How to Get Airdrops | 5-Step Guide to Participating in Crypto Airdrops [2026 Latest]

Want to learn how to get airdrops but not sure where to start? This article explains how to participate in crypto airdrops in 5 easy steps.

What you'll learn in this article

✅ How to find airdrop information

✅ How to check participation requirements

✅ How to set up your wallet

✅ How to participate safely

✅ Tips for waiting for token distribution

Hello! After reading the previous article, you may have gotten a general idea of what an "airdrop" is. Some of you might be thinking, "Getting free coins sounds pretty interesting!"

However, if you're feeling anxious thinking "It seems too difficult to actually participate..." or "I don't know where to start...", don't worry. In this article, we'll break down the basic steps into 5 easy-to-follow parts so that even first-time airdrop participants can join with confidence. By the time you finish reading this, you'll be on your way to becoming an airdrop hunter. Let's take that first step together!

👉 What is an Airdrop? Learn the Basics

✅ Learn how to participate in airdrops in 5 steps

✅ Understand the flow from wallet setup to token receipt

✅ Learn how to identify scams and participate safely

✅ Check out recommended 2026 projects

Let's go through the 5 steps to participating in airdrops.

Step 1: Find Airdrop Information

To participate in an airdrop, you first need to find information about "what airdrops are available." So where can you find such valuable information? Here are some common sources.

1. Project Official Websites and Social Media (X, etc.) Projects developing new coins or services often announce, "We're going to hold an airdrop." So if there's a project you're interested in, the basics are to regularly check their official website and official X (formerly Twitter) account.
2. Information Platforms like CandyDrops CandyDrops always features the latest notable airdrop information. With a track record of running CRYPTO TIMES, a crypto-specialized media outlet, for 7 years, CandyDrops stands out for filtering out scam and low-value airdrop information as much as possible.
3. Specialized Airdrop Aggregation Sites Besides CandyDrops, there are various websites that collect and introduce airdrop information. While convenient for checking lots of information at once, some may contain suspicious information, so it's important to assess the site's reliability. (We'll cover how to spot unreliable sites in another article.)

No matter where you look for information, developing a habit of questioning "Is this really trustworthy information?" will help you avoid trouble later. Take your time and choose your information sources carefully.

Step 2: Check Participation Requirements

Once you find an airdrop that catches your eye, the next thing to do is thoroughly check the "participation requirements." Airdrops don't just give coins to anyone who does nothing — there are basically always some conditions set.

For example, common requirements include:

• "Please register your email address"
• "Follow our X account and repost this tweet"
• "Join our group on the Telegram app"
• "Please answer this survey"
• "Please try using our service"
• "You must have this type of crypto wallet"

As you can see, the requirements vary from project to project. That's why it's crucial to thoroughly read "what exactly you need to do" before participating. If you skip over the details, you might end up in the unfortunate situation of participating but not receiving any coins. Take it one step at a time.

Participating in airdrops often requires actually using a service or depositing assets.

CandyDrops is running a collaboration campaign with "OKJ," a Financial Services Agency-approved cryptocurrency exchange. By registering through this link, you can receive 1,000 yen worth of Bitcoin guaranteed.

Additionally, by completing KYC and verifying your tasks through the CandyDrops My Page, you can earn 50,000 CandyDrops Points, which can be used to enter regularly held campaigns.

Don't miss this opportunity to join!

There are several types of airdrops. Let's compare their characteristics in the table below.

Finding the type of airdrop that suits you is the key to participating efficiently.

Step 3: Set Up Your Wallet

To receive coins from an airdrop, you need a "crypto wallet" to store them. Think of it like a bank account.

There are several types of wallets, but for beginners participating in airdrops, the most commonly used type is a "software wallet" that works as a smartphone app or browser extension on your computer. For example, you may have heard of "MetaMask," the wallet with the fox icon.

An important point is that the project hosting the airdrop may specify "please receive using this type of wallet." So make sure to check the participation requirements carefully, and if you don't have the required wallet, you'll need to create a new one.

Even more importantly, make sure to provide your wallet address accurately. A wallet address is like your account number. If you register the wrong one, the coins you were supposed to receive might end up somewhere else entirely or be lost forever. When copying and pasting, be careful enough to double-check multiple times.

We'll cover detailed instructions on how to create wallets and the different types in another article. For now, just remember that "you need a dedicated wallet for airdrops, and you must not make mistakes with the address."

Step 4: Complete the Tasks

Once you've gathered information, checked the participation requirements, and set up your wallet, it's finally time to participate in the airdrop.

When actually participating, keep in mind: "Stay calm, follow the instructions carefully, and be precise." Especially when entering your email address or wallet address, check each character carefully for mistakes.

Step 5: Receive Your Tokens

Once you've successfully completed the airdrop participation process, all that's left is to wait for the coins to be distributed. Here's one important note.

You won't necessarily receive coins immediately after participating. Depending on the project, distribution may happen weeks or even months after the airdrop period ends. There are also many cases where point programs allow you to earn points by using the product, which lead to future airdrops.

Don't rush thinking "I still haven't received anything" — patience is important. Regularly check the project's official announcements for distribution timing information.

Here's some very important security information for participating in airdrops. If any site asks for your wallet's "private key" or "password," it is 100% a scam — never share it. A private key is like the key to your wallet's safe. Sharing it is the same as telling a thief, "Go ahead, take everything." Your private key is your secret alone — never share it with anyone.

Basically, if you follow instructions from official websites and trustworthy information sources, entering required information and completing tasks, you'll be fine. If at any point you feel uneasy thinking "Is this safe?", it's important to stop, consult someone you trust, or have the courage to skip that particular airdrop.

Are airdrops really free to participate in?

Yes, legitimate airdrops are free. However, gas fees (a few hundred yen) may apply. Anything requesting "participation fees" or "transfers" is likely a scam.

Are airdropped tokens taxable?

In Japan, the market value at the time of receipt is subject to taxation as income. Miscellaneous income under 200,000 yen per year doesn't require a tax return, but always keep records.

How can I identify airdrop scams?

Anything that asks for your private key or seed phrase, requests you to connect to unknown sites, or demands you send funds is a scam. Always verify through official websites and social media.

What do I need to participate in airdrops?

You can get started with three things: a wallet like MetaMask, a small amount of ETH (for gas fees), and a means of collecting airdrop information (X/Discord).

Additionally, to participate in retroactive airdrops earned by interacting with products, you'll need to prepare stablecoins (such as USDC) supported by the target product. The required assets vary by product, so check which assets are supported before getting started.

For those without funds to get started, CandyDrops is running a collaboration campaign with "OKJ," a Financial Services Agency-approved cryptocurrency exchange. By registering through this link, you can receive 1,000 yen worth of Bitcoin guaranteed.

Additionally, by completing KYC and verifying your tasks through the CandyDrops My Page, you can earn 50,000 CandyDrops Points, which can be used to enter regularly held campaigns.

Don't miss this opportunity to join!

How much profit has been made from past airdrops?

Total profits vary from person to person. Major airdrops like Uniswap distributed 400 UNI (approximately $1,200), Arbitrum approximately $2,000, and Jito approximately $10,000, with large-scale airdrops yielding profits in the hundreds of thousands of yen.

There have been cases where people received airdrops worth over 1 million yen just by using a product with a small amount.

• Gather information from trustworthy sources
• Always check participation requirements
• Prepare a dedicated wallet
• Participate carefully and accurately
• Be patient waiting for distribution