Staking crypto using Ledger lets you earn rewards while keeping your private keys on your hardware wallet. You stay in control of your assets the whole time. This guide shows you how to use Ledger Live to stake crypto, which assets work, and what risks to know before you start.
What is Proof of Stake?
Before You Start
Make sure you have everything ready first. You’ll need hardware wallets developed by Ledger:
- A Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax, or other supported device
- The latest version of Ledger Live installed
- The right coin app installed on your device
- A funded account with the asset you want to stake
Some assets also have minimum staking amounts. Check these before you begin.
How to Stake Crypto with Ledger
Step 1: Connect your Ledger
Connect your Ledger device and unlock it with your PIN.
Step 2: Open Ledger Live
Confirm that Ledger Live sees your device. It should appear on the main screen.
Step 3: Install the coin app
Go to My Ledger and install the app for the asset you want to stake. Skip this step if it’s already installed.
Step 4: Confirm your account
Open Accounts and check that an account exists for your asset. If not, add one before you continue.
Step 5: Check your balance
Make sure your account holds enough of the asset to meet any staking minimums. Some networks set a required amount.
Step 6: Open Earn or Discover
- Use Earn for assets with native Ledger Live staking support.
- Use Discover for assets that rely on staking providers.
Step 7: Review the terms
Before staking, look over:
- Estimated rewards
- Validator or staking provider
- Lock-up or unbonding periods
- Network fees
Step 8: Confirm on your Ledger
Enter the amount you want to stake. Then approve the deal on your Ledger device. Once you confirm, your staking position goes live.
Cryptocurrencies That Can Be Staked with Ledger Wallets
While there are hundreds of different cryptocurrencies that operate on PoS these days, it’s important to note that the Ledger Live wallet only supports a few native tokens.
Asset
Staking Method
Notes
Understanding Staking Methods
Native staking
Native staking happens fully within Ledger Live through the Earn section. Supported assets include:
- Polkadot
- Cosmos
- Tron
- Tezos
- Algorand
Discover integrations
Some assets use built-in staking providers through Ledger Live’s Discover section. Ethereum is the most common example.
Third-party wallets
Some assets need you to connect Ledger to an outside wallet. For example:
- Phantom for Solana
- Eternl or Yoroi for Cardano
Even so, your private keys and transaction approvals stay on your Ledger device.
Rewards, Lock-Ups, and Risks
Staking rewards are not guaranteed. They can change over time. Before you stake, make sure you understand the key risks below.
Lock-up periods
Some networks make you wait before you can withdraw funds. For example Polkadot requires about 28 days while Cosmos requires about 21 days. Others, like Tezos and Algorand, generally don’t lock your funds at all.
Slashing risk
Networks like Polkadot and Cosmos can penalize validators for poor performance. Choosing reliable validators helps lower this risk.
Smart contract risk
Liquid staking tools like Lido rely on smart contracts. These add extra risk compared to native staking.
Network fees
Starting or ending a staking position costs a blockchain transaction fee. Fees vary by network. On Ethereum, fees can be high during busy periods.
Troubleshooting
Staking option not available
Some assets use Discover or third-party wallets instead of the Earn section. Check the supported assets table above to confirm the right method.
Coin app missing
Install the required app through My Ledger. If storage is full, remove unused apps. Your funds won’t be affected.
Insufficient balance
Some networks require a minimum staking amount. These can change over time, so check current needs before you stake.
Device not recognized
Make sure:
- Your device is unlocked
- Ledger Live is up to date
- The correct coin app is open on your device
Regional restrictions
Some staking providers aren’t available in all regions. If staking isn’t available to you, check the provider’s regional rules.
Choosing a Ledger Device for Staking
All current Ledger devices support staking. The main difference is storage space:
- Nano S Plushttps://www.cryptovantage.com/best-crypto-wallets/ledger-nano-plus/
- and Nano X hold more apps than older models.
- Stax offers a larger touchscreen.
The staking process itself works the same across all models.
FAQ
Yes. You stake Solana through Phantom while using Ledger as the hardware signer.
Yes. Ethereum staking is available through Ledger Live via providers like Kiln and Lido.
You can get back access to your assets and staking positions. Just use your recovery phrase on a new device.
With Ledger, you keep control of your private keys. With exchange staking, the exchange holds your assets for you.
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