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Viewer Wallet Guide

Tessera uses Circle's User-Controlled Wallets (UCW) to provide viewers with a non-custodial, secure, and fast payment experience directly from their browser. You don't need to install any browser extensions or manage seed phrases.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how viewers create their wallet, fund it, and withdraw their balance.

1. Creating Your Wallet

When you visit a premium stream or click the tipping button, the Tessera paywall will ask you to sign in with a PIN. If you do not have a wallet yet, the system will automatically guide you through the quick process of creating one.

Follow these steps to set up your wallet in seconds:

Step 1 - Sign in with PIN

Click Sign in with PIN (or Enable Tipping). This will automatically initialize a secure connection to Circle's wallet system.

Step 2 - Create PIN

Choose a secure 6-digit PIN. This PIN encrypts your wallet and is required to approve sessions, deposits, or cashing out. Do not lose this PIN, as it cannot be reset.

Step 3 - Confirm PIN

Re-enter the 6-digit PIN you just created to verify and confirm it matches.

Step 4 - Recovery Method

Configure your wallet recovery method. This allows you to restore access to your wallet if you switch browsers or devices.

Step 5 - Recovery Questions

Set and answer your security recovery questions. Keep these answers in a safe place.

Step 6 - Accept and Complete

Read the terms, type "I agree" in the input field, and click the confirmation button to complete the wallet setup.

2. Funding & Depositing

Tessera runs on the Arc network for sub-second, gas-free payments. To fund your session, you need USDC on your Arc wallet.

Once your wallet is created, the funding panel will open:

Funding Panel Options

  1. Your Arc Wallet Address: This is your unique address on the Arc network. You can copy it using the clipboard icon.
  2. Bridge from another chain: Select this to transfer USDC from other networks (Ethereum Sepolia, Base Sepolia, Arbitrum Sepolia).
  3. Get test USDC (Faucet): Click this to get free test USDC sent directly to your Arc wallet.

How to use the Faucet (Direct Funding)

Show Faucet Step-by-Step

This is the easiest way to fund your wallet. Click the Faucet link to open Circle's testnet faucet:

Circle Faucet Request

  1. Copy your Arc Wallet Address from the Tessera overlay.
  2. Paste your address in the Wallet Address input field.
  3. Under Network, select Arc Testnet to receive the funds directly.

How to use the Bridge (CCTP)

Show Bridge Step-by-Step

If you already have USDC on other testnets, you can bridge them to Arc:

CCTP Bridge Selector

  1. Select the chain where you currently have testnet USDC.
  2. Enter the amount to bridge.
  3. Click the bridge button and approve the transactions in MetaMask.

3. Cashing Out (Withdrawing)

Unlike traditional subscriptions, Tessera only bills you for the exact seconds you watch. When you decide to leave, you have two options:

Just Leave options

  • Just Leave (Pause Billing): Clicking Just Leave stops the billing timer. Your remaining balance stays safely in your Tessera session balance, ready for the next time you watch.

  • Cash Out & Exit: If you want your remaining funds returned, click Cash Out & Exit.

    Cash Out Button

    The system will batch settle your session, pay the creator, and automatically transfer all your unused USDC back to your personal wallet. You will see a confirmation modal with a direct link to Arcscan to verify your on-chain transaction.

    Cash Out Modal