How to stake ETH through Ledger Live [ and choose the option that works best for you]

Solo staking requires you to deposit at least 32 ETH. If you choose this option, you’re responsible for setting up, running, and maintaining your node which requires technical expertise, staying up-to-date with the network upgrades, and avoiding potential penalties (slashing).

If you don’t want to run your own node but are still comfortable with depositing 32 ETH, you can use a validator-as-a-service provider. Ledger Live enables solo staking with Kiln.

Advantages:

• Solo staking is considered to be a less risky option compared to other types of staking.
• You stake directly on the network.

Disadvantages:

• The entry barrier can be high for some users—you need at least 32 ETH to get started.
• Reward withdrawals can be delayed.
• The service provider will charge you a fee. Fees depend on the provider and the amount you stake.

How to get started:

1. Open the Ledger Live app and connect your Ledger device.
2. Navigate to the Discover section.
3. Select Kiln.
4. Select Solo Staking.
5. Choose the amount you want to stake—must be a multiple of 32 ETH.
6. Click Stake.
7. Review transaction details.
8. Press both buttons to allow My Ledger to access your device.
9. Open the Kiln app on your device.
10. Confirm and sign the transaction with your Ledger device.

All set!

If you have more than 32 ETH, want to stake mid-term, you can also leverage pooled staking.

Just like liquid staking, pooled staking allows you to stake any amount of ETH. Your delegated assets will be combined with others' in the staking pool to meet the 32 ETH deposit requirement.

Advantages:

• Pooled staking allows you to stake any amount of ETH.
• The operator is responsible for operating the validator node. You don’t need to worry about hardware setup or node maintenance.
• There is no bonding period and you can collect your rewards immediately.

Disadvantages:

• Pooled staking isn't natively supported on the Ethereum network, and is often considered riskier.
• The service provider will charge you a fee. Fees depend on the provider and the amount you stake.

How to get started:

You can use Kiln as a validator-as-a-service provider to leverage pooled staking through Ledger Live. For legal reasons, US-based users cannot use the pooled staking service through Ledger Live. 

1. Open the Ledger Live app and connect your Ledger device.
2. Navigate to the Discover section.
3. Select Kiln.
4. Select Pooled Staking.
5. Choose the amount you want to stake.
6. Click Stake.
7. Review transaction details.
8. Press both buttons to allow My Ledger to access your device.
9. Open the Kiln app on your device.
10. Confirm and sign the transaction with your Ledger device.

‍‍Liquid staking lets you delegate any amount of ETH to the validator-as-a-service provider and get rewards based on your ownership percentage. The provider will combine your ETH with those of the other users to reach the amount necessary to stake.

Contrary to native or pooled staking, the rewards generated with liquid staking are paid out in a transferable receipt token. You can then move these tokens to other wallets or use them as collateral to generate additional rewards.

Advantages:

• Liquid staking is more flexible compared to native staking and has a lower entry barrier.
• You can withdraw the liquid tokens whenever you want.

Disadvantages:

• The staked crypto is locked and isn’t immediately available for use but you can immediately access your liquid tokens.
• There is a risk of depeg. Your liquid tokens can deviate from the value of the underlying asset due to volatile market conditions and changes.

How to get started:

Liquid staking is available with Lido and Stader through Ledger Live.

The steps are as follows:

1. Open the Ledger Live app.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
3. Allow My Ledger to access your Ledger device.
4. Navigate to the app catalog and search for Lido or Stader.
5. In the Ledger Live app, navigate to Accounts.
6. Select your Ethereum account with ETH you want to stake.
7. On the top-left corner, click Stake.
8. Click Earn with Lido or Earn with Stader.
9. Select the amount of ETH you wish to stake then click Submit.
10. Select preferred fees and click Continue.
11. Review and sign the transaction with your Ledger device.

As soon as the transaction is processed, you will receive an amount of stETH equivalent to the amount of ETH staked.

Earn section is a feature of the Ledger Live app that allows you to grow your crypto, track your rewards, and discover opportunities across chains without navigating multiple platforms and interfaces.

To access the Earn section:

1. Open the Ledger Live desktop app.
2. In the left navigation bar, click Earn.

Once you land on it, you’ll see that the Earn section consists of two tabs:

• Assets earning rewards tab allows you to track rewards on assets you are currently staking across networks and validators.
• Earn more rewards tab shows the list of your assets that are eligible for staking, along with the estimated rewards you would receive. From there, you can buy more assets, click Stake, and start getting rewards.

Questions? Check out Earn section FAQs