ZkSync Era is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that utilizes zero-knowledge rollups to provide faster and cheaper ETH transactions. Developers and crypto enthusiasts need testnet tokens to deploy smart contracts and experiment with the Layer 2 ecosystem without real ETH. You can obtain zkSync Era testnet tokens from official faucets available online, but the process can be daunting, especially for beginners. This guide will walk you through the easiest and most reliable ways to get ZkSync testnet tokens for free.
Can I Get ZkSync Era Testnet Tokens?
Yes, you can acquire ZkSync Era testnet tokens for free using official faucets online. Faucets are online crypto platforms containing free testnet tokens for diverse or specific crypto testnet networks. You also need a ZkSync-compatible Web3 wallet to store the acquired testnet tokens. Metamask is the best wallet for obtaining ZkSync testnet tokens, but you can also use other EVM-compatible wallets.
Once you have created your wallet account, ensure you add the ZkSync testnet network. You can do this manually within the wallet or by connecting your wallet to the ZkSync Sepolia testnet. Next, visit your preferred ZkSync-compatible crypto faucet to request test tokens. Testnet tokens are for experimental purposes only: to deploy zkSync smart contracts, interact with dApps, etc. They do not hold real monetary value.
Steps to Get ZkSync Era Testnet Tokens
This section provides easy steps to acquire testnet tokens for the ZkSync network via trusted faucets. Note that there are more faucets where you can get ZkSync testnet tokens than what is listed in this post. We only selected a few faucets deemed to be the best.
1. Official ZkSync Era Faucet
ZkSync Era does not have a faucet specifically for distributing its testnet tokens. However, official faucets are recommended on the ZkSync faucet documentation page. We have selected one of the recommended faucets for you, providing easy steps as shown below:
Step 1: Visit the faucet provider website on your preferred browser.
Step 2: Switch to the ZkSync testnet network on the Chainstack homepage.
Step 3: Scroll down to input your zkSync Wallet Address as well as a Chainstack API key to claim the token.
Step 4: Step 4: To get the Chainstack API Key, create an account on the platform or log in to an existing account by clicking “How to get API key“.
Step 5: Once you gain access to the Chainstack project dashboard, tap on Settings from the list of options on the left-hand side.
Step 6: Next, click the API Keys option at the top of the settings page.
Step 7: After switching to the API tab, click Add API Key, follow the prompts, and copy the API key.
Step 8: Finally, paste the API Key and your wallet address, then tap on Claim Tokens.
You should receive the tokens within 1-10 minutes of requesting them. Refresh your linked wallet to view the deposited testnet tokens.
Official ZkSync Era Faucet Limitations
The faucet provider highlighted above has a few crucial limitations. Users can acquire up to 0.05 ZkSync Sepolia testnet ETH daily. If you need more testnet tokens to cover transactions on the network, you must wait till the following day or try alternative faucets. Also, you need at least 0.08 ETH on your mainnet to call the faucet for the testnet token.
2. QuickNode Testnet Faucet
QuickNode faucet is a popular option for getting free testnet tokens for many networks. The platform supports 55+ blockchains and supplies free testnet tokens for each. Users can also get bonus testnet tokens by completing optional tasks on the faucet. Follow the steps below to get ZkSync Era testnet tokens using QuickNode:
Step 1: Open the QuickNode faucet website on your browser.
Step 2: Click the Connect Wallet icon to connect your preferred EVM wallet (e.g., Metamask).
Step 3: Ensure ZkSync is shown as the target network. Then, input your deposit address from the ZkSync testnet network on your wallet.
Step 4: Confirm the transaction. Once processed, the token will appear in your wallet.
Step 5 (Optional): You can double your testnet token drop by tweeting about the QuickNode faucet.
QuickNode Testnet Faucet Limitations
Users can only get 0.01 ETH for ZkSync testnet transactions every 24 hours. This limit ensures fair distribution among developers testing smart contracts, dApps, and zkChain deployments. The platform also supports only Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, Uniswap Wallet, and Phantom Wallet.
Other Faucets – Are They Worth It?
There are hundreds of available faucets where you can get ZkSync Era testnet tokens. However, the ZkSync faucet documentation officially recommends that faucets get testnet tokens on the network. So, if you’re looking for more alternatives, review the list. Refrain from using unofficial faucets for optimal protection and efficiency. Also, never provide personal information on any faucet to protect your funds.
About ZkSync Era
zkSync is a Layer 2 zk-rollup that scales Ethereum by executing transactions off-chain and verifying them on-chain with cryptographic validity proofs. It supports EVM-compatible smart contracts, compiled with zksolc and zkvyper, and features native account abstraction for flexible gas payments. The network allows developers to deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts using zkChains and the ZK Stack for optimal interoperability.
Bottom Line
ZkSync Era testnet tokens are essential to the network’s development process. Users and developers use testnet tokens to test zkSync smart contracts and dApps and explore the blockchain. By using the recommended faucets in this post and following the steps, you can get the needed ZkSync testnet tokens within minutes. Always verify faucet sources to avoid scams, and ensure your wallet is correctly set to zkSync Sepolia before requesting funds.
FAQs
1. How can I add ZkSync Era testnet to Metamask?
Open your wallet and go to the “Add network” page. Next, enter the required ZkSync testnet details. After entering all the required details, you can click “Save” to add zkSync Era to MetaMask.
2. How can I bridge to the ZkSync Era?
Choose a reputable cross-chain bridge and connect your wallet. Next, select the network from which you want to transfer tokens (Ethereum, Arbitrum, Binance Chain, etc.). Specify the token you want to bridge to zkSync and enter the amount. Review and confirm the transaction.
3. Does ZkSync Era have a native token?
Yes, the ZkSync Era network has its native token, ZK. The ZK token is the backbone of the ZKsync ecosystem, incentivizing users, facilitating transactions, and securing the network.
4. Is ZkSync listed on major crypto exchanges?
Yes, ZK is available on cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance for trading and purchase.
5. Do I need real ETH to get Testnet tokens?
Generally, no. However, some faucets may require a small amount of ETH to be held on the Ethereum mainnet for verification.