Cycles
Comprehensive cycle management for Internet Computer - Balance checking, transfers, top-ups, ICP conversion, and faucet operations with dfx 0.25.0 compatibility
The Cycles page is a comprehensive component of the DFX Dashboard, providing a professional interface for managing cycles on the Internet Computer. Built with dfx 0.25.0 compatibility, it offers all essential cycle operations in an organized, tabbed interface for optimal developer experience.
Overview
The redesigned Cycles page features a modern tabbed interface with three main sections designed for comprehensive cycle management:
Balance & Approvals
Check cycle balances and manage cycle spending approvals
Transfers & Top-ups
Transfer cycles between accounts and top up canisters
Convert & Faucet
Convert ICP to cycles and redeem faucet coupons
Interface Design Features
Cycle Management Operations
Balance & Approvals Tab
Manage your cycle balances and configure spending approvals for automated systems and other principals.
Checking Cycle Balance
The balance checking functionality provides comprehensive balance monitoring:
Balance Queries
Check current balance for any principal or subaccount
Network Support
Query balances across local, IC, or custom networks
Precision Options
Use precise balance option for exact cycle counts
Format Display
View balance in TC (trillion cycles) format
Balance Check Options
Managing Cycle Approvals
Configure spending approvals to enable automated systems or other principals to spend cycles on your behalf:
Set Spender
Spender Principal: Enter the principal authorized to spend cycles
Define Limits
Amount: Set maximum cycles that can be spent
Add Context
Memo: Optional memo for transaction tracking
Set Expiration
Expires At: Set expiration timestamp for the approval
Approval Configuration Options
Use cycle approvals to enable automated systems or other principals to spend cycles on your behalf within defined limits. This is particularly useful for automated canister management and CI/CD systems.
Balance & Approvals Tab
Manage your cycle balances and configure spending approvals for automated systems and other principals.
Checking Cycle Balance
The balance checking functionality provides comprehensive balance monitoring:
Balance Queries
Check current balance for any principal or subaccount
Network Support
Query balances across local, IC, or custom networks
Precision Options
Use precise balance option for exact cycle counts
Format Display
View balance in TC (trillion cycles) format
Balance Check Options
Managing Cycle Approvals
Configure spending approvals to enable automated systems or other principals to spend cycles on your behalf:
Set Spender
Spender Principal: Enter the principal authorized to spend cycles
Define Limits
Amount: Set maximum cycles that can be spent
Add Context
Memo: Optional memo for transaction tracking
Set Expiration
Expires At: Set expiration timestamp for the approval
Approval Configuration Options
Use cycle approvals to enable automated systems or other principals to spend cycles on your behalf within defined limits. This is particularly useful for automated canister management and CI/CD systems.
Transfers & Top-ups Tab
Execute cycle transfers between accounts and top up canisters with comprehensive transfer management.
Transferring Cycles
The transfer functionality provides flexible cycle movement between accounts:
Flexible Transfers
Transfer cycles to any principal with subaccount support
Source Control
Specify source subaccount for organized fund management
Destination Options
Set destination subaccount for precise delivery
Transaction Records
Add transaction memos for comprehensive record keeping
Transfer Configuration
Destination
To: Enter destination principal for the cycles
Amount
Amount: Specify number of cycles to transfer
Source Account
From Subaccount: Optional source subaccount specification
Destination Account
To Subaccount: Optional destination subaccount specification
Documentation
Memo: Optional memo for transfer documentation
Topping Up Canisters
The canister top-up feature enables efficient canister funding:
Canister Selection
Top up any canister with cycles
Source Management
Specify source subaccount for funding
Precise Control
Set exact amounts for top-ups
Top-up Configuration
Double-check canister IDs before topping up, as cycle transfers cannot be reversed. Sending cycles to an incorrect canister will result in permanent loss. Always verify the canister ID matches your intended target.
Convert & Faucet Tab
Convert ICP to cycles and redeem faucet coupons for development and testing purposes.
Converting ICP to Cycles
The ICP conversion feature provides efficient cycle acquisition:
Rate Monitoring
Convert ICP to cycles at current exchange rates
Source Control
Specify source subaccount for ICP
Transaction Tracking
Add transaction memos for tracking
Rate Transparency
Monitor conversion rates before proceeding
Conversion Process
Amount Selection
Amount: Specify amount of ICP to convert
Source Account
From Subaccount: Optional source subaccount containing ICP
Documentation
Memo: Optional memo for the conversion
Rate Confirmation
Review current exchange rate before confirming
Conversion Options
Redeeming Faucet Coupons
The faucet redemption feature enables free cycle acquisition for development:
Coupon Redemption
Redeem faucet coupons for free cycles
Code Entry
Enter coupon codes from official sources
Direct Delivery
Receive cycles directly to your account
History Tracking
Track redemption history and usage
Faucet Redemption Process
Coupon Code
Coupon: Enter faucet coupon code to redeem
Validation
System validates coupon code and availability
Redemption
Cycles are added directly to your account
Confirmation
Receive confirmation with cycle amount received
Faucet coupons are typically available for development and testing purposes. Check official DFINITY channels, community forums, and developer events for available coupons.
Advanced Features
Network Selection Support
All cycle operations support comprehensive network selection for flexible development and production workflows:
Subaccount Support
Most operations support subaccount specification for organized fund management:
Source Subaccounts
Specify where cycles/ICP come from
Destination Subaccounts
Specify where cycles should go
Account Isolation
Keep different purposes separated
Error Handling & Validation
Comprehensive error handling ensures reliable operations:
Best Practices
Troubleshooting
dfx 0.25.0 Compatibility
This interface is fully compatible with dfx 0.25.0 and includes enhanced features:
Updated Commands
Updated command syntax for all cycle operations
Enhanced Errors
Enhanced error messages with detailed feedback
Network Handling
Improved network handling for multiple network types
Performance
Optimized performance for faster operation execution
New dfx 0.25.0 Features
Additional Resources
DFX Cycles Commands
Complete command reference for cycle operations
Understanding Cycles
Comprehensive guide to cycles on the Internet Computer
ICP to Cycles Conversion
Detailed guide to ICP-to-cycles conversion
Cycle Wallet Management
Cycle wallet and management best practices
Cycles Economy
Cycles economy whitepaper and technical details
Developer Economics
Understanding computation and storage costs
Ready to explore network configuration? Continue to the Network page to learn about network management, configuration, and connectivity options.