What is Polkadot?
Polkadot connects multiple specialized blockchains (parachains) to a shared relay chain secured by Nominated Proof of Stake. DOT holders nominate validators rather than running their own, and unbonding has a multi-week waiting period.
How to stake DOT
- Get an official wallet that supports Polkadot — the link on this page goes to Polkadot's official site, which lists supported wallets.
- Transfer or hold your DOT in that wallet. On most networks this keeps you in full control of your coins.
- From the wallet's staking or delegation screen, research and choose a validator (see our guide on choosing a validator).
- Confirm the delegation transaction. Rewards typically begin accruing automatically after a short activation period.
- Monitor your validator's performance periodically, and remember any unbonding period that applies if you later want to undelegate.
StakeRadar is an informational guide only. We don't process transactions, hold funds, or connect to wallets. Use the "Go to official site" button above (or a provider below) to reach a real, official destination and complete staking there, in your own wallet.
Unbonding & lock-up
Unbonding nominated DOT currently takes about 28 days before it can be withdrawn.