How to Add Binance Smart Chain Testnet (BSC) to MetaMask

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Integrating the Binance Smart Chain Testnet (BSC) with MetaMask is a crucial step for developers and blockchain enthusiasts testing decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, or token integrations before deploying on the mainnet. This guide walks you through the complete process—from setting up MetaMask to importing test tokens—using accurate network details and best practices.

Whether you're building on Web3, exploring DeFi projects, or learning about blockchain development, connecting MetaMask to BSC Testnet provides a safe, cost-free environment to experiment.

Why Use Binance Smart Chain Testnet?

The Binance Smart Chain Testnet mirrors the functionality of the live Binance Smart Chain but uses test tokens (tBNB) instead of real cryptocurrency. This allows developers to debug, simulate transactions, and verify smart contract behavior without financial risk.

Key benefits:

Core network specifications:

Step-by-Step: Connect MetaMask to BSC Testnet

Follow these four structured steps to successfully configure your MetaMask wallet for BSC Testnet.

Step 1: Install MetaMask and Create a Wallet

MetaMask is a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet available as a browser extension and mobile app. It enables secure access to Ethereum-compatible blockchains like BSC.

👉 Get started with secure Web3 access today.

To begin:

  1. Open Google Chrome and visit the official MetaMask website.
  2. Click “Download Now” and select “Install MetaMask on Chrome.”
  3. After installation, click “Create a Wallet” if you're new.
  4. Set a strong password (do not share it).
  5. Carefully back up your 12-word recovery phrase—this is essential for wallet recovery.
  6. Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted.

Your wallet is now ready for configuration.

🔐 Security Tip: Never share your seed phrase. Store it offline in a secure location.

Step 2: Add BSC Testnet Network to MetaMask

By default, MetaMask connects to the Ethereum network. You'll need to manually add the BSC Testnet configuration.

  1. Open MetaMask and click the network dropdown (top-left, usually showing "Ethereum Mainnet").
  2. Select "Add Network", then choose "Add a Network Manually".

  3. Enter the following details:

    • Network Name: Binance Smart Chain Testnet
    • New RPC URL: https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.binance.org:8545
    • Chain ID: 97
    • Currency Symbol: tBNB
    • Block Explorer URL: https://testnet.bscscan.com
  4. Click "Save".

MetaMask will connect to the BSC Testnet node. Once successful, the network display will change to "Binance Smart Chain Testnet".

💡 You can use alternative RPC URLs if one fails:

  • https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545
  • https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s2.binance.org:8545
  • https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s3.binance.org:8545

These provide redundancy and improved connectivity during testing.

Step 3: Verify Connection and Access Test Tokens

After adding the network, verify your connection by checking your tBNB balance.

Since new wallets start with zero balance, you’ll need test BNB from a faucet:

🔗 BSC Testnet Faucet: https://testnet.binance.org/faucet-smart

How to use:

  1. Copy your MetaMask wallet address (click the account icon in MetaMask).
  2. Visit the faucet link above.
  3. Paste your address into the input field.
  4. Select “Smart Chain Testnet” and request tokens.
  5. Wait a few seconds—tBNB should appear in your wallet.

👉 Explore dApps with test funds instantly.

Now you’re ready to interact with testnet dApps, deploy contracts, or simulate swaps—all risk-free.

Step 4: Import Custom Test Tokens

Many projects issue BEP-20 test tokens on BSC Testnet. To view them in MetaMask, you must manually import them using their contract address.

Here’s how:

  1. Find the token’s contract address (from the project’s documentation or testnet explorer).
  2. In MetaMask, click "Import Tokens" at the bottom of your asset list.
  3. Switch to the "Custom Token" tab.
  4. Paste the contract address.
  5. The token symbol and decimals will auto-fill.
  6. Click "Next", then "Add Tokens".

The token will now appear under your assets.

🌐 Use BscScan Testnet Explorer to verify transactions, check balances, and explore smart contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Binance Smart Chain Testnet free to use?
A: Yes, the BSC Testnet is completely free. It uses test BNB (tBNB), which has no monetary value and can be obtained via faucets.

Q: Can I lose real money on BSC Testnet?
A: No. The testnet operates independently from the mainnet. Transactions use tBNB, so there’s no financial risk involved.

Q: Why can’t I receive tokens from the faucet?
A: Ensure you’re connected to the correct network (Chain ID 97). Also, some faucets limit requests per address per hour.

Q: What’s the difference between Chain ID and Network ID?
A: On BSC Testnet, both are 97. Chain ID prevents replay attacks between networks; Network ID identifies the blockchain instance in node communication.

Q: Can I use MetaMask Mobile for BSC Testnet?
A: Yes! The process is identical on iOS and Android apps—just navigate to Settings > Networks > Add Network and enter the same parameters.

Q: How do I switch back to Ethereum Mainnet?
A: Click the network selector in MetaMask and choose “Ethereum Mainnet” from the dropdown list.

Final Tips for Developers

👉 Accelerate your blockchain development journey with powerful tools.

Conclusion

Adding the Binance Smart Chain Testnet to MetaMask is a simple yet essential step for anyone building or testing on BSC. With this setup, you gain full access to a live-like blockchain environment where innovation happens risk-free.

By leveraging test tokens, reliable RPC endpoints, and proper wallet configuration, developers can confidently prototype dApps, audit smart contracts, and prepare for mainnet deployment—all within minutes.

Start experimenting today and unlock the full potential of decentralized technology on one of the most widely used EVM-compatible chains in the world.