How to Stake Ethereum (ETH) in 2026: Complete Beginner Guide
Learn how to stake Ethereum in 2026 using liquid staking, native staking, or exchanges. Earn passive income on your ETH with our complete beginner
How to Stake Ethereum (ETH) in 2026
Earn passive income on your ETH with this step-by-step guide
Ethereum staking has become one of the most popular ways to earn passive income in crypto. Since the transition to proof-of-stake, ETH holders can lock up their tokens to help secure the network and earn rewards in return, with annual yields typically ranging from 3% to 5%.
Whether you have 32 ETH for a full validator node or just a fraction of a token, there is a staking option for you. This guide walks you through liquid staking with protocols like Lido and Rocket Pool, native solo staking, and convenient exchange-based staking so you can choose the path that fits your situation.
What You'll Need
- An Ethereum wallet such as MetaMask with ETH in it
- Basic understanding of gas fees on the Ethereum network
- A stable internet connection for interacting with DeFi protocols
- At least 0.01 ETH to cover transaction fees
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Choose Your Staking Method
The first decision is which staking method suits your needs. Liquid staking through protocols like Lido or Rocket Pool lets you stake any amount of ETH and receive a liquid token (stETH or rETH) that you can use elsewhere in DeFi. This is the most flexible option for most users.
Native solo staking requires exactly 32 ETH and your own validator hardware but gives you the highest rewards and full control. Exchange staking through platforms like Coinbase or Kraken is the simplest option but involves trusting a centralized custodian with your funds.
Step 2
Set Up Your Wallet for Staking
If you are using liquid staking or native staking, make sure your MetaMask or compatible wallet is connected to the Ethereum mainnet. Ensure you have enough ETH to cover both your staking amount and the gas fees required for the transaction.
For exchange staking, simply log into your exchange account and navigate to the staking or earn section. Verify that your account has completed identity verification, as most exchanges require KYC before allowing staking.
Step 3
Stake via Liquid Staking (Recommended for Most Users)
Navigate to the Lido Finance website at stake.lido.fi or the Rocket Pool app at stake.rocketpool.net. Connect your wallet, enter the amount of ETH you want to stake, and approve the transaction. You will receive stETH or rETH in return at the current exchange rate.
Your liquid staking token automatically accrues staking rewards over time. The token value increases relative to ETH as rewards accumulate, meaning you do not need to claim rewards manually. You can hold, trade, or use these tokens in other DeFi protocols.
Step 4
Stake via Native Solo Staking (Advanced)
For native staking, you need 32 ETH and a dedicated machine running an Ethereum execution client like Geth and a consensus client like Prysm or Lighthouse. Visit the official Ethereum launchpad at launchpad.ethereum.org to generate your validator keys.
Follow the launchpad instructions to deposit your 32 ETH to the deposit contract. Once your validator is activated, which can take several hours to days depending on the queue, your node will begin proposing and attesting to blocks and earning rewards.
Step 5
Stake via Exchange (Simplest Option)
On Coinbase, navigate to the ETH asset page and click the Stake button. On Kraken, go to the Earn section and select Ethereum staking. Enter your desired amount and confirm. The exchange handles all the technical infrastructure on your behalf.
Be aware that exchange staking usually takes a small commission from your rewards, typically between 10% and 25%. Some exchanges may also impose lock-up periods or withdrawal queues, so review the terms carefully before committing your ETH.
Step 6
Monitor Your Staking Rewards
For liquid staking, track your rewards by watching the price ratio of your staking token to ETH on platforms like DeFi Llama or the protocol dashboards. Your stETH or rETH balance or value will steadily increase as the protocol earns staking rewards.
Solo stakers can monitor validator performance on beaconcha.in by entering their validator index. Exchange stakers can view accumulated rewards directly in their exchange account dashboard, usually updated daily.
Step 7
Unstake When You Are Ready
Liquid staking tokens can be swapped back to ETH on decentralized exchanges like Uniswap at any time, or you can use the native withdrawal process on Lido or Rocket Pool which may take a few days. This flexibility is the main advantage of liquid staking.
Native stakers can exit their validator through their consensus client, with withdrawals processed in a queue. Exchange unstaking timelines vary by platform but typically range from a few hours to several days depending on the exchange and network conditions.
Tips & Best Practices
- Start with a small amount on a liquid staking protocol to learn the process before committing larger sums.
- Compare staking APR across different protocols using DeFi Llama or StakingRewards.com to find the best current rates.
- If using liquid staking, consider using your stETH or rETH as collateral on lending platforms like Aave to earn additional yield.
- Keep an eye on Ethereum network upgrades and protocol governance proposals that may affect staking terms or rewards.
- Diversify your staking across multiple methods or protocols to reduce counterparty and smart contract risk.
Important: Staking involves risk including smart contract vulnerabilities, slashing penalties for solo stakers running misconfigured validators, and potential lock-up periods during which you cannot access your ETH. Liquid staking tokens can also temporarily trade below their peg during market stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn staking Ethereum in 2026?
Ethereum staking rewards currently range from approximately 3% to 5% annual percentage rate depending on the method. Liquid staking through Lido typically yields around 3.5%, while solo staking can earn slightly more due to MEV rewards and no protocol fees.
Can I lose my ETH by staking it?
Solo stakers risk slashing penalties if their validator behaves maliciously or goes offline for extended periods. Liquid staking carries smart contract risk, meaning a bug could potentially affect funds. Exchange staking carries custodial risk if the exchange faces insolvency.
Do I need 32 ETH to stake?
No. Liquid staking protocols like Lido and Rocket Pool allow you to stake any amount of ETH, even fractions. Exchange staking also has no minimum in most cases. Only native solo staking requires the full 32 ETH deposit to run your own validator.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk. Always do your own research and never invest more than you can afford to lose. This article may contain affiliate links.
