How to stake ETH on EigenLayer? (Restaking tutorial)

Understanding EigenLayer Restaking Mechanics

1. EigenLayer introduces a novel concept called restaking, where users re-delegate their already staked ETH to additional security modules known as Actively Validated Services (AVSs).

2. This process does not involve unstaking ETH from Ethereum’s consensus layer; instead, it builds on top of the existing 32 ETH validator deposit.

3. Users must first be active validators on Ethereum or use a non-custodial liquid staking token like stETH that represents staked ETH.

4. EigenLayer operates as a middleware layer — it inherits Ethereum’s cryptographic security while enabling new trust assumptions for decentralized infrastructure.

5. The protocol enforces slashing conditions across both Ethereum and AVS-specific parameters, meaning misbehavior in an AVS can lead to penalties on the underlying staked ETH.

Prerequisites for Restaking on EigenLayer

1. A non-custodial Ethereum wallet such as MetaMask with sufficient ETH for gas fees.

2. Either direct validator status on Ethereum or possession of a liquid staking derivative like stETH, rETH, or cbETH.

3. Completion of EigenLayer’s attestation process — a one-time onchain action confirming awareness of slashing risks.

4. Approval of the chosen LST contract via the EigenLayer dashboard before initiating restaking.

5. Sufficient balance in the wallet to cover transaction fees across multiple steps: approval, attestation, and restaking submission.

Navigating the EigenLayer Dashboard

1. Visit the official EigenLayer website and connect your wallet using the “Connect Wallet” button in the top-right corner.

2. Select the preferred staking asset — options include native ETH, stETH, rETH, or cbETH — each with distinct integration paths.

3. Click “Restake” next to the chosen asset, which triggers a series of contract interactions through your wallet interface.

4. Review all pending transactions carefully — especially approvals and restaking submissions — as they are irreversible once confirmed.

5. Monitor the “My Restaked Assets” section to verify successful inclusion and view associated AVS registrations.

Managing AVS Selection and Delegation

1. After restaking, users gain the ability to delegate their restaked weight to specific AVSs listed on the EigenLayer registry.

2. Each AVS publishes its own operational requirements, uptime SLAs, and slashing policies — these must be assessed independently.

3. Delegation is performed by interacting directly with the AVS’s smart contract, often requiring separate signature approvals.

4. Some AVSs impose minimum delegation thresholds or require whitelisting before participation.

5. Users retain full control over delegation changes and may withdraw from an AVS without affecting their base ETH stake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I restake ETH that is already staked via centralized exchanges?A: No. Centralized exchange staking does not provide onchain ownership of staking derivatives. Only self-custodied validator positions or non-custodial LSTs qualify.

Q: Is restaking reversible without unstaking from Ethereum?A: Yes. Restaking can be exited at any time through the EigenLayer dashboard, halting further AVS delegation without impacting the original validator status.

Q: Do I earn separate rewards from EigenLayer and the AVS?A: Rewards depend on AVS design. Some distribute native tokens, others offer fee revenue sharing. EigenLayer itself does not issue a native token or direct yield.

Q: What happens if an AVS I delegated to gets slashed?A: Slashing penalties apply only to the portion of restaked assets assigned to that AVS, based on the terms defined in its configuration — not the entire restaked balance.