How to switch networks with the SUI wallet? Mainnet testnet setting tutorial

Switching between mainnet and testnet in the SUI wallet is crucial for testing apps safely before real transactions, ensuring seamless network navigation.

May 14, 2025 at 12:14 pm

Switching networks with the SUI wallet is an essential skill for users who want to interact with different environments such as the mainnet and testnet. This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up and switching between these networks using the SUI wallet. Whether you are a developer testing new applications or a user wanting to explore different network functionalities, understanding how to navigate between mainnet and testnet is crucial.

Understanding SUI Wallet Networks

The SUI wallet supports multiple network environments to cater to different needs. Mainnet is the primary network where real transactions occur and are recorded on the blockchain. On the other hand, testnet is a testing environment where developers can experiment with new features and applications without risking real assets. Switching between these networks allows users to test functionalities in a safe space before deploying them on the mainnet.

Accessing the SUI Wallet

Before you can switch networks, you need to access the SUI wallet. Here are the steps to do so:

• Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the SUI wallet website.
• Click on the "Download" or "Install" button to download the SUI wallet application for your device.
• Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system to set up the wallet.
• Launch the SUI wallet application once it is installed on your device.

Switching to Testnet

To switch to the testnet, follow these detailed steps:

• Open the SUI wallet application on your device.
• Navigate to the settings menu by clicking on the gear icon or the "Settings" tab, depending on the wallet's interface.
• Look for the "Network" or "Environment" section within the settings menu.
• Select "Testnet" from the list of available networks. This option might be labeled as "SUI Testnet" or similar.
• Confirm the switch if prompted by the wallet. The wallet will now connect to the testnet environment.

Once connected to the testnet, you can interact with the network to test applications, transactions, and other functionalities without affecting the mainnet.

Switching to Mainnet

Switching back to the mainnet is equally straightforward. Here's how to do it:

• Open the SUI wallet application on your device.
• Navigate to the settings menu by clicking on the gear icon or the "Settings" tab.
• Find the "Network" or "Environment" section within the settings menu.
• Select "Mainnet" from the list of available networks. This option might be labeled as "SUI Mainnet" or similar.
• Confirm the switch if prompted by the wallet. The wallet will now connect to the mainnet environment.

After switching to the mainnet, you can perform real transactions and interact with the live blockchain.

Verifying the Network Switch

It's important to verify that the network switch was successful. Here's how to do it:

• Check the wallet's interface for any indicators of the current network. This might be displayed in the top corner or within the settings menu.
• Perform a test transaction or interact with a known application to ensure that you are connected to the intended network. For example, if you switched to the testnet, try sending a small amount of test tokens to another address.
• Review the transaction history to confirm that the transactions are being recorded on the correct network.

Managing Multiple Wallets

If you need to manage multiple wallets for different networks, you can set up separate wallets within the SUI wallet application. Here's how to do it:

• Open the SUI wallet application on your device.
• Navigate to the settings menu and look for an option to add a new wallet.
• Create a new wallet by following the on-screen instructions. You will need to set up a new seed phrase and password.
• Switch the network for the new wallet to either mainnet or testnet, following the steps outlined earlier.
• Label the wallets clearly to distinguish between them, such as "Mainnet Wallet" and "Testnet Wallet."

This approach allows you to keep your mainnet and testnet activities separate and organized.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, users may encounter issues when switching networks. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Wallet not connecting to the selected network: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and try restarting the wallet application. If the issue persists, check the SUI network status to see if there are any known issues.
• Transactions not appearing on the new network: Double-check that you have successfully switched networks and that the transaction was initiated on the correct network. If the transaction was sent to the wrong network, it will not appear on the new network.
• Difficulty finding the network settings: If you cannot find the network settings, refer to the SUI wallet's documentation or support resources for guidance specific to your version of the wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I switch networks without losing my assets?

A: Yes, switching networks within the SUI wallet does not affect your assets. Your assets remain secure in your wallet, and you can switch between mainnet and testnet without any risk to your funds.

Q: How do I know if I am on the mainnet or testnet?

A: The SUI wallet typically displays the current network in the interface, often in the top corner or within the settings menu. You can also verify by performing a test transaction and checking the transaction history to see which network it is recorded on.

Q: Can I use the same wallet address on both mainnet and testnet?

A: No, mainnet and testnet have separate blockchain environments, so you will need to use different wallet addresses for each network. However, you can manage multiple wallets within the SUI wallet application to handle both environments.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally send assets to the wrong network?

A: If you send assets to the wrong network, they will be lost as transactions cannot be transferred between mainnet and testnet. Always double-check the network before initiating any transactions to avoid this issue.