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What is ETH
Ethereum is the world’s second-largest decentralized blockchain network by market capitalization, second only to Bitcoin. It introduced smart contracts, enabling developers to build a wide range of decentralized applications (DApps), including DeFi, NFTs, and GameFi, and serves as a foundational layer of the Web3 ecosystem.
ETH (Ether) is the native token of the Ethereum network.
Within this ecosystem, ETH is more than just a medium of exchange. It powers the network itself. Users pay ETH as gas fees to send transactions, interact with DApps, and deploy smart contracts. As Ethereum continues to evolve, ETH has grown from a simple cryptocurrency into a core asset with both utility and yield-generating potential.
What is Ether (ETH) Staking
ETH staking involves locking your ETH on the Ethereum network to participate in its Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. By doing so, you help validate transactions and secure the network, earning staking rewards in return.
Since Ethereum’s transition to PoS, ETH holders can either run their own validator or delegate their ETH to a staking service that operates validators on their behalf. Rewards are generated from block issuance and transaction fees, without the need for mining.
ETH staking provides a relatively stable way to earn passive income, allowing your assets to stay productive rather than idle, while also contributing to the network’s security and decentralization.
ETH Staking Methods
There are three main ways to stake ETH: solo staking, pooled staking, and liquid staking. Each differs in terms of entry requirements, complexity, liquidity, and risk, making them suitable for different types of users.
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Solo Staking
Solo staking is the most native way to participate. It requires running your own node and becoming a validator. The minimum requirement is 32 ETH.
The main advantage is full control over your assets and validator operations, offering the highest level of decentralization without relying on third parties. However, it comes with high technical complexity and requires maintaining stable uptime. Failure to do so may result in penalties such as slashing. -
Pooled Staking
Pooled staking involves delegating your ETH to a service provider or protocol, which aggregates user funds to run validators and distribute rewards.
This method is simple to use and has a low entry barrier. You don’t need to run your own infrastructure, and even small amounts of ETH can be staked. However, it involves platform or custody risks, and a portion of rewards may be taken as service fees.
Staking ETH with CoolWallet falls into this category. Through the Kiln Staking Pool integrated in the CoolWallet App, users can start staking with as little as 0.1 ETH and earn rewards.
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Liquid Staking
With liquid staking, users receive a liquid staking token (such as stETH) after staking their ETH. These tokens can be used in DeFi for trading, lending, or providing liquidity.
This approach offers both yield and flexibility, as assets are not fully locked. However, it introduces additional risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities, depegging risk, and protocol-level risks.
Why Stake ETH with CoolWallet
Supported Products
✅ CoolWallet Pro
✅ CoolWallet Go
✅ CoolWallet HOT (hot wallet)
✅ CoolWallet S
Benefits of Staking ETH with CoolWallet
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Full self-custody control
CoolWallet is a self-custodial wallet, allowing you to retain full control of your private keys and assets without relying on centralized intermediaries. -
Hardware-level security
With CoolWallet Pro, Go, or S, your private keys are securely stored in a tamper-resistant chip, isolated from online threats to minimize the risk of exposure -
Simple and intuitive experience
Easily stake, unstake, and track your rewards directly in the CoolWallet App. The process is straightforward, allowing you to manage your assets anytime, anywhere. -
Flexible asset management
Add to your stake or unstake at any time, giving you the flexibility to adjust your strategy and optimize your returns as needed.
Instructions
Staking Overview
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Rewards calculated per address
Staking rewards are calculated based on the total staked amount under a single address. If you add more ETH using the same address, the new stake will be automatically combined with your existing stake and included in reward calculations.
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Auto-compounding rewards
During the staking period, rewards are automatically added to your staked balance, creating a compounding effect over time.
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Flexible unstaking
You can initiate unstaking at any time. After unstaking, it typically takes around 30 days to receive your ETH, though the actual time may vary depending on network conditions.
How to Stake ETH and Increase Staked Amount
Step 1. Open the CoolWallet App and go to Wallet → Earn → ETH.
Step 2. On the Manage Stakes page, tap Stake, select your address, and enter the amount you wish to stake. It is recommended to keep a small amount of ETH for future transaction fees.
Step 3. Review the transaction details and complete the verification.
Step 4. After the transaction is confirmed, you can check your staking status on the Manage Stakes page.
To add more ETH to your stake, simply follow the same steps.
How to Unstake
Please note that unstaking must be done in full. Partial unstaking is not supported.
Step 1. On the Manage Stakes page, tap Request Unstaking, and confirm the address.
Step 2. Review the transaction details and complete the verification.
Step 3. After confirmation, your staking status will update and display the estimated time to receive your assets.
How to Claim Staking Rewards
Step 1. After the waiting period, your staking status will update. Tap Unlocked, please tap to retrieve your asset, then complete the transaction verification.
Step 2. Once confirmed, you will receive both your staked ETH and accumulated rewards.
Step 3. After claiming, the Manage Stakes page will return to the unstaked state.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use my staked ETH during the staking period?
No. Staked ETH is locked and cannot be used for transfers or other transactions. To use your assets, you must first unstake and wait until the process is completed.
Q2: What is the minimum amount required to stake ETH?
The minimum amount to stake ETH with CoolWallet is currently 0.1 ETH.
Q3: Can I unstake my ETH at any time?
Yes. ETH staking is flexible, and you can initiate unstaking at any time.
Q4: How do I successfully unstake and retrieve my assets?
After submitting an unstaking request, it will enter a processing period. Typically, it takes around 30 days to complete unlocking, though the actual time may vary depending on market liquidity and network conditions. Once unlocked, you can submit a claim transaction, and both your principal and accumulated rewards will be returned to your address.
Q5: Do I need to manually claim staking rewards?
Yes. After unstaking is completed, you need to submit a claim transaction to receive both your principal and accumulated rewards.
Q6: How are ETH staking rewards calculated?
According to Kiln’s mechanism, rewards begin accumulating once your stake is confirmed. When the staking pool reaches 32 ETH, a validator node is automatically activated.
Staking rewards are automatically added to your staked balance, creating a compounding effect. As a result, rewards cannot be claimed separately. When you unstake, both your original stake and accumulated rewards will be withdrawn together.
Q7: Is the Kiln staking pool secure?
Kiln’s smart contracts are recognized by the Ethereum Foundation and have undergone multiple audits and penetration tests, including those by Spearbit and Ledger Donjon. Kiln also holds certifications such as SOC 2 Type I and SOC 2 Type II, and commits to at least annual audits to ensure contract security. Learn more.
Q8: What are the risks of staking ETH?
ETH staking involves risks such as smart contract vulnerabilities, slashing, and node downtime.
Slashing is one of the most critical risks. If a validator behaves improperly, a portion of the staked assets may be penalized. To mitigate this, Kiln follows a “better down than slashed” approach and implements industry best practices in its infrastructure.
Kiln also partners with Nexus Mutual to provide coverage against slashing-related risks. Nexus Mutual is a well-known risk protection provider in the crypto industry, serving institutional funds and custodians.
In addition to slashing, downtime may affect reward performance if a node fails to operate properly. To address this, Kiln maintains robust monitoring systems to ensure node stability and minimize risks. Learn more.
