Skip to content

Getting Started for Users

Install the Polkadot app, create a devnet account, and open your first Product by its .dot domain. This page gets you to the app; the guides take each step from there.

Never enter a real seed phrase

Never type a recovery phrase that holds real value into a devnet build, and never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

What you are using

The Polkadot app is self-custodial: your keys are generated and stored on your own device, and nothing signs without your approval. It brings identity, chat, payments, and app discovery into one client. The web gateway is the no-install option when you only want to open Devnet apps from a browser.

flowchart TD
  You[You] --> App["Polkadot app<br/>(mobile / desktop)"]
  You --> Web["Web gateway<br/>dev-dot.li"]
  App --> Acct[On-device account]
  App --> Cash["Devnet funds (CASH)"]
  App --> Browse["Discover apps<br/>Browse / .dot links"]
  Web --> Browse

Install the app

These are devnet builds. The Polkadot releases on Google Play and the App Store connect to a different network and do not work with this documentation.

Platform Where to get it
Android (APK) latest Android release
iOS (TestFlight) latest iOS release
Desktop (macOS / Windows / Linux) latest desktop release
Web gateway (no install) https://dev-dot.li

On Android take app-polkadot-devnet.apk (~200 MB) and allow installs from unknown sources; app-polkadot-devnet-nogms.apk is the same build for devices without Google Play services.

iOS distribution is TestFlight-only: the release notes carry the current join link, and the first build of each version reaches the group once Beta App Review approves it.

Prefer not to install anything?

The gateway at dev-dot.li opens devnet apps in any browser. For the full experience — an on-device account, payments, and signing — install one of the clients above.

Then follow the path

  1. Create an account & get funds — create or import an account, protect the recovery phrase, and fund it.
  2. Get & use CASH — top up the spendable balance and send it to someone.
  3. Username & proof of personhood — claim a readable name instead of a long address.
  4. Discover & open apps — find Products in Browse and open them by .dot domain.
  5. Messaging & calls — chat and call your contacts.