Use Bitcoin Testnet in the BitBoxApp to try Bitcoin features without using real funds. Testnet coins have no monetary value, so they are useful for learning, practicing, and checking whether the BitBoxApp works on your device.
You do not need a BitBox to start the BitBoxApp in Testnet mode. The BitBoxApp lets you use a software Test Wallet in Testnet mode, so Testnet is useful if you want to explore the app before your BitBox arrives, or if you want to test the BitBoxApp on a desktop or Android-based operating system that is not officially supported.
Testnet coins are separate from real Bitcoin and have no monetary value. Never send real Bitcoin to a Testnet address, and never send Testnet coins to a real Bitcoin address.
Before you begin
Before using Testnet in the BitBoxApp, make sure you understand what Testnet can and cannot confirm.
- Download the BitBoxApp only from the official BitBoxApp download page.
- You can start Testnet mode without connecting a BitBox.
- Testing the BitBoxApp on an unsupported operating system does not make that operating system officially supported.
- For officially supported platforms, see supported devices and operating systems for the BitBoxApp.
Enable Testnet mode in the BitBoxApp
The BitBoxApp must restart when switching between the main Bitcoin network and Bitcoin Testnet. This helps keep real funds and test funds clearly separated.
- Open the BitBoxApp.
- Select Settings in the bottom-left corner.
- Open Advanced settings.
- Select Start testnet mode.
- When the BitBoxApp asks you to restart, close the BitBoxApp completely. Do not select Cancel, because that cancels the switch to Testnet mode.
- Open the BitBoxApp again.
- Check the banner at the top of the app. It confirms that the BitBoxApp is running in Testnet mode.
Unlock the software Test Wallet
After the BitBoxApp starts in Testnet mode, you can unlock a software Test Wallet without connecting a BitBox.
- Select Test Wallet in the left sidebar.
- Enter a password to derive the Test Wallet.
- You can leave the password field empty, but anyone else who does the same opens the same Test Wallet.
- Select Unlock.
- The BitBoxApp unlocks and opens the Test Wallet.
After unlocking, a new wallet named Software Keystore appears in the left sidebar. Below the wallet name, the BitBoxApp displays the software keystore identifier. A green connection icon next to the wallet indicates that the software wallet is unlocked and ready to use.
You can immediately explore the BitBoxApp without connecting a BitBox.
The Test Wallet may already contain several Testnet accounts, previous transaction history, and Testnet balances. This is expected and lets you explore the BitBoxApp immediately.
The Test Wallet is a demonstration software wallet used for learning and testing. It is completely separate from any wallet stored on your BitBox. Any Testnet coins shown belong only to the demonstration wallet and are not your personal Testnet funds.
The Test Wallet is derived from the password you enter. The same password always opens the same Test Wallet, including an empty password. Anyone who uses the same password can therefore access the same Test Wallet.
Use the software Test Wallet without a BitBox
The software Test Wallet lets you explore the BitBoxApp interface, browse Bitcoin accounts, inspect transaction history, generate Testnet receiving addresses, receive Testnet coins, send Testnet coins, and practice Bitcoin workflows without risking real funds.
This is especially useful if you want to try the BitBoxApp before receiving your BitBox, or if you are testing the app on a Linux-based or Android-based operating system that BitBox does not officially test.
Unsupported operating systems may work, but they are not covered by the official compatibility list. If you want to use the BitBoxApp for real funds, use an officially supported operating system whenever possible.
Use Testnet with a BitBox
A BitBox is optional because the BitBoxApp lets you use a software Test Wallet in Testnet mode. If you connect a BitBox while Testnet mode is enabled, the BitBoxApp instead lets you access Testnet accounts secured by your BitBox.
Your Testnet accounts are shown separately from your real Bitcoin accounts. Balances are displayed in TBTC or tsats, and Testnet receive addresses use different address formats than real Bitcoin addresses.
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You can view Testnet transactions in a Testnet block explorer. If the BitBoxApp shows a fiat value for Testnet coins, treat it as an illustration only. Testnet coins have no real monetary value.
Get Testnet coins
You can get small amounts of Testnet Bitcoin from websites called faucets. A faucet sends TBTC to a Testnet receiving address so you can practice with test transactions.
One example is bitcoinfaucet.uo1.net. Faucets are third-party services and may have daily limits or temporary availability issues.
Because Testnet coins are limited testing resources, it is good practice to send leftover coins back to a faucet when you are done testing.
Switch back to the main Bitcoin network
When you are done testing, switch the BitBoxApp back to the main Bitcoin network before using real funds.
- Open the BitBoxApp in Testnet mode.
- Open Settings.
- Open Advanced settings.
- Select Start mainnet mode.
- Close the BitBoxApp completely when prompted.
- Open the BitBoxApp again and confirm that the Testnet banner is no longer shown.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a BitBox to use Testnet in the BitBoxApp?
No. You can start Testnet mode and use the software Test Wallet without connecting a BitBox. A BitBox is only required if you want to use Testnet accounts secured by your BitBox hardware wallet.
Is the Test Wallet the same as my BitBox wallet?
No. The Test Wallet is a separate software wallet used only for learning and testing. It is not the same as the wallet stored on your BitBox.
Why does the Test Wallet already contain transactions?
The demonstration Test Wallet may already contain Testnet accounts, transaction history, and Testnet coins. This is expected and lets you explore the BitBoxApp immediately.
Can I use Testnet to check whether the BitBoxApp works on my device?
Yes. Testnet mode and the Test Wallet are useful for checking whether the BitBoxApp starts and works on your desktop or Android device. This can also help you test operating systems that are not officially supported, but it does not make those systems officially supported.
Are Testnet coins real Bitcoin?
No. Testnet coins are used only on the Bitcoin Testnet. They have no monetary value and cannot be converted into real Bitcoin.
Can I use Testnet with third-party wallets?
Yes, if the third-party wallet supports Bitcoin Testnet. Enable Testnet in that wallet's settings. You do not need to change settings on your BitBox itself.