Staking Cardano (ADA) on Trezor Devices

Learn how to stake Cardano (ADA) using the Trezor Model T, Safe 3 and Safe 5 via the Trezor Suite application.

What is Staking?

Staking is the process used for validating transactions on blockchains that use the so-called 'proof of stake' consensus mechanism, with Cardano being one of the best-known examples. The following video shows how to stake Cardano using Trezor Suite and your Trezor hardware wallet:
 

 
Unlike Bitcoin and other 'proof of work'-based cryptocurrencies, Cardano users participate in the network governance by delegating their funds.

Users can either run their own stake pool and participate directly, or delegate their ADA to an existing staking pool, combining the weight of many users to compete for rewards from creating blocks.
 

Why do it?

By staking ADA, you can earn rewards as a form of passive income for any Cardano transactions your pool validated during one epoch, which is a 5-day cycle. Staking helps keep validation decentralized, supporting the Cardano network and contributing to its stability.

Is it safe?

Yes, your funds are safe, as long as you keep your wallet backup (recovery seed) stored securely offline using your Trezor hardware wallet.

Trezor stake pools

The Trezor stake pools can be seen on a Cardano pool explorer at the following addresses:
 

 

• View it on cexplorer

   

• View it on cexplorer

   

• View it on cexplorer

   

• View it on cexplorer

     

• View it on cexplorer

When a stake pool becomes oversaturated, you will see an error that says "Stake pool is oversaturated" which will ask you to redelegate your funds to a new pool. Selecting Redelegate will help maximize your staking rewards.

The re-delegated stake will remain in its current stake pool until the epoch after next. Rewards are distributed from the end of an epoch, i.e. you'll continue to receive the rewards from the original stake pool for two epochs before your ADA is re-delegated.

By delegating to a Trezor stake pool, you are eligible for a portion of rewards from any blocks created by the pool. A portion of these rewards are reserved as fees used to maintain the pool.

 

What if I want to stop delegating?

You can send your funds elsewhere at any time, as long as you un-stake them. You can even send all of your funds to an exchange and sell them. If you do nothing, your funds will be automatically re-staked to the same pool at the end of each epoch. You will need to de-register the stake key in order to retrieve your 2 ADA deposit.

Can I delegate to several pools simultaneously?

You can only delegate the full balance of your wallet to one pool at a time. If you wish to delegate to multiple pools at once, you must send a portion of your balance to a different wallet. You can either create a new Cardano account via ‘My accounts’, or you can use a wallet associated with a different passphrase or wallet backup.

Staking Cardano (ADA) in Trezor Suite

• In Trezor Suite, to go the 'My Accounts' page and select your Cardano wallet
• In the menu bar you will see the ‘Staking’ tab:

   

• In the Staking menu, press the Delegate button:

   

• Using your Trezor device, confirm the on-screen instructions to register your stake key
• Review the details of the proposed delegation and use your device to confirm the transaction

 

Withdrawing staking rewards and delegating voting rights

Rewards will continue to accrue as long as your ADA is left staked. In Trezor suite, your rewards are shown in the Staking tab under your Cardano account.

These rewards must be withdrawn manually; you can do this by navigating to the **Staking** tab and then clicking on Withdraw:
 

You will then be asked whether or not you wish to delegate your voting rights to a Delegate Representative (DRep):

 

Currently you can delegate voting rights to 5binaries, which is the company that operates Cardano staking nodes for Trezor.

• If you wish to delegate your voting rights to 5binaries, select Delegate
• Otherwise, select Opt Out

When you delegate your voting rights, this means the DRep can vote on your behalf in governance decisions, such as protocol updates or network improvements. This mechanism ensures active participation in the network while making it easier for those who prefer not to engage directly.
 

Finalize the withdrawal by confirming the action on your Trezor hardware wallet. Once completed, these funds will be added to the associated Cardano account balance.

Why it takes so long to earn rewards

The delay between delegating your funds and receiving rewards is a result of the following sequence of events:
 

• Epoch 0: the epoch is underway when you first delegate funds to a pool.
• Epoch 1: delegated coins become part of the stake pool’s live stake.
• Epoch 2: delegated coins count towards the probability to create blocks.
• Epoch 3: rewards from all blocks created during Epoch 2 are calculated.
• Epoch 4: rewards are distributed based on the stake active in Epoch 2.

   

In the following epochs, you will continue to receive rewards based on blocks created two epochs earlier. Rewards are added to your staked total, compounding over time to increase the probability of rewards.
 

If you decide to stop delegating your funds to one stake pool and switch to another, you will continue to receive rewards from the previous pool for two epochs, and on the third you will receive rewards from the new pool. If you are not delegating during a snapshot, you will need to wait the full four epochs to receive rewards again.