Bitcoin testnet
The Bitcoin testnet is a blockchain designed specifically for testing Bitcoin transactions without real financial risk. On the testnet, coins have no monetary value and can be easily obtained from websites called testnet faucets, which distribute these coins for free.
Bitcoin isn’t the only blockchain with a testnet. Most blockchains, including Ethereum and Solana, also have testnet environments. Trezor Suite supports testnets for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, providing users a versatile testing platform.
How the Bitcoin testnet works
Unlike Bitcoin, which has a capped supply of 21 million coins, the Testnet has an infinite supply of coins. This ensures that testnet coins remain valueless and readily available for anyone to test Bitcoin operations without risking real assets.
The Bitcoin testnet thrives by offering developers, educators, and businesses a secure and risk-free environment to experiment, learn, and innovate. Mining difficulty is intentionally kept low to ensure that the testnet remains operational and accessible to all users.
How to get Bitcoin testnet coins (testnet faucets)
To get testnet coins, you’ll need to request them from what’s called a faucet. A faucet will send coins to your testnet account for free.
Testnet faucets tend not to stay online for long periods of time, meaning you will most likely need to try several ways in order to get your hands on some testnet coins.
Below are some active testnet faucets which are available at the time of writing:
https://bitcoinfaucet.uo1.net/
Setting up Bitcoin testnet in Trezor Suite
Enabling testnet in Trezor Suite is a simple process and very similar to adding any other account type to your Trezor Suite.
Step 1: Press the plus sign on the left side of the screen to add an account
Step 2: Select your desired testnet and press “Find my testnet accounts”
Step 3: Now, you can use your testnet just like any other blockchain!
Bitcoin testnet FAQs
What can I do with testnet coins?
Testnet coins allow you to experiment with blockchain features without any financial risk. You can:
- Send coins to other wallets
- Test advanced setups like multisig wallets
- Experiment with features such as timelocked addresses
- Explore other blockchain operations, just as you would with real Bitcoin
The testnet provides a risk-free way to practice and develop skills using Bitcoin.
Will testnet coins ever be worth anything?
No, Bitcoin testnet coins will never hold financial value. This is ensured by the testnet’s infinite supply of coins, which anyone can mine freely for testing purposes. Testnet coins exist solely to support experimentation and protocol testing.
Can I mine my own testnet coins?
You can mine testnet coins yourself using Bitcoin Core. You’ll need to be running a full node and have Bitcoin mining hardware before you can mine testnet coins. You can read a full breakdown of the process here.