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Aven runs on Stellar Testnet. Before you can create streams or run work sessions, you need a funded Testnet account with the Freighter wallet installed. This guide walks you through every step — from installing the wallet to getting testnet USDC — so you can start using Aven without spending real money.

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What You Need

  • Freighter browser wallet, configured for Testnet
  • A funded Testnet Stellar account (free via Friendbot)
  • USDC testnet balance (for USDC streams)
  • Node.js v20+ (for the CLI)

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Step 1: Install and Configure Freighter

1

Download Freighter

Install the Freighter extension for your browser. It is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Brave.
2

Create or import an account

Open Freighter and create a new account, or import an existing one using your secret recovery phrase.
3

Switch to Testnet

Click the network selector at the top of the Freighter UI and switch to Testnet. Never use Mainnet while working with the current Aven deployment.
4

Copy your public key

Your Testnet public key (beginning with G...) is displayed in the wallet UI. Copy it — you will need it in the next steps.

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Step 2: Fund Your Account

Stellar accounts must hold a minimum XLM reserve and pay a small fee for every transaction. Use Friendbot to fund your new Testnet account for free.
Alternatively, use the web interface: Stellar Laboratory — Account Creator. Paste your public key and click Get test network lumens. Your account will be funded with 10,000 test XLM.

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Step 3: Add a USDC Trustline

Stellar requires you to opt in to each asset you want to hold. To receive or stream USDC, your account must have a USDC trustline. Skip this step if you only plan to use XLM streams.
  1. Open Stellar Lab
  2. Go to Account → Add Trustline
  3. Add a trustline for the following asset:
    • Asset code: USDC
    • Issuer: GBBD47IF6LWK7P7MDEVSCWR7DPUWV3NY3DTQEVFL4NAT4AQH3ZLLFLA5
  4. Sign the transaction with Freighter when prompted

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Step 4: Get Testnet USDC

Once your trustline is active, request free Testnet USDC from Circle’s faucet:
  1. Visit Circle’s testnet faucet
  2. Select Stellar Testnet from the network dropdown
  3. Enter your Testnet public key
  4. Click Request — USDC will appear in your Freighter wallet within seconds

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Testnet Contract Addresses

These are the deployed Aven smart contract addresses on Stellar Testnet. Use them when verifying transactions or querying contract state directly.

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Exploring Transactions

Once you have started using Aven, you can inspect every on-chain action using these tools:
Testnet accounts and funds have no real-world value. Never use Mainnet accounts or real USDC with the current Aven deployment.
Testnet may be reset periodically by the Stellar Development Foundation. If transactions stop working or your balance disappears, re-fund your account with Friendbot and re-add your USDC trustline.