Bitcoin testnet
Trezor Suite now supports Testnet4. For more information about this, please scroll down to the section called Testnet4.
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 testing 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.
The Bitcoin testnet is not an exact replica of the Bitcoin mainnet. Differences in tokenomics, mining difficulty, and relaxed rules make it easier to mine blocks and keep the network accessible.
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 often go offline, so you may need to try a few.
Here are some currently active options:
Setting up Bitcoin testnet in Trezor Suite
Enabling testnet in Trezor Suite is simple:
Step 1: Click the ➕ icon on the left panel.
Step 2: Select your desired testnet and press "Find my testnet accounts"
Step 3: You can now use your testnet account just like any other blockchain!
Testnet4
As of February 2025, Trezor Suite supports Testnet4, the latest version of the Bitcoin testnet.
After 13 years of Testnet3, it became harder for users to get testnet coins due to limited block rewards.
Testnet4 introduces protocol updates that:
- Improve resistance to CPU mining-based attacks
- Allow faucets to distribute more tBTC without requiring users to mine
If you wish to continue using Testnet3, you must set up a custom backend and use: https://tbtc1.trezor.io/
Bitcoin testnet FAQs
Testnet coins allow you to experiment without financial risk:
- Send coins to other wallets
- Test multisig wallet setups
- Try timelocked addresses
- Explore blockchain operations as if using real Bitcoin
No. Testnet coins will never hold financial value. They exist purely for experimentation and testing.
Yes. You can mine using Bitcoin Core. You’ll need a full node and mining hardware.
Learn more here: How to solo mine on Bitcoin’s testnet – Jameson Lopp