Vortex Market Registration Guide 2026: Complete Account Setup

1. Prerequisites Checklist

Before registering, ensure you have everything ready. Missing any of these will cause problems later.

2. Accessing Vortex Market Safely

Step 1: Launch Tor Browser

1. Open Tor Browser (not regular Chrome/Firefox)
2. Wait for connection to Tor network (usually 10-30 seconds)
3. Verify "Connected to Tor" message appears
4. Check circuit information if desired (click lock icon)

Step 2: Get Verified Mirror Link

Only use links from trusted sources:

• This wiki: vortex-darknet.wiki/mirrors
• Darknet directories: Dark.fail, Tor.taxi
• Forums: Dread (verified sources only)

Step 3: Verify the URL

Before entering any information:

1. Check URL character-by-character
2. Verify .onion domain ending
3. Look for HTTPS lock (legitimate markets use it)
4. Bookmark verified link for future visits

3. Account Creation Step-by-Step

Once you're on the verified Vortex Market site:

1. Locate Registration Link: Click "Register" or "Sign Up" (usually top right)
2. Accept Terms: Read and accept terms of service
3. Fill Registration Form:
   • Username (see naming guidelines below)
   • Password (see password requirements below)
   • Confirm password
   • 6-digit PIN (for withdrawals)
   • Optional: Referral code
4. Solve CAPTCHA: Complete the verification challenge
5. Submit: Click "Create Account" or equivalent
6. Save Credentials: Immediately store in password manager

4. Username & Password Best Practices

Username Guidelines

Good usernames: xmr_trader_847, shadow_user_2026, anon_buyer_394

Bad usernames:

• Your real name or nickname
• Username from other sites (Reddit, forums)
• Anything identifiable (city, birthday)
• Simple patterns like "user123"

Password Requirements

Example strong password: kP9#mN2$xL7@wR4!vB8%tQ5

Never use:

• Dictionary words in any language
• Keyboard patterns (qwerty, 12345)
• Personal information (birthdates, names)
• Passwords from other accounts
• Anything shorter than 16 characters

PIN Selection

Your 6-digit PIN protects withdrawals. Choose wisely:

• Not your birthday or anniversary
• Not repeating digits (111111, 123456)
• Not easily guessable patterns
• Store separately from password

5. Adding Your PGP Public Key

PGP is mandatory for secure communication on Vortex Market. Without it, you cannot receive encrypted messages from vendors.

Step-by-Step PGP Configuration

1. Log into your new account
2. Navigate to Settings or Profile
3. Find Security Settings or PGP Key section
4. Open your PGP software (Kleopatra, GPG Keychain)
5. Export your PUBLIC key (not private!)
6. Copy the entire key block including:

   -----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
   [key data]
   -----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----

7. Paste into the PGP field on Vortex Market
8. Click Save or Update
9. Verify the key fingerprint displays correctly

Common PGP Setup Mistakes

• Uploading private key: Fatal error - generate new key immediately
• Incomplete copy: Missing BEGIN/END lines causes errors
• Wrong key format: Ensure ASCII-armored export (not binary)
• Expired key: Check expiration date before uploading

Full PGP instructions: PGP Encryption Tutorial

6. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

2FA adds a second layer of security. Even if someone gets your password, they can't access your account without the second factor.

Option A: TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password)

Most user-friendly option. Works with standard authenticator apps.

1. Navigate to Settings > Security > 2FA
2. Select TOTP/Authenticator option
3. Scan QR code with your authenticator app:
   • Authy (recommended - cloud backup)
   • Google Authenticator
   • Aegis (Android, open-source)
   • Microsoft Authenticator
4. Enter the 6-digit code shown in app
5. Click Verify and Enable
6. Critical: Write down backup codes on paper

Option B: PGP 2FA (Most Secure)

Uses your PGP key for authentication. More secure but requires decryption each login.

1. Navigate to Settings > Security > 2FA
2. Select PGP 2FA option
3. Vortex Market displays an encrypted challenge message
4. Copy the encrypted message
5. Decrypt using your PGP private key
6. Enter the decrypted code
7. Click Verify

TOTP vs PGP 2FA Comparison

7. Security Settings Configuration

Beyond 2FA, configure these additional security options:

Essential Settings

Optional Security Enhancements

• Custom login phrase: Some markets let you set a phrase that displays on legitimate login pages
• Withdrawal address whitelist: Pre-approve addresses for withdrawals
• Withdrawal delay: Add cooling-off period for large withdrawals

8. First Deposit Guide

With security configured, you're ready to fund your account.

Deposit Steps

1. Navigate to Wallet > Deposit
2. Select cryptocurrency (XMR strongly recommended)
3. Copy your unique deposit address
4. Open your Monero wallet
5. Send desired amount to the deposit address
6. Wait for confirmations (10 blocks for XMR = ~20 minutes)
7. Balance updates automatically

First Deposit Tips

• Start small: Deposit only what you need for first purchase
• Test the process: Send small amount first to verify address works
• From personal wallet: Never deposit directly from exchange
• Check fees: Market may have minimum deposit requirements

9. Account Verification Process

Some features require account verification. Here's what may be needed:

Most buyer features unlock after basic verification. Vendor status requires additional steps detailed in our Vendor Guide.

10. Post-Registration Security Checklist

After completing registration, verify everything is configured correctly:

Ongoing Security Practices

• Always verify URL before logging in
• Log out after each session (never leave logged in)
• Clear Tor Browser after each session
• Change password every 3-6 months
• Monitor login history for unauthorized access
• Keep PGP key secure and backed up
• Never share credentials with anyone (including "support")

11. Common Registration Issues & Solutions

"Username already taken"

Solution: Choose different username. Add numbers or underscores for uniqueness.

"Password too weak"

Solution: Use password manager to generate 20+ character password with mixed characters.

"CAPTCHA failed"

Solution: Refresh and try again. Enable JavaScript in Tor Browser if disabled. Clear cookies and retry.

"Registration page won't load"

Solution: Try different Vortex mirror. Check Tor connection. Wait a few minutes and retry.

"PGP key not accepted"

Solution: Verify you copied entire key including BEGIN/END lines. Check key isn't expired. Ensure ASCII-armored format.

"2FA code rejected"

Solution: Check device time is synced correctly. Wait for new code generation. Verify you're using correct account in authenticator.

"Deposit not appearing"

Solution: Wait for required confirmations (10 for XMR). Verify correct address was used. Check transaction on blockchain. Contact support with transaction hash if needed.