What is a Mainnet?
A mainnet is a blockchain's live, public network, where assets have real value, transactions are permanent and fees are paid in real coins. It is distinct from a testnet, which is used for development and experiments.
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A mainnet is a blockchain’s live, public network, the one where assets have real value. Transfers on mainnet move real money, fees are paid in real coins, and records are written to the chain permanently. That sets it apart from a testnet, which mirrors the network for development and testing using tokens with no real value.
What does a mainnet launch mean?
New blockchain projects typically go through three stages:
- Development and internal testing: the team tests its software in a closed environment.
- Public testnet: developers and users try the network without risking real money, and bugs get shaken out.
- Mainnet launch: the network goes live with real assets, starting with its first block, the genesis block.
Bitcoin‘s mainnet began on January 3, 2009, when the genesis block was mined. Ethereum launched its mainnet, a release called “Frontier,” on July 30, 2015.
A launch alone doesn’t mean a network is flawless or fully decentralized. Early on, validator numbers may be small, features may be switched on gradually, and the core team may keep special powers. Some projects signal this by running their main network under a “mainnet beta” label for a while; Solana’s mainnet carried that name for years.
Mainnet vs. testnet
- Value: mainnet assets have real market value; testnet tokens are handed out for free and are worthless.
- Permanence: mainnet records are permanent; testnets can be reset or shut down.
- Fees: mainnet fees are paid in real coins; testnet fees use test tokens from services called faucets.
Switching your wallet to a test network may show a similar address and balance screen, but that balance has nothing to do with your mainnet holdings. And an app working on a testnet doesn’t mean it lives at the same contract address on mainnet.
What is a mainnet migration (token swap)?
Some projects start life as ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum and move to their own blockchain once its mainnet is ready. TRON and EOS did this in 2018, and BNB followed in 2019. During a migration, old tokens are swapped for native coins on the new network at a set ratio.
The process varies. Some exchanges handle the swap automatically for their users, while in other cases holders must act before a deadline. Get the details only from the project’s official announcement and your exchange’s own notice.
Migrations are also prime time for scammers. A genuine mainnet swap will never ask you to type your recovery phrase or private key into a website. Our guide to protecting yourself from phishing explains the warning signs.
What to check before transacting on mainnet
- Look at the network name shown in your wallet; with developer settings on, it’s easy to be left on a test network by mistake.
- Hold some of that mainnet’s native coin to pay fees.
- Send a small test transfer before moving a large amount to a new address or a new network.
- Pick the network carefully on exchanges, since the same token can exist on several mainnets. Our guide on choosing the right network explains how.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mainnet launch affect the price?
A launch is a major technical milestone and often draws market attention, but its effect on price can’t be known in advance; launches are sometimes followed by selling pressure.
Can a mainnet transaction be reversed?
No. Once a mainnet transaction is confirmed and final, it can’t be undone, and that includes transfers sent to the wrong address.