> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.backpack.exchange/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.backpack.exchange/wallet/actions/stake-sol.md).

# Stake SOL

There are two main ways to stake Solana on Backpack:

1. Liquid Staking: stake SOL while maintaining liquidity through tokenized staking derivatives like bpSOL
2. Native Staking: delegate SOL directly to a validator through your wallet.

***

> New to Backpack Wallet? [Download the app or browser extension](/start-here/downloads.md) and [set up a wallet](/wallet/get-started.md) to get started.

### How to Stake SOL for bpSOL

Liquid stake SOL by swapping it for bpSOL directly in Backpack Wallet.

1. Select **Swap**.
2. Select **SOL** as the token you want to swap.
3. Select **bpSOL** as the token you want to receive.
4. Enter the amount of SOL you want to swap.
5. Select **Review Swap**, review the transaction details, then approve the transaction.

> **Note:** The APY displayed in Backpack Wallet may change. Refer to the current rate shown in the app.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1790800155-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3kiM6CAFBZoTCJcZ8X7k%2Fuploads%2FxbptNkgmyPeVgjrhFf8t%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f3777887-24ef-4bc6-8c7f-7da3983cd539" alt="" width="290"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### How to Natively Stake SOL

Native staking lets you stake SOL directly with a Solana validator through Backpack Wallet.

1. From **Portfolio**, select **Solana (SOL)**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1790800155-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3kiM6CAFBZoTCJcZ8X7k%2Fuploads%2FQ4Dm7Grxozy4vESCZDuw%2F8738947298c36fc84200d3703acc7c54.png?alt=media&amp;token=8937f9ca-c9ca-4455-8047-7ecf6c51ad88" alt="" width="295"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

2. Select **Stake SOL to Earn**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1790800155-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3kiM6CAFBZoTCJcZ8X7k%2Fuploads%2FfNJODeQfmyAC8euf3hvE%2Fb40972eb00c6569eb74eb46684f2b5fd.png?alt=media&amp;token=ab8bf853-d3ae-4714-8e3c-d2ed8eb0cc1f" alt="" width="293"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

3. Select **Native Staking**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1790800155-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3kiM6CAFBZoTCJcZ8X7k%2Fuploads%2FVZO5zTCQmAjBKpILIXRx%2Fd3a833950bb3e29c4853bb840d7a5098.png?alt=media&amp;token=52f11a87-f25d-4e96-bdb9-8352ff937366" alt="" width="291"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

4. Enter the amount of SOL you want to stake.
5. Review the selected validator. To choose a different validator, select **Other Validators**.
6. Select **Stake** and approve the transaction.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1790800155-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F3kiM6CAFBZoTCJcZ8X7k%2Fuploads%2FayOhKeOTEMZEnvQKCcpy%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e4c13496-2f74-498c-92d2-f978b96e7a69" alt="" width="298"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

> **Note:** Staking requirements, validator information, commission rates, and APY may vary. Refer to the current information displayed in Backpack Wallet before staking.

***

## **FAQs about staking SOL with Backpack**

<details>

<summary><strong>What is the minimum amount of SOL needed to stake?</strong></summary>

* **Stake SOL for bpSOL (Liquid Staking):** 0.01 SOL
* **Native Staking:** 1.00167 SOL

> **Note:** Minimum staking requirements may change without notice. Always refer to the amount displayed in Backpack Wallet for the most up-to-date requirement.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>How long does it take for staked SOL to activate?</strong></summary>

* **Stake SOL for bpSOL (Liquid Staking):** No activation period applies. You can swap SOL for bpSOL directly.
* **Native Staking:** Activation time may vary, but a new stake typically activates within 24 hours.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I unstake my SOL at any time?</strong></summary>

* **Stake SOL for bpSOL (Liquid Staking):** You can swap bpSOL back to SOL at any time.
* **Native Staking:** You can unstake at any time, but you must wait until the next Solana epoch before the SOL becomes available in your wallet.

[See the Solana Epoch status here](https://explorer.solana.com)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>What is the Mad Validator?</strong></summary>

The Mad Validator is Backpack owned and managed. It began operations after the Mad Lads NFT collection launch.

[See details about the Mad Validator here.](https://www.validators.app/validators/CjmXSapt1ouz3CZzgkRJckBEwMSo5fVdVrizLeRscwYD?locale=en\&network=mainnet)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>What is staked SOL used for?</strong></summary>

Staked SOL is used to validate blockchain transactions on the Solana network.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>What is the difference between native staking and liquid staking on Solana?</strong></summary>

The key difference between native staking and liquid staking on Solana comes down to liquidity and flexibility:

* Native Staking
  * You delegate SOL directly to a validator.
  * Your SOL is locked and cannot be used elsewhere until you unstake (which takes 2-3 days).
  * You earn staking rewards but have no immediate liquidity.
* Liquid Staking
  * You stake SOL through a liquid staking protocol (like Sanctum)
  * You receive a liquid staking token (e.g. bpSOL) that represents your staked SOL.
  * This token can be traded, used in DeFi, or swapped back to SOL.

</details>


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