How to Add Kovan Testnet to MetaMask
As outlined above, the safest and easiest way to add Optimism Kovan or Ethereum Kovan to your MetaMask Wallet is through the ChainList app. Chainlist is an EVM network information aggregator deployed by the team behind DefiLlama that helps users connect to the verified Chain ID and Network ID for all mainnet and testnet deployments.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Visit ChainList and connect your MetaMask Wallet.
- Select the 'Include Testnets' checkbox.
- Type in 'Kovan' in the search bar and find the Kovan testnet you want to connect to.
- Select 'Add to MetaMask' and the network will be added to your wallet.

How to Get Kovan Testnet ETH
Once you add the Kovan testnet to your MetaMask wallet, you will also need to get some testnet ETH in order to start building and testing on Kovan. You can do this by using a faucet website like Gitter that will allow you to connect your wallet via MetaMask and receive free Kovan Testnet ETH (KETH).
What is Kovan?
Kovan Testnet is a testing environment designed to help developers experiment with decentralized applications (dApps) without having to use real ETH or interact with mainnet Optimism or Ethereum. Kovan Testnet is deployed on the Ethereum and Optimism L2 networks and uses the same technology as the main network, but with a few key differences.
One of the main differences is that Kovan Testnet uses "test Ether" (KETH) instead of real Ether, which can be freely obtained from various testnet faucet services. This allows developers to experiment with dApps and test various functionalities without worrying about the financial risks associated with using real cryptocurrency.
Final Thoughts
Adding Kovan to MetaMask is a great way to get started with Ethereum and Optimism dApp development without having to commit any real ETH. By using ChainList, you can easily and safely join either the Ethereum Kovan or Optimism Kovan testnet and start experimenting right away.