Staking on the Polygon network has evolved significantly with the introduction of the new POL token, designed to power the next phase of Polygon’s blockchain ecosystem. Whether you're holding legacy MATIC tokens or have already transitioned to POL, staking remains a core way to earn rewards while supporting network security and decentralization.
This comprehensive guide walks you through how to stake, unstake, claim, and re-stake your assets using MetaMask and the official Polygon Staking Portal, all while ensuring you understand the process, requirements, and timelines involved.
Understanding Polygon's POL and MATIC Tokens
Polygon is a leading Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 scaling solution, leveraging the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and Solidity-based smart contracts to enable fast, low-cost transactions. Developers and users benefit from seamless integration with existing Web3 tools.
On September 4, 2024, Polygon launched the $POL token** as part of its new tokenomics model. While **$MATIC will continue to coexist temporarily, $POL is set to become the primary staking and governance token.
Here’s what you need to know:
- If you’re staking MATIC, your tokens remain staked and will be convertible to POL in the future.
- Any new MATIC staked will be automatically converted into POL during delegation.
- If you already hold POL, you can stake it directly using the same process.
All staking activities occur on the Ethereum Mainnet, so ensure your wallet is connected to Ethereum and holds both POL (or MATIC) and a small amount of ETH for gas fees.
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Step-by-Step: Connecting Your Wallet
Before staking, you’ll need a compatible EVM wallet. MetaMask is the most widely used, but other wallets like Coinbase Wallet, Rabby, Keplr, and any WalletConnect-enabled app also work.
- Open https://staking.polygon.technology in your browser.
- Click Login in the top-right corner.
- Select your wallet — for this guide, choose MetaMask.
- Review the sign-in request and click Sign to authorize.
⚠️ If you encounter connection issues, try switching browsers (e.g., Chrome, Brave, or Firefox) or refreshing WalletConnect.
Once connected, your dashboard will display your current delegations, rewards, and available actions.
Option 1: How to Stake $POL
This method applies if you already hold $POL tokens or have migrated from MATIC.
Step 1: Choose a Validator
Scroll through the list of validators and click Delegate on your preferred one.
Step 2: Enter Amount
A popup appears where you can input the amount of $POL to stake. Click Continue.
Step 3: Approve Spending
MetaMask will prompt you to approve a spending allowance for $POL. Confirm the transaction and pay the small ETH gas fee by clicking Approve.
Step 4: Confirm Delegation
After approval, click Delegate again. MetaMask opens a second transaction — confirm it to finalize delegation.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmation
It takes approximately 12 checkpoint periods (2–12 hours) for the delegation to reflect in your wallet due to Ethereum finality delays.
You can track progress via Etherscan.
✅ Once complete, visit the “My Account” section under “Your Delegations” to verify your stake.
🔄 Remember: Unstaking or re-delegating requires a cool-down period of 80 checkpoints (3–10 days).
Option 2: How to Stake $MATIC and Earn $POL
Even if you still hold $MATIC**, you can participate in staking — your tokens will be automatically converted to **$POL upon delegation.
Step 1: Select Validator
Choose a validator and click Delegate.
Step 2: Switch to MATIC
In the delegation popup, use the dropdown to select MATIC instead of POL. Enter the amount and click Continue.
Step 3: Confirm Transaction
Click Delegate, then confirm the transaction in MetaMask using ETH for gas.
After confirmation:
- Your MATIC is converted to POL.
- The stake is registered under the validator.
- You begin earning $POL staking rewards.
As before, allow 2–12 hours for updates to appear in your wallet.
✅ Rewards accrue over time and can be either withdrawn or compounded.
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How to Claim or Restake Your Staking Rewards
You can manage your rewards at any time via the Account Dashboard.
Minimum Withdrawal Threshold
- The minimum amount to withdraw or restake rewards is 2 $POL.
- Rewards below this threshold remain accrued but cannot be moved until they meet the threshold.
- Note: You can still unstake principal funds at any time, regardless of reward balance.
Option A: Restake (Compound) Rewards
To maximize returns:
- Go to “Your Delegations.”
- Click Restake Rewards.
- Confirm the action in MetaMask.
This reinvests your earned POL directly into your existing stake, increasing future yield through compounding.
Option B: Withdraw Rewards
To transfer rewards to your wallet:
- Click Withdraw Rewards.
- Select Withdraw to Wallet.
- Confirm in MetaMask.
Funds typically arrive within seconds, depending on network congestion.
Adding More $POL to Your Existing Stake
Want to increase your position? You can stake more $POL with a validator you're already delegated to.
- Navigate to your Account Dashboard.
- Under “Your Delegations,” select the validator.
- Click Stake More.
- Enter the amount and click Continue.
- Approve both transactions in MetaMask (allowance + delegation).
💡 Pro Tip: Any accumulated but unclaimed rewards are automatically transferred to your wallet when you stake more with the same validator.
Changes appear after 12 checkpoints (2–12 hours).
How to Unstake Your $POL Tokens
To exit staking:
- In your account dashboard, go to “My Delegations.”
- Click Unbond next to your stake.
- Choose how much to unstake — options include 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or a custom amount.
- Click Confirm Unbond, then approve in MetaMask.
Key points:
- You receive all accumulated rewards upon unbonding.
- Funds are locked for 80 checkpoints (3–10 days) before becoming available for withdrawal.
- This delay applies only to principal stakes — not to claimed or un-redelegated rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I stake MATIC and still earn POL?
Yes! When you stake $MATIC through the Polygon Staking Portal, it’s automatically converted into $POL, and you begin earning $POL rewards immediately.
Q: Where does staking take place?
All staking operations occur on the Ethereum Mainnet, not on Polygon’s PoS chain. Ensure your wallet is connected to Ethereum and has ETH for gas fees.
Q: How long does it take for staking changes to show up?
It typically takes 12 checkpoint periods (2–12 hours) for new stakes, restakes, or reward claims to reflect due to Ethereum finality requirements.
Q: What happens when I unstake?
Upon initiating an unbond request, your tokens enter a cooldown period of up to 80 checkpoints (3–10 days). During this time, they cannot be accessed or moved.
Q: Can I switch validators?
Yes — but re-delegating also triggers the full 80-checkpoint unbonding period from the original validator before your stake moves.
Q: Is there a minimum stake amount?
There is no official minimum stake requirement, but transaction fees apply. For practical purposes, staking very small amounts may not be cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Staking on Polygon offers a powerful way to earn passive income while contributing to network security. With the transition from MATIC to POL now underway, users have a seamless path forward — whether holding legacy tokens or embracing the new standard.
By using tools like MetaMask and the official Polygon Staking Portal, anyone can participate in securing one of Web3’s most active ecosystems.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency staking involves risks including market volatility, slashing, and lock-up periods. Always conduct independent research before participating.