Staking on the Polygon network has become more accessible than ever, especially with the introduction of the new POL token in 2024. Whether you're holding legacy MATIC or have already transitioned to POL, you can participate in network validation, earn staking rewards, and contribute to the security of one of the most widely adopted Ethereum scaling solutions.
This comprehensive guide walks you through staking, claiming rewards, restaking, and unstaking your assets using MetaMask and the official Polygon Staking Portal—all while ensuring compatibility with Ethereum Mainnet standards.
Understanding Polygon’s POL and MATIC Tokens
Polygon is a leading EVM-compatible blockchain platform designed to offer fast, low-cost, and secure transactions. Built to scale Ethereum, it supports Solidity-based smart contracts and integrates seamlessly with popular Web3 tools.
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On September 4, 2024, Polygon launched its next-generation governance and utility token: $POL**. While **$MATIC remains functional during a transitional period, $POL is set to eventually replace it entirely. Both tokens currently support staking and consensus mechanisms.
Here’s what you need to know:
- If you’re staking MATIC, your tokens remain staked and will be redeemable as POL after migration.
- Unstaked MATIC can still be staked and will automatically convert to POL during delegation.
- Direct POL staking is fully supported using the same process.
Core Keywords:
- Stake Polygon
- Stake POL
- Stake MATIC
- MetaMask staking
- Polygon Staking Portal
- Earn staking rewards
- Unstake POL
- Delegation on Ethereum
Prerequisites for Staking
Before you begin, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- A compatible EVM wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Rabby, or any WalletConnect-enabled wallet)
- Sufficient $POL** or **$MATIC for staking
- A small amount of $ETH for transaction fees (since staking occurs on Ethereum Mainnet)
Ensure your wallet is connected to the Ethereum Mainnet network, and that both your staking tokens and ETH for gas are held within the same wallet address.
Navigate to the official portal: https://staking.polygon.technology
Connecting Your Wallet
- Click “Login” in the top-right corner of the Polygon Staking Portal.
- Select your preferred wallet—MetaMask is recommended for browser users.
- Confirm the connection request in your wallet extension by clicking “Sign”.
If you're using a mobile wallet, choose the WalletConnect option to scan a QR code and link securely.
⚠️ Tip: If you encounter connection issues, try switching browsers (Chrome, Brave, or Firefox often work best).
Once connected, your dashboard will display available validators and staking options.
Option 1: How to Stake $POL
Ideal for users who already hold $POL or have completed the MATIC-to-POL migration.
- Scroll down and select a validator from the list.
- Click “Delegate” next to your chosen validator.
- In the pop-up menu, enter the amount of $POL you wish to stake.
- Click “Continue”.
You’ll now see two transactions in MetaMask:
- First, an approval transaction to set a spending allowance for $POL (requires a small ETH fee).
- After confirmation, a second transaction to finalize delegation.
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Click “Approve”, then once confirmed, return to the portal and click “Delegate” again to sign the second transaction.
After successful submission:
- Wait for 12 checkpoints (approximately 2–12 hours) for changes to reflect in your wallet.
- Monitor transaction status via Etherscan.
Visit the “My Account” section to view your active delegations.
✅ Congratulations! You’ve successfully staked $POL.
Note: Unstaking or re-delegating requires a cool-down period of 80 checkpoints (roughly 3–10 days).
Option 2: How to Stake $MATIC and Earn $POL
Perfect for existing $MATIC holders who haven’t yet migrated.
- Choose a validator and click “Delegate”.
- In the delegation window, switch the dropdown from “POL” to “MATIC”.
- Enter the amount of $MATIC you want to stake.
- Click “Continue”, then “Delegate”.
A single MetaMask transaction will confirm both the conversion and delegation process. You’ll pay gas in $ETH.
After confirmation:
- Your $MATIC is automatically converted and staked as $POL.
- Rewards are earned in $POL.
- Changes appear after ~12 checkpoints.
Check your progress under “Your Delegations” in the account dashboard.
✅ You’re now earning staking rewards in $POL!
How to Claim or Restake Your Rewards
Claiming Staking Rewards
To withdraw earned $POL:
- Go to your Account Dashboard.
- Under “Your Delegations,” click “Withdraw Rewards.”
- Confirm the action in MetaMask.
Minimum withdrawal: 2 $POL
Rewards below this threshold cannot be withdrawn but remain eligible for restaking.
Funds will arrive in your wallet shortly after confirmation.
Compounding Rewards (Restaking)
Maximize growth by reinvesting rewards:
- Click “Restake Rewards” in the same section.
- Confirm the transaction in MetaMask.
This increases your total stake automatically—no additional tokens needed.
Adding More Tokens to Your Stake
Want to increase your position?
- From your account page, select a validator under “Your Delegations.”
- Click “Stake More.”
- Enter the additional amount of $POL (or $MATIC) and proceed.
Important: Any pending rewards from that validator are automatically transferred to your wallet when you stake more.
Finalize with two MetaMask confirmations (approval + delegation). Allow 12 checkpoints for updates.
How to Unstake Your POL Tokens
Ready to exit? Here's how:
- In “My Delegations,” click “Unbond”.
- Choose the amount: select predefined percentages (25%, 50%, etc.) or enter a custom value.
- Click “Confirm Unbond.”
- Approve the transaction in MetaMask.
Key points:
- Accumulated rewards are paid out automatically upon unbonding.
- Funds are locked for 80 checkpoints (~3–10 days) before becoming withdrawable.
- This delay applies to all unstaking actions but does not affect unclaimed rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I stake MATIC directly and still earn POL?
Yes. When you stake MATIC via the Polygon Staking Portal, it’s automatically converted and treated as POL for delegation purposes. You earn rewards in POL.
Q: Do I need ETH for staking transactions?
Yes. All staking operations occur on Ethereum Mainnet, so you’ll need ETH to cover gas fees for approvals, delegations, and withdrawals.
Q: How long does it take to unstake?
Unstaking requires a cooldown period of 80 checkpoints—approximately 3 to 10 days—before funds become available in your wallet.
Q: What happens to my rewards if I restake?
Restaking compounds your returns by adding earned rewards back into your principal stake, increasing future yield without additional capital.
Q: Is there a minimum amount required to stake?
There’s no official minimum set by Polygon, but practical considerations (like gas costs) suggest staking meaningful amounts for efficiency.
Q: Can I change validators after delegating?
Yes, but re-delegating also triggers the 80-checkpoint cooldown period. Plan transitions carefully.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency staking involves risk, including potential loss of principal and slashing penalties due to validator misconduct. Always conduct independent research before participating.