Summary: The method of adding Kovan to MetaMask will vary slightly depending on whether you want to add the Ethereum Kovan or Optimism Kovan network. The best way to join either testnet is through ChainList, which is the largest aggregator of EVM Chain ID and Network ID's that allows users to join any network (including Kovan) at the click of a button.

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Can I Add Kovan Testnet to MetaMask?

Yes, you can add the Kovan testnet to your MetaMask wallet. It's an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible network that can be incorporated into MetaMask by connecting to the correct Remote Procedure Call (RPC) parameters, including the Kovan network's specific RPC URL and network ID. This process gives you the flexibility to interact with the Kovan testnet in the same way as the Ethereum mainnet, providing a safe environment to test your decentralized applications (dApps) before their mainnet deployment.

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:

  1. Visit ChainList and connect your MetaMask Wallet.
  2. Select the 'Include Testnets' checkbox.
  3. Type in 'Kovan' in the search bar and find the Kovan testnet you want to connect to.
  4. Select 'Add to MetaMask' and the network will be added to your wallet.
How to Add Kovan to MetaMask
Adding Kovan to MetaMask.

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

In conclusion, adding Kovan Testnet to your MetaMask wallet allows for safe testing and development of decentralized applications (dApps) without the risk of using real Ether. This is made easy with the ChainList app, an EVM network information aggregator. Once added, free test Ether (KETH) can be obtained from faucet services to experiment freely with dApp functionalities. With Kovan and MetaMask, you can interact with a secure EVM-compatible environment that mirrors mainnet conditions, providing the ideal space for innovation and progress in dApp development.