how to airdrop on solana？

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how to airdrop on solana

admin

Airdropping on Solana generally means one of two things, and it's crucial to understand the difference to stay safe.

1. For Developers & Projects: Airdropping Tokens to Users

This is the process of distributing new tokens to a list of wallet addresses, often as a reward for early users or community members.

How it's done (Technically):
This is not a simple "send" button operation. It requires programming and is typically done using the Solana CLI (Command Line Interface) or a script written in JavaScript/TypeScript with the @solana/web3.js library.

The basic steps involve:

• Having a CSV list of recipient wallet addresses.
• Having the mint address of the token you want to distribute.
• Having the private key of the wallet that holds the supply of tokens (the distributor).
• For each recipient:
  • Get or create their Associated Token Account (ATA) for that specific token. This is a special account that holds a specific token for a user.
  • Create a transaction that transfers tokens from your ATA to the recipient's ATA.
  • Send and confirm the transaction.
    
    
  
  

Tools to Simplify This:
Most projects don't build this from scratch. They use tools like:

• Solflare's Bulk Token Sender: A user-friendly web tool.
• Solend's Bulk Token Sender: Another popular web tool.
• Custom Scripts: Using the spl-token CLI command: spl-token transfer <MINT_ADDRESS> <AMOUNT> <RECIPIENT_ADDRESS> --allow-unfunded-recipient --fund-recipient
  
  

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2. For Regular Users: Getting Testnet SOL for Development

This is the most common meaning of "airdrop" for someone new to Solana. To build and test applications on Solana's devnet or testnet (test environments where SOL has no real value), you need test tokens. These are obtained through "faucets."

How to Get Devnet SOL Airdrop:

Method 1: Using a Web Wallet (Easiest Way)

• Install a Solana wallet like Phantom or Solflare.
• In your wallet settings, change your network from "Mainnet" to Devnet.
• Go to a faucet website. The most reliable one is the Solana CLI Faucet:
  • Link: https://faucet.solana.com
    
    
• Paste your wallet address into the input box and click "Request Airdrop." You will typically receive 1-2 devnet SOL.
  
  

Method 2: Using the Solana Command Line Interface (CLI)

• Install the Solana CLI.
• Set the CLI to use the devnet cluster:
  bash
  
  
  
  solana config set --url https://api.devnet.solana.com
  
• Check your wallet address:
  bash
  
  
  
  solana address
  
• Request the airdrop:
  bash
  
  
  
  solana airdrop 2
  
  (This requests 2 devnet SOL)
  
  

How to Get Testnet SOL Airdrop:

The process is identical to the devnet process, but you must first configure your wallet or CLI to point to the testnet endpoint.

• CLI Command: solana config set --url https://api.testnet.solana.com
• Then use solana airdrop 2.
  
  

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⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: MAINNET SCAMS ⚠️

There is NO official faucet or way to get free SOL on Mainnet.
Mainnet SOL has real monetary value.

• Any website, Discord bot, or person promising to "airdrop" you free SOL on Mainnet if you send them a small amount first or connect your wallet is 100% a scam.
• They will steal your funds or your wallet's authority.
• Never enter your secret recovery phrase anywhere for an "airdrop."
• Never connect your wallet to an untrusted website for an "airdrop."
  
  

Summary

For...

What to Do

Key Tool/Link

Projects distributing tokensUse a bulk sender tool or custom scriptSolflare Bulk Sender, Solana CLI
Users needing test tokensUse a faucet on Devnet/Testnethttps://faucet.solana.com
Anyone on MainnetBEWARE OF SCAMS. There are no free airdrops.N/A

Always double-check URLs, never share your private key, and only use official channels for development.