> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://new-docs.squads.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Validator staking

> Stake SOL with Solana validators directly from your Squad

Stake SOL with a Solana validator of your choice to earn staking rewards. Your stake remains under your Squad's multisig control throughout the process.

## How it works

When you delegate SOL to a validator, you earn two types of rewards:

* **Inflation rewards** are the base staking yield from Solana's inflation, currently under 5% APY. These auto-compound — they are added to your staked balance each epoch without any action needed.
* **MEV rewards** are additional yield from validators running the Jito client (most Solana validators). MEV rewards do not auto-compound. They accumulate as idle SOL and must be claimed manually.

Solana uses an epoch-based system. An epoch currently lasts about a day, and the Stake page shows the time left in the current one. All stake status changes (activation, deactivation) take effect at epoch boundaries, not when you submit the proposal.

<Info>
  If you stake mid-epoch, your stake shows as "Activating" until the next epoch begins. Once active, it starts earning rewards.
</Info>

## Stake SOL

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose a validator">
    Navigate to **Stake** in the sidebar and select the **Validator** tab. Browse or search for a validator. Each row shows effective APY (estimated annual yield), commission percentage, and total SOL staked.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review validator details">
    Select **Stake** on a validator's row to open the staking modal. Review the APY breakdown (**Total APY**, **Native APY**, and **Jito MEV APY**), along with total stake, commission, and number of delegators.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure your stake">
    Select the sub-account to stake from under **Account** and enter the amount of SOL (minimum 1 SOL). **MAX** holds back 0.02 SOL for fees. Add a note if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit for approval">
    Select **Stake** to create the proposal. Once approved and executed, your stake enters the activation period and becomes active at the next epoch boundary.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## View staked positions

Navigate to **Stake**, select the **Validator** tab, and set **Filter by** to **Staked**. Your stake accounts are grouped by validator. Each stake account shows its status (Activating, Active, Deactivating, or Inactive) and staked amount.

## Manage stake accounts

From the **Staked** view you can also:

* **Add Stake**: stake more SOL with a validator you already delegate to.
* **Split stake**: open **Unstake** on a stake account and turn on **Split stake** to move part of it into a second stake account. Both accounts stay delegated and no cooldown starts. Each account must keep at least 1 SOL.
* **Merge accounts**: select two or more stake accounts under the same validator, then select **Review merge** to combine them into one.
* **Delegate**: delegate a stake account that is not delegated yet to a validator of your choice.

Each action creates a proposal that your Squad must approve and execute.

## Claim MEV rewards

Most Solana validators run the Jito client, which generates MEV rewards on top of standard yield. Unlike inflation rewards, MEV does not compound automatically.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Stake page">
    Navigate to **Stake**. The claimable amount is shown at the top of the page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Claim rewards">
    Select **Claim all MEV rewards**, then **Confirm**, to collect accumulated MEV across all your stake accounts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve and execute">
    The claim creates a proposal. Once approved and executed, the rewards arrive in your sub-account.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Claim MEV rewards periodically to maximize yield. Unclaimed MEV sits idle and does not earn additional rewards. Consider claiming and restaking to compound your returns.
</Info>

## Unstake SOL

Unstaking is a two-phase process: deactivate your stake, then withdraw once deactivation completes.

### Deactivate

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select the position">
    Navigate to **Stake**, select the **Validator** tab, set **Filter by** to **Staked**, and find the stake account you want to unstake under its validator.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start unstaking">
    Select **Unstake** on the stake account. Enter the amount to unstake, or select **MAX** to unstake the full position. A partial unstake must be at least 1 SOL and leave at least 1 SOL staked.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit for approval">
    Select **Unstake** to create the proposal. Once executed, your stake status changes to "Deactivating." You continue earning inflation rewards during this period.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Withdraw

Once your stake status changes to "Inactive" (at the next epoch boundary), return to the **Staked** view and select **Withdraw** on the inactive stake account. Choose the sub-account that receives the SOL under **Deposit SOL to**. The full inactive balance is withdrawn. Once the withdrawal proposal is approved and executed, your SOL returns to that sub-account.

Deactivation takes up to one epoch, depending on when in the epoch you unstake.

## Best practices

* **Compare validator metrics.** Look at commission rates, total stake, and Jito MEV support. Many validators offer 0% commission.
* **Claim MEV regularly.** Unlike inflation rewards, MEV does not auto-compound. Claim periodically and restake to maximize long-term yield.
* **Plan for epoch timing.** Unstaking takes up to one epoch, then a withdrawal proposal. Only stake what you can afford to lock during this period.
* **Keep SOL for fees.** Ensure your sub-account has enough SOL to cover proposal fees for staking, claiming, and unstaking.
* **Diversify across validators.** Spreading stake across multiple validators reduces risk and supports network decentralization.

<Accordion title="Troubleshooting">
  | Issue | Solution |
  | - | - |
  | Stake still shows "Activating" | Wait for the current epoch to end. Check the epoch countdown on the Stake page |
  | No rewards showing | Rewards appear after your stake becomes active and an epoch completes |
  | Cannot withdraw after unstaking | Wait for status to change from "Deactivating" to "Inactive" at the next epoch boundary |
  | Proposal stuck on Active | Gather required approvals to reach your Squad's threshold |
  | Lower yield than expected | Claim MEV rewards (they do not auto-compound) and verify validator performance |
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="FAQ">
  **How long does staking take to activate?**

  Your stake activates at the start of the next epoch, so activation takes up to one epoch depending on when you stake.

  **How long does unstaking take?**

  Unstaking requires waiting until the current epoch ends, then executing a separate withdrawal proposal. Plan for up to one epoch, plus the time your Squad needs to approve both proposals.

  **Do inflation rewards compound automatically?**

  Yes. Inflation rewards are added to your staked balance each epoch without any action. MEV rewards do not auto-compound and must be claimed manually using **Claim all MEV rewards**, then restaked if you want to compound them.

  **What is the difference between native APY and Jito MEV APY?**

  Native APY is the base yield from Solana's inflation, which auto-compounds. Jito MEV APY is additional yield from transaction ordering fees, distributed by validators running the Jito client. MEV currently adds a fraction of a percent to your total yield and requires manual claiming. The **Jito MEV APY** in each validator's details shows the current figure.

  **Can I unstake part of my position?**

  Yes. Enter a specific amount when unstaking to split the position. The remainder stays active and continues earning rewards. Both the unstaked amount and the remainder must be at least 1 SOL.
</Accordion>


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