Bitcoin Native Staking via Web App
Self-custodial staking is a process where users can stake their Bitcoin without relying on a third party. The staker can participate in another network's validating activity whilst:
- Maintaining direct control of their Bitcoin through their private keys
- Never transferring custody to third parties
- Using Bitcoin transactions to create time-locked, self-controlled staking contracts
The Bitcoin remains on the Bitcoin network and never leaves the staker's wallet. Only the voting power is delegated to the validator/Finality Provider. The staker can withdraw, or in other words unbond, their staked Bitcoin anytime without having to wait for a lengthy period. This gives freedom to Bitcoin holders to react to market conditions.
This contrasts with custodial staking, wrapped or bridged Bitcoin where users must trust third parties with their Bitcoin.
Staking on Babylon
A Babylon-compatible Bitcoin wallet allows users to stake their Bitcoin directly on the Babylon Bitcoin Staking Protocol. Users will need to select a Finality Provider to delegate their voting power to and send the Bitcoin transaction through via the help of a staking web app or CLI.
Staking via web app
Staking via the Babylon web app is a simple process.
- Visit the Babylon Staking web app hosted by Babylon Labs.
- Connect your Babylon-compatible Bitcoin wallet to the web app.
- Select the Finality Provider you want to delegate your voting power to.
- Sign all transactions related to staking.
Compatible Wallets
- Browser Extension Wallets
- Mobile App Wallets
| Wallet Name | BTC | BABY |
|---|---|---|
| OKX | ✅ | ✅ |
| Unisat | ✅ | ✅ |
| OneKey | ✅ | ✅ |
| BitGet | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cactus Link | ✅ | ✅ |
| Leap | ✅ | ✅ |
| Keplr | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cosmostation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tomo | ✅ | ❌ |
| Fordefi | ❌ | ❌ |
| Xverse | ✅ | ❌ |
| Gate Web3 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Keystone Hardware | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ledger (via Keplr app) Hardware | ❌ | ✅ |
| OneKey (Pro & Classic 1S) Hardware | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wallet Name | BTC | BABY |
|---|---|---|
| OKX | ✅ | ✅ |
| Unisat | ✅ | ✅ |
| OneKey | ✅ | ✅ |
| BitGet | ✅ | ✅ |
| Leap | ✅ | ✅ |
| Keplr | ❌ | ❌ |
| Cosmostation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tomo | ✅ | ✅ |
| Xverse | ❌ | ❌ |
| CoinEx | ❌ | ❌ |
| ImToken | ❌ | ❌ |
| Gate Web3 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Coldlar Hardware | ✅ | ✅ |
Where:
- ✅ - indicates that the wallet is supported by the Babylon Staking web app.
- ❌ - indicates that the wallet is not supported.
- Hardware - indicates that the wallet is a hardware wallet.
The above list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Please check the official documentation of the staking wallets for the latest information.
Staking via CLI
Babylon created the stakers-cli tool to allow users to stake via the command line interface and programmatic control in any operating system.
For details check out BTC Staker