Can You Stake Crypto with Ledger? (Read This Before You Start)
Staking cryptocurrency has become one of the most popular ways to earn passive income in the crypto space. If you’re someone who owns a Ledger hardware wallet—or are planning to set one up using ledger.com/start—you might be wondering: Can you stake crypto with Ledger?
The short answer is yes. But before you dive in, there’s a lot you should know to maximize your rewards, protect your assets, and understand what Ledger actually offers when it comes to staking.
What Is Staking in Crypto?
Before we get into Ledger’s capabilities, let’s quickly define staking.
Staking is the process of locking up a certain amount of cryptocurrency to support the operations and security of a blockchain network—typically those that use a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. In return, stakers receive rewards, often in the same cryptocurrency they staked.
It's similar to earning interest on a fixed deposit, except instead of a bank, you're participating in a decentralized network.
What Is Ledger?
Ledger is a company known for its hardware wallets—secure devices that store your cryptocurrency offline, away from the reach of hackers. Two of the most popular models are:
- Ledger Nano S Plus
- Ledger Nano X
When you set up your device through ledger.com/start, you’re essentially gaining full control over your private keys—a vital step in keeping your crypto secure.
But Ledger isn’t just about cold storage. With the Ledger Live app, you can manage your crypto portfolio, buy, swap, and yes—stake your assets.
So, Can You Stake Crypto with Ledger?
Yes, Ledger allows you to stake a variety of cryptocurrencies directly through the Ledger Live app. The process is straightforward and secure, assuming you’ve set up your wallet correctly through ledger.com/start.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works and what you can stake.
Supported Cryptocurrencies for Staking with Ledger
Ledger supports staking for several popular coins, including:
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Solana (SOL)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Tezos (XTZ)
- Cosmos (ATOM)
- Algorand (ALGO)
- Tron (TRX)
- Cardano (ADA) (via third-party integration)
Each of these cryptocurrencies has its own rules, minimum staking amounts, and reward structures. While some can be staked directly through Ledger Live, others may require integration with third-party apps.
How to Stake Crypto Using Ledger
If you've already set up your device using ledger.com/start, here’s a simplified step-by-step to stake:
1. Open Ledger Live
Make sure your Ledger device is connected and open the Ledger Live desktop or mobile app.
2. Install the App for Your Coin
Go to the “My Ledger” tab and install the app for the crypto you want to stake (e.g., Ethereum, Solana).
3. Add the Account
Click on “Accounts” and add an account for the crypto you plan to stake.
4. Choose Staking Option
Once the account is set up, click on it and look for a “Stake” or “Earn Rewards” button.
5. Select a Validator
In most staking setups, you delegate your coins to a validator. Choose one based on reputation, uptime, and commission fees.
6. Confirm on Your Device
Your Ledger device will ask you to verify and confirm the transaction. Once done, your assets are staked!
Benefits of Staking with Ledger
✅ Maximum Security
Because your private keys never leave the device, staking through Ledger is significantly safer than on web platforms or centralized exchanges.
✅ Control and Transparency
With Ledger, you can track your rewards, change validators, and unstake anytime (depending on network rules).
✅ Passive Income
Staking rewards can range from 3% to over 12% annually, depending on the coin and validator.
Potential Drawbacks and Risks
While staking with Ledger is secure, there are a few things you should be aware of:
❌ Lock-Up Periods
Some coins have mandatory lock-up periods where you can’t access your funds (e.g., ETH has an unstaking delay).
❌ Slashing Risks
If your validator misbehaves, a portion of your staked assets may be slashed as a penalty.
❌ Not All Coins Are Supported Directly
For coins like ADA or DOT, you may need to use third-party apps like Yoroi or Polkawallet, although Ledger still secures your keys.
Alternatives to Native Staking in Ledger Live
If a coin isn’t supported for native staking in Ledger Live, you still have options:
- Use Third-Party Wallets that integrate with Ledger (e.g., Keplr, Yoroi, MetaMask)
- Connect to DeFi platforms using your Ledger device for added security
- Stake via Centralized Exchanges (though this reduces your control and exposes you to additional risks)
Is Staking Safe on Ledger?
In general, staking on Ledger is one of the safest ways to participate in staking—as long as:
- You’ve set up your wallet correctly via ledger.com/start
- You keep your recovery phrase offline and private
- You only interact with verified apps and validators
The safety of staking comes down to how securely you manage your private keys and how careful you are in selecting staking providers.
Final Thoughts: Should You Stake Crypto with Ledger?
If you're serious about crypto security and want to earn passive income through staking, Ledger is an excellent choice. It combines cold storage with an intuitive interface for staking via Ledger Live, offering a near-perfect balance between safety and ease of use.
Whether you’re staking Ethereum, Tezos, or Cosmos, Ledger gives you full control while keeping your assets secure—assuming you follow the correct setup process through ledger.com/start and understand the rules of staking for each coin.
Just remember: not all coins are equal, not all validators are trustworthy, and staking always carries risk—even with a Ledger device. But if you’re careful and do your research, staking through Ledger can be a smart move for long-term crypto holders.
FAQs About Ledger and Staking
Q: Is staking available on Ledger Nano S?
Yes, but for the best experience and coin support, Ledger recommends the Nano S Plus or Nano X.
Q: Do I need to leave my Ledger device plugged in to earn rewards?
No. Once the staking transaction is signed and confirmed, rewards accumulate automatically—even if the device is unplugged.
Q: Can I unstake anytime?
That depends on the coin. Some, like Tezos, allow quick unstaking. Others, like Ethereum, have lock-up periods.
Q: Are there fees for staking through Ledger?
Ledger itself doesn’t charge fees, but validators do. Always check the validator’s commission rate before staking.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Crypto investments carry risk, and you should do your own research before staking or purchasing any cryptocurrency. Always verify details on official sites like ledger.com/start and consult a financial advisor if needed.