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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.

  1. Visit the Babylon Staking web app hosted by Babylon Labs.
  2. Connect your Babylon-compatible Bitcoin wallet to the web app.
  3. Select the Finality Provider you want to delegate your voting power to.
  4. Sign all transactions related to staking.
Optimism L2 Integrations ArchitectureOptimism L2 Integrations Architecture

Compatible Wallets

Wallet NameBTCBABY
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

Where:

  • ✅ - indicates that wallet is supported by Babylon Staking web app.
  • ❌ - indicates that the wallet is not supported.
  • Hardware - indicates that the wallet is a hardware wallet.

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