymously and securely.

💡 Key point

RetoSwap is not a website or a centralized service. It's software that you install on your computer and that connects to other users to facilitate trades.

Feature Description
Type Peer-to-peer (P2P) software to install
Blockchain Based on Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency
Network Uses Tor for anonymous connection
Fund control Non-custodial (you keep full control)
Fees Competitive low fees (0.1% maker / 0.5-1% taker)

How does it work?

// Simplified diagram of how it works

You (with RetoSwap) ←→ Tor Network ←→ Other user
                                    
                      No central intermediary
2

Why use RetoSwap?

The advantages of a decentralized platform

🔒

Maximum privacy

No identity verification (KYC). Connection via Tor. Transactions in Monero on a private blockchain.

💰

Full control

Your cryptocurrencies stay in your wallet. RetoSwap cannot block or seize your funds.

🌐

Decentralization

No central server that can be shut down. The network works as long as users are using it.

🎁

Low fees

Competitive trading fees: 0.1% for makers, 0.5% for crypto takers, 1% for fiat takers.

💳

Multiple payments

SEPA, ACH, PayPal, Cash App, cash by mail, and other cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT...).

🛡️

Secure by design

Open-source, mandatory security deposit, built-in arbitration system for disputes.

3

Requirements before starting

What you need to use RetoSwap

Item Required Description
Computer ✓ Yes Windows, Mac or Linux
Internet connection ✓ Yes Preferably stable
Disk space ✓ Yes ~2-5 GB for software and data
Payment account ✓ Yes Depending on chosen method (bank, PayPal...)
Monero (XMR) ✗ No* *"Zero deposit" offers exist for beginners

📚 Basic vocabulary

P2P (Peer-to-Peer)
Direct exchange between two people, without intermediary
XMR
Monero symbol
Maker
Person who creates an offer
Taker
Person who accepts an existing offer
4

Download and Installation

Install RetoSwap on your computer

Step 1: Download RetoSwap

Go to the official website: retoswap.com

System File to download
Windows haveno-v1.2.2-windows-x86_64-installer.exe
Mac (Intel) haveno-v1.2.2-macos-x86_64-installer.dmg
Mac (Apple Silicon) haveno-v1.2.2-macos-aarch64-installer.dmg
Linux .AppImage, .deb, .rpm or .flatpak

Step 2: Install the software

🪟 Installation on Windows
+
  1. Double-click the downloaded .exe file
  2. If Windows Defender shows a warning, click "More info" then "Run anyway"
  3. Follow the installation wizard
  4. Choose the installation folder (or keep the default)
  5. Click "Install"
🍎 Installation on Mac
+
  1. Double-click the .dmg file
  2. Drag the RetoSwap icon to the Applications folder
  3. On first launch, right-click → "Open"
  4. Confirm that you want to open the application
🐧 Installation on Linux
+
# Make the file executable
chmod +x haveno-v1.2.2-linux-x86_64.AppImage

# Launch the application
./haveno-v1.2.2-linux-x86_64.AppImage
5

First launch and setup

What happens on first startup

1

Connecting to Tor network

RetoSwap automatically starts a Tor connection. This can take 1-3 minutes. An indicator shows progress.

2

Creating a Monero wallet

A Monero wallet is created automatically. IMPORTANT: Write down and save your recovery phrase (seed phrase)!

3

Synchronization

The software syncs with the network. First synchronization can take 10-30 minutes.

⚠️ Critical backup

When creating your account, you will receive a recovery phrase (usually 25 words). This phrase is the only way to recover your funds if you lose access to your computer.

  • Write this phrase on paper (not on computer)
  • Keep it in a safe place
  • NEVER share it with anyone
6

Understanding the interface

Navigating the RetoSwap application

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  [Logo]                          [Tor Connection] [Balance]  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                             │
│  SIDE MENU             │       MAIN AREA                  │
│  ─────────────         │       ────────────────             │
│  • Market              │                                    │
│  • Buy XMR             │   List of available offers         │
│  • Sell XMR            │   or your trade details            │
│  • Wallet              │                                    │
│  • Account             │                                    │
│  • Settings            │                                    │
│                        │                                    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Section Description
Market Overview of all available offers
Buy XMR Offers to buy Monero
Sell XMR Offers to sell Monero
Wallet Your balance and transaction history
Account Your trading profiles (payment accounts)
Settings Application configuration
7

Create a trading profile

Configure your payment methods

Before you can trade, you need to create at least one trading profile. This is a configuration that defines the payment method you use.

