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Run a node and interact with the Polkadot testnet

If you'd like to play with Polkadot, you'll need to install and run the Parity Polkadot client. Get the client at

Alexander is the current default public testnet for Polkadot. By default, any node running on the Alexander testnet will appear on the

The testnet allows you to create accounts, propose governance referenda, stake testnet DOT to become a validator or nominate other accounts as validators with your testnet DOT.

Connect your running node to the main Polkadot user interface to play around.

Get testnet DOT to stake by following these instructions on the Polkadot Wiki

Before interacting with the testnet,

If you don’t want to run a node, you can still interact with the network by using the explorer

Become a validator

1. Set up your machine

In addition to any usual CLI parameters that you run polkadot with, you'll need to add an extra two:

  • --validator This tells your node to try to validate when it sees itself as a listed authority on the network;
  • --key >SEED< This provides your node with a secret key that lets it know whether it`'`s a listed authority on the network, and, if it is, lets it sign statements to authorise the creation of new blocks.

2. Apply to validate

New validators will be chosen every 24 hours on mainnet. You’ll need to create separate accounts for Controller, Session, and Stash keys on the Polkadot UI(https://polkadot.js.org/apps/#/accounts/create). These accounts will be used to represent and control the validator node you just set up.

Next you will need to get some DOT from the faucet or by asking on Element. Assuming you have more DOT than the lowest staked validator or there is an open validator slot, you can register to be staked. A step-by-step guide demonstrating how to set up your accounts and bond your DOT is available on the wiki.