How to stake Ethereum on Ledger Live

Understanding Ethereum Staking and Its Integration with Ledger Live

Ethereum staking refers to the process of participating in the Ethereum network’s consensus mechanism by locking up a certain amount of ETH to support block validation and earn rewards. Since the transition to Proof of Stake (PoS) with The Merge, users can stake their ETH to help secure the network. Ledger Live, the official desktop and mobile application for Ledger hardware wallets, now supports direct staking of Ethereum, enabling users to stake securely without compromising control of their private keys.

Staking through Ledger Live is designed to be non-custodial, meaning users retain full ownership of their assets. The process involves delegating ETH to validators operated by trusted partners such as Figment, Kiln, and Stakewise, which are integrated directly into the Ledger Live interface. This eliminates the need for users to run their own validator nodes or use third-party platforms outside Ledger’s ecosystem.

Prerequisites for Staking Ethereum via Ledger Live

Before initiating the staking process, several requirements must be met to ensure a smooth experience:

• A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus): These devices securely store your private keys and must be set up and registered within Ledger Live.
• Latest firmware installed: Ensure your Ledger device runs the most recent firmware version, which can be updated through Ledger Live.
• Latest version of Ledger Live: Download and install the most up-to-date version of the application from ledger.com/ledger-live.
• Minimum of 0.01 ETH: While the official validator requirement is 32 ETH, Ledger Live allows liquid staking starting from 0.01 ETH through partner services.
• Ethereum app installed on your device: Open Ledger Live, go to the Manager section, connect your device, and install the Ethereum app.
• Internet connection and security awareness: Always perform staking on a secure, private network and verify URLs to avoid phishing.

Failure to meet any of these conditions may prevent you from accessing the staking feature.

Enabling Ethereum Staking in Ledger Live

To begin staking, follow these steps carefully within the Ledger Live interface:

• Launch Ledger Live and ensure your Ledger device is connected and unlocked.
• Navigate to the Accounts tab and select your Ethereum account.
• Click on the 'Stake' button located under the account balance.
• A prompt will appear listing available staking providers. Choose a provider such as Figment or Kiln based on your preference.
• Review the provider’s terms, including fee structure and reward frequency.
• Confirm your selection by approving the action on your Ledger device using the physical buttons.

This step establishes the delegation link between your ETH holdings and the chosen staking provider. Your funds remain in your control, and the provider only manages the validation process.

Depositing ETH for Staking

After selecting a provider, you must deposit ETH into the staking service. The process is seamless within Ledger Live:

• Enter the amount of ETH you wish to stake. Note that you must leave enough ETH to cover transaction fees (gas).
• Confirm the amount and click 'Continue'.
• A transaction review screen will appear, showing the staking provider, amount, and estimated fees.
• Approve the transaction on your Ledger device by pressing both buttons when the confirmation appears.
• Wait for the transaction to be confirmed on the Ethereum blockchain. This may take several minutes depending on network congestion.

Once confirmed, your ETH is delegated to the validator pool. You will receive liquid staking tokens (such as stETH or rETH) in return, which represent your staked position and accrue rewards over time. These tokens can be held in your Ledger wallet or used in DeFi protocols.

Monitoring Staking Rewards and Performance

Ledger Live provides a transparent interface for tracking your staking activity:

• Return to the Ethereum account in Ledger Live.
• Under the 'Staking' section, view your current staked balance, pending rewards, and total rewards earned.
• Rewards are typically distributed daily by the staking provider and automatically reflected in your account balance.
• The APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is displayed and may fluctuate based on network conditions and provider performance.
• To verify on-chain data, click the transaction ID (TXID) next to any staking event to view it on a blockchain explorer like Etherscan.

You retain full visibility and control. No withdrawal or claim action is needed—rewards accumulate automatically in your wallet.

Withdrawing Staked ETH and Rewards

Withdrawing staked ETH involves a two-step process due to current Ethereum protocol limitations:

• Initiate the unstake request directly in Ledger Live under the staking dashboard.
• Select the amount of staked ETH or staking tokens to withdraw.
• Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
• After confirmation, the unstaking process enters a queue, as Ethereum enforces a withdrawal delay (currently up to 24–48 hours, subject to network conditions).
• Once processed, the ETH and accumulated rewards are returned to your wallet as liquid ETH.

Note that liquid staking tokens (e.g., stETH) can be swapped back to ETH instantly on decentralized exchanges without waiting, offering greater flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stake less than 32 ETH on Ledger Live?Yes, Ledger Live supports liquid staking through integrated providers, allowing users to stake as little as 0.01 ETH. This is different from running a full validator, which requires 32 ETH.

Are staking rewards taxable?Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction. In many regions, staking rewards are considered taxable income at the time they are received. Consult a tax professional for guidance based on your location.

What happens if my Ledger device is lost during staking?Your staked ETH remains safe. As long as you have your recovery phrase, you can restore access to your wallet on a new Ledger device and continue managing your staked assets.

Do I earn rewards in ETH or in staking tokens?Rewards are earned in ETH, but they are represented through staked ETH tokens (like stETH) that increase in value relative to ETH over time. When unstaked, you receive ETH plus rewards.