What a testnet is
A testnet is a trial copy of a blockchain. Developers use it to find bugs and projects open it to users to see who tries it. The funds you use there have no value.
What a faucet is
A faucet is a service that sends you test tokens for free, for example test USDC or the network coin that pays fees (gas). You usually connect your wallet and press a button.
How it usually goes
- Open the project's official site from the link on the page.
- Connect a dedicated wallet and add the test network when asked.
- Request test tokens from the faucet indicated.
- Do the requested actions: a swap, an order, a test deposit.
- Come back in the following days: steady activity counts more than a single try.
What to check
If the site asks for real money to “activate” the testnet, that's a warning sign. Always use the official link, not the ones you find in comments or private messages.
Warning: A testnet never needs real funds. If it asks for them, stop.