> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tokenlayer.network/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Testnet Guide

> Test Token Layer features on testnet before using mainnet

## Overview

Token Layer provides a full-featured testnet environment where you can practice creating tokens, trading, and using all platform features without risking real funds.

## Accessing Testnet

Visit the testnet application at:

<Card title="Token Layer Testnet" icon="flask" href="https://app-testnet.tokenlayer.network">
  **[https://app-testnet.tokenlayer.network](https://app-testnet.tokenlayer.network)**
</Card>

## Supported Testnet Networks

Token Layer testnet supports multiple test networks:

### Active Testnets

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Base Sepolia" icon="link">
    Ethereum L2 testnet

    * Chain ID: 84532
    * Stablecoin: USDTL (18 decimals)
    * DEX: Uniswap V3
  </Card>

  <Card title="BNB Testnet" icon="link">
    BNB Smart Chain testnet

    * Chain ID: 97
    * Stablecoin: USDTL (18 decimals)
    * DEX: PancakeSwap
  </Card>

  <Card title="Solana Devnet" icon="link">
    Solana test network

    * Stablecoin: USDC (6 decimals)
    * DEX: Meteora
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Getting Testnet Tokens

### 1. Get Native Tokens (Gas)

You need native tokens for gas fees:

**Base Sepolia ETH:**

* [Coinbase Faucet](https://portal.cdp.coinbase.com/products/faucet)
* [Alchemy Faucet](https://sepoliafaucet.com/)

**BNB Testnet BNB:**

* [BNB Chain Faucet](https://testnet.bnbchain.org/faucet-smart)

**Solana Devnet SOL:**

* Use Solana CLI: `solana airdrop 2`
* [Solana Faucet](https://faucet.solana.com/)

### 2. Get Test Stablecoins

Token Layer provides a faucet to mint test stablecoins (USDTL):

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect Wallet">
    Connect your wallet to testnet at [app-testnet.tokenlayer.network](https://app-testnet.tokenlayer.network)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Faucet">
    Find the "Faucet" or "Get Test USDTL" option in the interface
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Network">
    Choose which testnet you want USDTL on (Base Sepolia, BNB Testnet, etc.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Mint Tokens">
    Click "Mint" to receive test stablecoins in your wallet
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  You can mint up to 10,000 USDTL per request. If you need more, simply use the faucet multiple times.
</Tip>

### API Faucet Access

You can also mint test tokens via API:

<Card title="Mint USD Testnet Tokens API" icon="code" href="/api-reference/utilities/mint-usd-testnet-tokens">
  Programmatically mint test stablecoins
</Card>

## Testing Features

### Creating Test Tokens

Practice token creation on testnet:

1. Go to [app-testnet.tokenlayer.network](https://app-testnet.tokenlayer.network)
2. Click "Create Token"
3. Fill in token details (use test data)
4. Deploy on your chosen testnet
5. Experiment with different launchpad settings

See [How to Launch Tokens](/onboarding/launch-tokens) for detailed steps.

### Trading Test Tokens

Test the trading experience:

1. Browse or search for test tokens
2. Practice buying with test USDTL
3. Try selling tokens back
4. Experiment with different trade sizes
5. Observe price impact and slippage

See [How to Trade](/onboarding/trade) for detailed trading instructions.

### Testing API Integration

Test your API integration on testnet:

```javascript theme={null}
// Example: Test API call on testnet
const response = await fetch('https://api.tokenlayer.network/get-tokens', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}`,
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    filter: 'trending',
    testnet: true  // Flag for testnet data
  })
});
```

## Testnet vs Mainnet Differences

### What's the Same

✅ Full token creation flow
✅ Complete trading functionality
✅ Portfolio tracking
✅ Fee calculations
✅ API endpoints and responses
✅ User interface and experience

### What's Different

⚠️ No real value (all tokens are test tokens)
⚠️ May have different liquidity profiles
⚠️ Testnet-specific contract addresses
⚠️ Separate user accounts/data from mainnet

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Test Thoroughly" icon="microscope">
    Test all features you plan to use before mainnet
  </Card>

  <Card title="Simulate Real Scenarios" icon="sitemap">
    Use realistic token parameters and trade sizes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Save Contract Addresses" icon="bookmark">
    Note that testnet addresses differ from mainnet
  </Card>

  <Card title="Document Issues" icon="file-text">
    Report any issues you find to help improve the platform
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Testnet Limitations

<Warning>
  Testnet has the same risk disclosures as mainnet. While using test funds, the smart contracts are still pre-audit. See [Risks](/risks) for details.
</Warning>

**Known Limitations:**

* Testnet may be slower than mainnet
* Faucets have rate limits
* Data may be periodically wiped
* Not all mainnet features may be available

## Transitioning to Mainnet

Once you're comfortable on testnet:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Switch to Mainnet">
    Navigate to [tokenlayer.network](https://tokenlayer.network)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use Real Funds">
    Ensure you have real stablecoins and gas tokens
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update API URLs">
    Point your API integration to mainnet endpoints
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Small">
    Begin with small amounts on mainnet before scaling up
  </Step>
</Steps>

## API Testing

All API endpoints work on testnet using the same base URL. Include testnet chain identifiers:

* `base-sepolia` instead of `base`
* `bnb-testnet` instead of `bnb`
* `solana-devnet` instead of `solana`

Example:

```json theme={null}
{
  "chainSlug": "base-sepolia",
  "tokenId": "test-token-id"
}
```

## Need Help?

Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner for testnet support.