How to Bridge on Testnet

1. Configuring the Bittensor Extension Wallet for Testnet

1. Download & Install the Bittensor Extension

   • Go to the official Bittensor website for the extension wallet.

   • Install the extension in your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).

2. Create or Import a Bittensor Wallet

   • Open the extension, then click “Create a new wallet” (or “Import wallet” if you already have one).

   • Follow the prompts to save your seed phrase securely.

   • Never share your seed phrase with anyone.

3. Select the Bittensor Testnet

   • In the wallet’s network settings, ensure you have selected the Bittensor testnet.

4. Verify Your Testnet Account

   • The extension will display your Bittensor testnet account address.

   • Keep this address handy for bridging and faucet requests.

5. Request Testnet TAO

   • Visit the official Bittensor discord for Testnet TAO requests

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2. Configuring Phantom Wallet for Testnet (Solana)

1. Install or Open Phantom

   • If you haven’t already, download the Phantom wallet (browser extension or mobile app).
2. Enable Testnet in Phantom

   • Desktop Browser Extension:

     1. Click the Phantom icon in your browser.

     2. Click the gear (Settings).

     3. Look for “Developer Settings” or “Change Network.”

     4. Enable Solana Testnet (and Devnet if needed).

   • Mobile App:

     1. Tap the gear icon for Settings.

     2. Scroll to Developer Settings or Network.

     3. Switch to Solana Testnet.

3. Confirm You’re on Testnet

   • The Phantom interface should now show Testnet near your SOL balance.

4. Obtain Testnet SOL

   • Use a Solana Testnet Faucet (e.g., SolFaucet or official Solana Devnet/Testnet sites).
   • Paste your Phantom testnet address to request testnet SOL.

   • You should see some testnet SOL in your wallet to cover any transaction fees.

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3. Bridging TAO from Bittensor (Testnet) to wTAO on Solana (Testnet)

1. Start the Bridging Process

   • Go to the official bridging interface (dApp).

   • Click anywhere on the dApp to begin.

2. Connect/Unlock Bittensor Extension Wallet

   • When prompted, connect or unlock your Bittensor testnet wallet.

   • The dApp may request permission to read your public address.

3. Connect or Create a Phantom Wallet (on Testnet)

   • Ensure Phantom is set to Solana Testnet (from Step 2).

   • Connect it to the bridging dApp when prompted.

4. Sign Any Required Transactions

   • Both wallets may prompt you to sign an approval transaction, authorizing the bridging interface.

5. Select the Bridging Option

   • Choose “Bittensor → Solana” to move TAO from the Bittensor testnet to wTAO on the Solana testnet.

6. Review and Accept Terms & Conditions

   • Carefully read, then accept the bridging Terms.

7. Copy Your Deposit Address

   • The bridging interface will display a Bittensor deposit address or bridging deposit address.

   • Copy it carefully.

8. Send TAO to the Provided Address

   • Go to your Bittensor extension wallet and send the desired amount of testnet TAO to the deposit address.

   • This step initiates the bridging.

9. Track Your Transaction

   • Look under “Recent Transactions” in the dApp.

   • Processing may take ~5 minutes.

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4. Checking Your Transaction on Solscan (Testnet)

After the bridging begins, you can track the wTAO side of the transaction on Solana testnet:

1. Obtain Transaction Signature

   • The bridging dApp or your Phantom wallet should display a transaction signature (Tx ID) once the transaction is submitted.

2. Go to Solscan Testnet

   • Visit Solscan and switch to Testnet (top-right dropdown) or directly go to: https://solscan.io/?cluster=testnet
3. Enter the Transaction Signature

   • In the search bar, paste your Tx ID.

   • Alternatively, you can paste your Phantom wallet address to see all transactions.

4. View Details

   • Click Search to view confirmations, token transfers (wTAO, SOL, etc.), and block times.

5. Confirm the Bridge

   • Once confirmed, the dApp or your Phantom wallet balance should reflect wTAO on the testnet side.

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5. Bridging wTAO on Solana (Testnet) Back to TAO on Bittensor (Testnet)

1. Start the Bridging Process

   • Return to the bridging dApp and click to begin.

2. Connect Phantom (Testnet)

   • Ensure Phantom is on Solana Testnet.

   • Connect your wallet.

3. Connect/Unlock Bittensor Extension Wallet

   • Unlock or connect the Bittensor extension wallet (configured for testnet).

4. Sign the Transaction

   • Authorize the bridging dApp to interact with your wTAO in Phantom.

5. Select the Bridging Option

   • Choose “Solana → Bittensor” (wTAO → TAO).

6. Enter the Amount of wTAO to Bridge

   • Specify how much wTAO you want to withdraw to Bittensor testnet.

7. Enter Your Bittensor Testnet Address

   • Provide the address from your Bittensor extension wallet.

8. Initiate the Bridge

   • Click “Bridge Back,” then confirm on any pop-ups.

9. Track Your Transaction

   • Check “Recent Transactions” in the bridging dApp.

   • It may take ~5 minutes to finalize.

   • You can also check the Bittensor testnet explorer for final confirmation.

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6. Tips & Considerations

1. Keep Wallets Unlocked

   • You’ll be prompted to sign messages in both the Bittensor extension and Phantom. Keep them open/unlocked.

2. Sufficient Testnet Tokens

   • Ensure you have enough testnet TAO and testnet SOL to cover fees.

   • If you run out, revisit the respective faucets or community channels.

3. Network Verification

   • Phantom should be explicitly set to Testnet.

   • Bittensor extension should point to Bittensor Testnet.

4. Security First

   • Use only official bridging links.

   • Never share your seed phrase.

   • Confirm contract/deposit addresses before sending funds.

5. Transaction Delays

   • If the network is busy, bridging could take longer than 5 minutes. Always check explorers (Solscan for Solana testnet, official Bittensor testnet explorer for TAO).

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