Why is the Lightning Network unavailable in the ZBD App for EU users, and what are the alternatives?
The unavailability of the Lightning Network for EU-based ZBD accounts is a result of compliance with regional regulations. All EU accounts have been migrated to a dedicated ZBD EU entity to meet the required legal standards, which prohibits the use of the Lightning Network for transactions such as sending or receiving sats, withdrawing via Lightning addresses, or creating Lightning invoices.
Impact on Features within the ZBD App
If you are an EU-based user, the following Lightning Network features are unavailable:
Sending and receiving sats using the Lightning Network
Creating or using Lightning invoices
Accessing Lightning wallets or Lightning addresses
These changes mean that users located in the EU will no longer see Lightning Network options such as "Send Sats," "Receive Sats," or "Copy Invoice" in their ZBD app interface.
Alternative Options Available for EU Users
While the Lightning Network features are no longer available, EU-based users have several alternatives for withdrawing or utilizing their earned sats:
Withdraw to Supported Exchanges: You can withdraw your Bitcoin earnings by transferring them to an external exchange wallet. Here’s how:
Open the ZBD app.
Locate and tap the "Transfer Bitcoin" button.
Enter the details of your external exchange account. Popular supported exchanges include:
Coinbase
Kraken
Bitfinex
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer process. This method allows you to move your Bitcoin to an exchange for further transactions, such as converting it to fiat currency or trading.
Purchase Gift Cards via Bitrefill: Another convenient option is to use the Bitrefill service directly in the ZBD app to buy gift cards. Here’s how:
Open the ZBD app.
Navigate to the Bitrefill feature within the app.
Select the retailer or service of your choice.
Use your Bitcoin earnings to purchase gift cards. This option provides a flexible way to spend your Bitcoin earnings on shopping, entertainment, and more. Additional Tips:
Choose the option that best suits your needs (e.g., transferring to an exchange for fiat conversion or purchasing gift cards for direct spending).
Always double-check the details entered for external wallets to ensure smooth transfers.
Remaining Features for EU Users
Although Lightning Network support is no longer available, the ZBD app still offers the following functionalities for EU users:
Gaming and Rewards: Participate in games and continue to earn sats as rewards within the app.
Account Management: Manage your funds and take advantage of integrated features like fiat withdrawals or purchasing gift cards.
Summary
The removal of Lightning Network features in the ZBD app for EU users is due to regional regulatory compliance and the migration of accounts to the ZBD EU entity. While some functionalities are restricted, alternatives like withdrawing to supported exchanges and using Bitrefill for purchases are still available. Additionally, users can continue earning sats by playing games within the app. For any further questions or assistance, you can refer to ZBD’s support resources.