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Cardano Testnet Guide

This is a simple “all-in-one” cheat sheet for Cardano Testnet.
Perfect if you’re new to it or only use it occasionally.

1️⃣ What Testnets Does Cardano Have?​

In the Cardano ecosystem, the commonly used networks are:

✅ Mainnet​

  • Real ADA
  • Real value
  • Production environment

✅ Preprod​

  • Very close to Mainnet
  • Commonly used before projects go live
  • Network magic: 1

✅ Preview​

  • Faster upgrade cycle
  • Used for testing new features
  • Network magic: 2

Simple rule:

  • Want something close to Mainnet? → Use Preprod
  • Want to test new features? → Use Preview

2️⃣ Testnet Faucet​

Test ADA is not bought — it’s requested from a Faucet.

Testnet ADA Faucet Address

You must use the Faucet that matches your network:

  • Preview Faucet → for Preview network
  • Preprod Faucet → for Preprod network

⚠️ Important:

Always use the Faucet that matches your wallet network.

Common mistake:

  • Request ADA from Preview Faucet
  • Check balance in a Preprod wallet

Result: balance = 0.

3️⃣ One Recovery Phrase Works for Preview / Preprod / Mainnet​

This is something many people misunderstand.

Technically:

  • One recovery phrase
  • Can generate Mainnet addresses
  • And also generate Preview / Preprod addresses

The difference is just the network ID.

But here’s the important part:

If you hold real assets on Mainnet, you must protect your recovery phrase — even when using Testnet.

Do NOT lower your security standards just because it’s Testnet.

Especially:

  • Never enter your recovery phrase on random testing websites
  • Never store it as a screenshot
  • Never use suspicious browser extensions

Testnet ADA has no value.
Your recovery phrase absolutely does.

4️⃣ Preprod / Preview Explorer Websites​

You cannot mix networks when searching transactions.

Always use the correct explorer for the correct network.

Cardanoscan​

Cexplorer​

Reminder:

  • Double-check whether you are on Preview or Preprod.
  • Mainnet transaction hashes will NOT show up on Testnet explorers.

5️⃣ Network Magic​

If you are using cardano-cli or developing, you must specify the correct network magic.

–testnet-magic 1      # Preprod
–testnet-magic 2      # Preview

Mainnet magic: 764824073

For Mainnet, usually just use:

–mainnet

If you use the wrong magic number, you will connect to the wrong chain.

6️⃣ Testnet Wallet Setup​

Different wallets handle Testnet differently.

Some allow switching networks inside settings.
Some provide separate versions.

NUFI​

NUFI does NOT allow switching networks inside the same extension.

Instead:

  • One version for Mainnet
  • A separate version for Testnet

Install the Testnet version here:

https://support.nu.fi/support/solutions/articles/80001042133-nufi-testnet-extension-installation

Simple rule:

Want to use Testnet? Install the Testnet version.

Final Reminders

  • Mainnet and Testnet are completely separate
  • Assets do NOT transfer between them
  • Choosing the wrong network is the most common mistake
  • Treat your recovery phrase seriously — even on Testnet

You can think of Testnet as a “practice field,”
but your recovery phrase is always “real money level” sensitive.