Example: Create a SEPA profile

1

Go to the "Account" section

Click on "Account" in the side menu

2

Click on "Add new account"

A creation form appears

3

Select the method: "SEPA"

Choose from the dropdown list

4

Fill in the information

Account name, holder, IBAN, BIC/SWIFT

5

Save

Your profile is ready to use

💳 Available payment methods

🏦

Bank transfers

SEPA (Europe), ACH (United States), National transfers

📱

Payment apps

PayPal, Cash App, Revolut, Zelle, and others...

💵

Cash

Cash by mail, Face to face (F2F)

Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash

8

How to buy Monero (XMR)

Step-by-step guide to acquire XMR

Method 1: Take an existing offer (Taker)

This is the simplest method for beginners.

1

Go to "Buy XMR"

In the side menu, click on this option

2

Filter offers

Select your currency (EUR, USD...) and your payment method

3

Select an offer

Check the price, limits, and seller's reputation

4

Take the offer

Enter the amount and confirm

5

Make the payment

Follow the instructions and mark the payment as sent

6

Receive your XMR

Once the seller confirms, XMR arrives in your wallet

🆓 Zero deposit offers

If you don't have XMR for the security deposit yet, look for "zero deposit" offers. Contact the seller to receive the passphrase that will allow you to take the offer.

9

How to sell Monero (XMR)

Guide to sell your XMR for fiat or crypto currencies

📋 Requirements
  • Have XMR in your RetoSwap wallet
  • Have created at least one trading profile
1

Go to "Sell XMR"

Access the sell section from the menu

2

Choose your method

Option A: Take an existing buy offer
Option B: Create your own sell offer

3

Wait for payment

The buyer sends payment according to instructions

4

Confirm receipt

Verify that payment has arrived, then confirm in the application

5

Automatic release

XMR is automatically transferred to the buyer

10

Security and dispute resolution

Protect yourself and resolve problems

🔐 Security deposit system

The security deposit protects both parties by locking an amount until the trade is complete.

Buyer                            Seller
   │                                  │
   │  Deposits X% in XMR             │  Deposits XMR + guarantee
   │                                  │
   └──────────────┐    ┌──────────────┘
                  ▼    ▼
          ┌─────────────────────┐
          │  2/3 Contract       │
          │  Multi-signature    │
          └─────────────────────┘
                      │
            Trade successful? → Funds released
            Problem? → Arbitration

⚖️ Arbitration process

In case of dispute, a community arbitrator examines the evidence and decides on fund distribution.

✅ Best practices

Do

  • Back up your seed phrase offline
  • Verify details before confirming
  • Keep proof of payment
  • Keep the software updated

Don't

  • Share your seed phrase
  • Confirm a payment not received
  • Ignore red flags
  • Use public WiFi
🚨 Red flags to watch for
  • Partner who refuses to communicate
  • Request for payment to a different account
  • Pressure to confirm quickly
  • Prices too good to be true
11

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Answers to the most common questions

Is RetoSwap legal?
+
RetoSwap is open-source software. Using it to exchange cryptocurrencies is legal in most countries, but you are responsible for complying with the laws of your jurisdiction.
Do I need to verify my identity (KYC)?
+
No. RetoSwap does not require any identity verification. It's decentralized software that doesn't have the ability to verify identities.
How long does a transaction take?
+
It depends on the payment method: cryptocurrencies (a few minutes), SEPA (1-3 days), ACH (3-5 days), PayPal/Revolut (almost instant).
Can I use RetoSwap on my phone?
+
No, currently RetoSwap is only available on desktop computers (Windows, Mac, Linux).
What happens if the other party stops responding?
+
Open a dispute. The arbitrator will examine the situation and make a decision based on the available evidence.
What are RetoSwap's fees?
+
RetoSwap charges competitive low fees: 0.1% for makers, 0.5% for crypto takers, and 1% for fiat takers. These fees support both Monero and Haveno ecosystem development.
12

Glossary

Definitions of technical terms

Arbitrator
Person who resolves disputes between traders
DEX
Decentralized Exchange
Security deposit
Amount locked to guarantee honesty of parties
KYC
Know Your Customer - Identity verification
Maker
Creator of a trade offer
Monero (XMR)
Privacy-focused cryptocurrency
Non-custodial
You keep full control of your funds
P2P
Peer-to-Peer - Direct exchange between users
Seed phrase
Recovery phrase (usually 25 words)
Taker
Person who accepts an existing offer
Tor
Anonymous network to mask your connection
Haveno
Open-source protocol on which RetoSwap is based