How to Get Free Solana (SOL) in 2025

Solana (SOL) has become one of the most popular blockchains thanks to its speed, low fees, and growing ecosystem. With its rise in popularity, a common question appears: ‍

The good news is that you can earn free SOL through safe and legit methods such as airdrops, staking, referral bonuses, and learn-to-earn programs. These won’t make you rich overnight, but they’re a great way to explore the Solana ecosystem and grow your holdings.

However, “free Solana” is also a common bait used in scams, so it’s important to know what’s real and what’s not. In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to get free Solana in 2025 and the security tips you need to keep your rewards safe.

How to Get Free Solana

Get Free SOL from Airdrops

Airdrops are crypto giveaways where projects reward users for supporting their launch or ecosystem. On Solana, some projects distribute SOL itself as part of their campaigns.

How to qualify for Solana airdrops:

1. Hold ecosystem tokens: Some projects reward holders of tokens like FIDA (Bonfida) or RAY (Raydium). They often take a “snapshot” of wallets at a specific time to decide who gets the airdrop.
   
   
2. Stay active on the Solana blockchain: Projects prefer rewarding engaged users. Swapping tokens, staking SOL, minting NFTs, or providing liquidity can make you eligible.
   
   
3. Follow official announcements: Most airdrops are announced on Twitter/X and Discord. By following projects early, you won’t miss deadlines or signup forms.
   
   

Stake SOL to Earn Passive Rewards
‍

If you already hold some SOL, you can stake your SOL to earn more. Some validators and platforms even run promotions that reward stakers with bonus SOL.

How staking works

1. Choose a validator: Validators are responsible for processing transactions and keeping Solana secure. Look for one with high uptime and low commission fees.
   
   
2. Delegate your SOL: You don’t give up ownership; your SOL stays in your wallet but is “staked” to the validator.
   
   
3. Earn rewards: As your validator earns rewards, you receive a share.

What to expect from rewards

• Annual yields typically range from 5%–8% APY, depending on validator performance and network conditions.
  
  
• Some platforms or wallets run bonus campaigns, offering extra SOL for staking during promotional periods.
  
  
• Rewards compound if you regularly restake them, which can significantly increase returns over time.
  
  

Why staking is safe
‍

Unlike trading or farming, staking doesn’t expose your SOL to major risk since your tokens never leave your wallet, they’re just delegated. The main factor is choosing a reliable validator.

Complete Quests and Campaigns
‍

Web3 projects love running quests to boost user activity. These are small tasks like:

• Connecting your wallet
  
  
• Swapping tokens
  
  
• Testing new features
  
  

In return, you can claim free SOL or project tokens that can later be swapped for SOL.

Platforms like Zealy and Galxe often feature Solana campaigns where completing simple tasks gets you rewarded.

‍

Join Testnets Early and Earn SOL
‍

Developers on Solana often run testnets or early-access programs before launching a new product. They need real users to try features, find bugs, and give feedback, and they sometimes reward participants with SOL.

How to get involved

• Watch announcements on Solana forums, Twitter/X, Discord, and Telegram, testnet invites are usually shared there first.
  
  
• Join the testnet by connecting your wallet and completing basic tasks like swapping tokens, staking, or exploring dApps.
  
  
• Stay active: the more feedback and bug reports you provide, the higher your chances of being rewarded.
  
  

Pro tip: Many projects don’t reveal rewards until later, so consistent participation across testnets can pay off big when the project launches.

Referral Programs
‍

One of the simplest ways to earn free SOL is through referral programs. Many Solana exchanges and wallets reward you when they sign up using your link and start trading.

How it works

• Share your referral link from a Solana platform (exchange or wallet).
  
  
• Your friend signs up and trades using that link.
  
  
• You earn rewards directly in SOL when your referral trades.
  
  

Why it’s worth it

• Super easy: no trading skills required.
  
  
• Rewards can be instant or based on your friend’s activity.
  
  
• Platforms like Backpack and other Solana-based exchanges regularly launch these programs, making it a low-effort way to collect SOL.

How You Can Get Free SOL on Backpack

Backpack isn’t just a wallet and exchange, it’s also a simple, secure way to earn free SOL.

 On Backpack Exchange
‍

• SOL Auto-Lend (~5.86% APY): Earn passive yield automatically without locking up your SOL. You can still trade or use it as collateral while it earns interest in the background.
  
  
• Collateralized Basis Trades: Put your SOL to work as collateral and open hedged trades to capture funding rate spreads. This strategy lets you stay long SOL while reducing risk, with returns that vary based on market conditions.
  
  
• Staking Rewards: Stake your SOL directly on the exchange and collect high yields, while keeping the flexibility to manage or move your funds whenever you need.
  
  
• Referral Rewards: Share Backpack with friends and earn 10% of their trading fees. If they trade SOL, you get paid directly in SOL; easy and risk-free.
  
  

Backpack Exchange is built to be capital-efficient, meaning your SOL keeps working for you, whether you’re lending, trading, or staking, without being locked away.

On Backpack Wallet
‍

• Liquid Staking (~7.70% APY): Swap SOL for bpSOL and keep your tokens liquid while earning rewards. You can use bpSOL across DeFi apps while still collecting staking yield in the background.
  
  
• Native Staking (~7.52% APY): Delegate your SOL directly to trusted validators, like the Backpack Validator or Mad Lads Validator, for steady and secure rewards paid in SOL.
  
  

With Backpack Solana Wallet, staking is simple, safe, and flexible, whether you want to stay liquid with bpSOL or lock in stable rewards through native staking.

Note: APY rates are estimates, fluctuate over time, and are subject to market conditions. Your actual returns may vary.

Stay Safe: Avoiding Free SOL Scams

Where there’s free crypto, there are also scammers. To protect your SOL, keep these rules in mind:

• Never share your seed phrase and private key: No legit project will ever ask for it.
  
  
• Use official links only: Always start from the project’s official website or verified Twitter/X account before joining airdrops, quests, or testnets.
  
  
• Beware of fake “airdrop” sites: Scammers create copycat pages promising free SOL if you connect your wallet. Double-check URLs before clicking.
  
  
• Separate wallets for experiments: If you’re testing unknown dApps or joining campaigns, use a fresh wallet instead of your main stash.
  
  
• No upfront payments: If someone asks you to send SOL to “unlock” an airdrop, it’s a scam.
  
  

Stick to trusted platforms like Backpack, Raydium, and other verified Solana projects. If in doubt, don’t connect your wallet.

‍

Final Thoughts

Earning free SOL isn’t just hype, it’s possible if you know where to look. From airdrops and quests to staking and referrals, the Solana ecosystem is full of opportunities to grow your balance without buying more.

Backpack makes it even easier. With its integrated Solana wallet for staking, simple referrals, and capital-efficient features on the exchange, you can put your SOL to work safely while keeping full control of your funds.

Don’t let your SOL sit idle. Start staking or invite a friend on Backpack Exchange and watch your balance grow.

‍

Learn more about Backpack

Exchange | Wallet | Twitter | Discord

‍

Disclaimer: This content is presented to you on an “as is” basis for general information and educational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind. It should not be construed as financial, legal or other professional advice, nor is it intended to recommend the purchase of any specific product or service. You should seek your own advice from appropriate professional advisors. Where the article is contributed by a third party contributor, please note that those views expressed belong to the third party contributor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Backpack. Please read our full disclaimer for further details. Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Backpack is not liable for any losses you may incur. This material should not be construed as financial, legal or other professional advice.

‍