The APTOS ecosystem previously offered two primary ways to qualify for its $APT airdrop: running a node or claiming an official NFT. However, airdrop rules can change with every new project. This guide explores the SUI network, demonstrating how to create a wallet and mint free NFTs on its testnet.
Installing and Creating Your SUI Wallet
You can begin by visiting the official SUI developer documentation at docs.sui.io. There, you will find information on the SUI Wallet, a browser extension currently available for Chrome.
- Navigate to the Chrome Web Store and search for the "Sui Wallet" extension.
- Click "Add to Chrome" to download and install the extension to your browser.
Once installed, locate the Sui Wallet extension in your browser and launch it to begin the setup process.
For first-time users, select the option to "Create a new wallet." If you are restoring an existing wallet, you would choose "Import a wallet." After making your selection, confirm by clicking "Create."
The next and most critical step is to backup your recovery passphrase. This is a series of twelve English words that grant full access to your wallet and its assets. Write these words down on a physical piece of paper and store them in a secure location. Never share this phrase with anyone. After recording the words, click "Done."
Upon completion, you will see your newly created SUI wallet interface, which will display your unique public wallet address.
How to Mint a Free Example NFT
After successfully setting up your SUI wallet, you can mint a free demonstration NFT to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Open your SUI Wallet and navigate to the "Apps" section, typically found at the bottom of the interface.
- Locate and click on the dApp labeled "Mint an Example NFT."
- The process will execute, and after a brief moment, you can check your wallet's "NFTs" tab. Here, you will find your new "Example NFT."
Creating Your Own New NFT
Beyond the example, you can also create a custom NFT directly within the wallet's ecosystem.
- From the "Apps" section inside your SUI wallet, find and select the "Mint an NFT" option, then click "View."
A new window will open, pre-populated with your wallet address. You will need to fill in the following details:
- NFT Name: Choose a unique name for your digital asset.
- Description: Provide a brief description of your NFT.
- Image URL: This requires a direct link to an image hosted online. You must use a valid image address for the NFT to render correctly.
- After filling in all the fields, click the "Create" button.
Your SUI Wallet will prompt you to approve the transaction. Click "Approve" to confirm and pay any associated testnet gas fees. Once the transaction is processed, your new, unique NFT will appear in the "NFTs" section of your wallet.
Managing Testnet Gas Fees
When performing actions like minting NFTs, you may encounter gas fees, even on a testnet. If you receive an error about insufficient funds for gas, you will need to acquire testnet SUI tokens.
These tokens hold no real-world value and are used solely for testing purposes on the development network. You can often obtain them from an official faucet linked on the project's developer documentation or community channels.
👉 Explore more strategies for acquiring testnet tokens
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SUI Network?
SUI is a decentralized, proof-of-stake blockchain designed to provide high throughput and low latency for digital asset ownership and smart contract execution. Its testnet allows developers and users to experiment with its features without using real funds.
Is there a guarantee of receiving an airdrop for using the testnet?
No, there is never a guarantee. While interacting with a testnet can sometimes be a criterion for future airdrop eligibility, each project has its own unique and undisclosed rules for distributing rewards. Participation increases opportunity but does not guarantee a reward.
Are the NFTs minted on the testnet valuable?
No, assets created on a testnet exist only on that development environment and have no monetary value. They are primarily for education and testing smart contract functionality.
What is a recovery passphrase, and why is it important?
Your recovery passphrase (or seed phrase) is a series of words that generates the private keys controlling your crypto assets. Anyone with this phrase can access your funds. It is the most important piece of information to keep secure and private.
Can I use the same image URL for multiple NFTs?
Technically, yes, the same image can be used for multiple NFTs. However, each NFT will have a unique token ID on the blockchain, making it a distinct asset, even if it has identical metadata to another.
What happens to my testnet assets when the mainnet launches?
Typically, all assets on a testnet, including wallets and NFTs, are reset and have no connection to the mainnet launch. You will need to create a new wallet on the mainnet version of the network.