Chapter 3 of 9
The wallet and the test network
To use the blockchain you need a wallet: an app that keeps your keys and signs your operations. We will use MetaMask, a browser extension.
1. Install MetaMask
Download the extension only from the official site (metamask.io), create a wallet and write the recovery phrase on paper. Whoever knows it controls the wallet: never photograph it or share it.
2. Add the Polygon Amoy network
A test network (testnet) works like the real one, but its coin is free and worthless. In MetaMask choose "Add a network manually" and enter:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network name | Polygon Amoy |
| RPC URL | https://polygon-amoy-bor-rpc.publicnode.com |
| Chain ID | 80002 |
| Currency symbol | POL |
| Block explorer | https://amoy.polygonscan.com |
Polygon's official RPC address (rpc-amoy.polygon.technology) sometimes does not answer from some servers; the project uses the public PublicNode address, which answered with Chain ID 80002 in our checks. The official addresses remain listed in the Polygon documentation.
The Chain ID is the number that identifies the network: it makes sure the same signature is not valid on another network. The official settings are in the Polygon documentation.
3. Get test POL
A faucet hands out small amounts of test coin. These are the ones we checked as working on 1 November 2026; amounts and rules are those written on their pages and may change.
| Faucet | Amount | Wait between requests | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chainlink | 0.5 POL (plus 25 test LINK) | not stated | just connect the wallet (MetaMask, WalletConnect or Coinbase Wallet) |
| QuickNode | shown after you enter the address (doubled with a post on X) | 12 hours | no account, a small balance on the main network, a verification step |
| Alchemy | 0.1 POL | 24 hours | no account, but at least 0.001 ETH on Ethereum mainnet with some history |
| GetBlock | 0.1 POL | daily | GetBlock account and at least 0.005 ETH on Ethereum mainnet |
For a brand-new wallet the simplest is Chainlink's, because it only asks you to connect the wallet. The official Polygon faucet (faucet.polygon.technology) did not answer our automated checks: try it from a normal browser if the others are not enough.
Try it
Install MetaMask, add Polygon Amoy with the values in the table, then ask the Chainlink faucet for POL. When the MetaMask balance shows "POL" with a number above zero, you are done.
What you learned
- The wallet keeps the keys and signs: the recovery phrase is never shared.
- A test network has a free coin; Amoy has Chain ID 80002 and coin POL.
- A faucet gives a little test coin, with different waits and requirements.