Rinkeby is an Ethereum testnet that allows users to test smart contracts and decentralized applications without using real Ether. Being able to add Rinkeby to MetaMask enables testing and experimenting with dapps in a safe environment.
TL;DR
This guide provides two options for adding the Rinkeby testnet to MetaMask – manually entering the RPC endpoint and chain ID, or using the Chainlist platform. ChainList simplifies the process by allowing users to discover and connect to networks like Rinkeby with one click.
What is Chainlist?
Chainlist is a web platform that aims to make connecting to blockchain networks easier. It maintains a database of verified network information like RPC endpoints and chain IDs. To use ChainList, users first need to register for a free account on the site.
Once logged in, Chainlist allows discoverable networks to be accessed with just one click. Supported networks include Ethereum, Polygon, BSC and over 50 others. By eliminating configuration steps, Chainlist streamlines the onboarding process for decentralized applications and wallet connectivity.
Add Rinkeby to Metamask via Chainlist
With a Chainlist account created, the process begins by visiting the website:
- Log into your Chainlist account and select “Connect Wallet” to sync MetaMask.
- On the next page, use the search bar to lookup “Rinkeby”.
- In the results, the top listing relates to the Rinkeby Testnet network.
- Click the network name to view its details, then select the big purple “Connect Wallet” button.
- This will prompt MetaMask to approve the connection. Accept and the wallet will sync with Rinkeby.
Add Rinkeby to MetaMask via RPC Details
1. Install and open the MetaMask browser extension if not already installed
2. Click on “Networks” in the top right menu
3. Select “Add Network”
4. Enter the network name as “Rinkeby Testnet”
5. Set the new RPC URL to https://rinkeby.infura.io/v3/9aa3d95b3bc440fa88ea12eaa4456161
6. Set the chain ID to 4
7. Click “Save” and the Rinkeby testnet will be added
You will now be able to see Rinkeby as an available network in MetaMask and access its free testnet tokens to build and experiment with dapps.
You will now be able to see Rinkeby as an available network in MetaMask and access its free testnet tokens to build and experiment with dapps.
Details About Rinkeby
Rinkeby is an Ethereum testnet optimized for the development and testing of decentralized applications (dapps). It provides real-world conditions with the following advantages:
- Free Transactions: Rinkeby has free transactions using test Ether (ETH) that does not hold real value.
- Instant Blocks: Blocks are produced every 15 seconds allowing for faster testing than mainnet.
- Stable Network: Rinkeby uses a proof-of-authority consensus model which provides reliability vs. mainnet’s proof-of-work model.
Rinkeby is widely used for testing as it closely mimics the main Ethereum network without risks like high gas fees or lost funds during development.
Popular Rinkeby Dapps
Here are some well-known dapps being tested and used on Rinkeby:
- Uniswap: Popular decentralized exchange
- Compound: Leading money market protocol
- 0x: Protocol for decentralized exchange of tokens
- MetaMask: Needed to interact with Rinkeby dapps from the extension
- EtherDelta: Older decentralized exchange platform
Developers can experiment integrating with any Rinkeby-compatible dapps as part of their testing process.
Conclusion
In summary, adding the Rinkeby testnet to MetaMask only takes a few minutes and provides a key resource for developers. It allows interacting with dapps and testing smart contracts on an Ethereum-compatible network without risking real funds. Rinkeby’s stability and low costs make it ideal for building and experimenting with decentralized applications. By following this guide, you now have easy access to the Rinkeby testnet directly through MetaMask.
