How Does ETH Staking Work?
Staking is the process of blocking a certain number of coins on the blockchain. It ensures proper execution of transactions on the network, allows new blocks to be added, and enhances security.
Users who participate in staking are called validators. They are rewarded for their work in the form of new coins. Participants who keep coins on staking for a long period have the highest chance of being selected to validate new blocks.
Benefits of Ethereum Staking
What are the benefits of ETH staking?
- Passive income. To get rewarded, you just need to hold coins in your wallet for a certain period.
- Maintaining the network’s security. Validators help protect the blockchain from attacks and failures.
- Environmental friendliness. Proof-of-Stake is low-energy and significantly reduces the carbon footprint.
How to Start Getting Rewards on Ethereum: Detailed Instructions
We’ve already established that an investor can get returns from staking Ethereum, but how do you start this process and what do you need to do it? To help you figure it out, we have prepared a quick guide.
How do you start solo staking?
You will need a computer connected to the Internet 24/7. It should also meet the technical requirements, which can be found on the official Ethereum website. To run staking, you need to set up your node (software that loads a copy of the blockchain and verifies the validity of each block). To do this, you should:
- download the free DAppNode app on Ethereum.org or set up the command line on your PC yourself (if you have the skills);
- generate keys for staking (for signing and withdrawal);
A validator is randomly selected to validate the blockchain. They verify that transactions are correct and add the new block to the blockchain. The others check the operation of this block to make sure it is correct. Validators are rewarded for their work.
What Is Staking as a Service and How to Use It?
If you don’t want to manage the node yourself, you can resort to the services of third-party providers who will do the job. You will only need to generate keys and deposit 32 ETH. These keys must be sent to the operator who will manage the validator on your behalf.
How to Participate in Combined Staking?
If you don’t have 32 ETH, you can run staking through distribution pools by investing a smaller amount. Lido and Rocket Pool platforms offer combined staking, but you can also run it through MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Atomic Wallet, Ledger, and other crypto wallets.
How to Stake Ethereum on Exchanges?
Some crypto exchanges allow you to deposit cryptocurrency into pools directly through their platforms. If you are interested in the yield that staking Ethereum can bring, the calculator available on most exchanges will help you determine the approximate amount.
How to Withdraw ETH from Staking?
In April 2023, a Shapella update to the Ethereum network allowed validators to withdraw the cryptocurrency from staking (previously, it could only be deposited).
If a user chooses staking as a service, combined staking, or staking through exchanges, they should follow the instructions of the service providers to withdraw their earnings.
Solo stakers must provide a wallet address for withdrawal when initially setting up the deposit. Balances over 32 ETH will be credited to the user’s account automatically every 3-7 days.
Risks of Ethereum Staking
Let’s take a closer look at the disadvantages of staking:
- Temporary loss of income: can happen due to network, software errors, or validator failures;
- Lack of access to deposit: blocked funds become unavailable for use until a specific time;
- Volatility: the real value of rewards can rise or fall in different periods.