How to Stake Cardano (ADA) with Eternl Wallet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Eternl Wallet (formerly CCVault) is a highly popular and feature-rich community-developed wallet for Cardano. Known for its comprehensive functionality and quick adoption of new Cardano features, Eternl is favored by many for staking ADA. This guide will walk you through the staking process using Eternl Wallet.
Introduction: Staking with Eternl Wallet
Eternl provides a robust platform for managing multiple Cardano accounts, tokens, NFTs, and engaging with DApps, alongside a powerful staking interface. While packed with features, its staking process remains accessible.
Prerequisites:
- Eternl Wallet installed (available as a browser extension, mobile app, or web wallet via its website).
- ADA funded in the Eternl Wallet account you wish to stake from.
Step 1: Accessing the Staking Section in Eternl
Once your Eternl Wallet is open:
- On the main dashboard or side navigation menu, locate the "Staking" or "Delegation" tab. Eternl's interface usually has clear icons and labels.
- Click on this tab to proceed to the staking management area. If you have multiple accounts, ensure you've selected the correct account you want to stake from.
Step 2: Finding a Stake Pool
Eternl offers excellent tools for finding and filtering stake pools:
- You'll see a list of pools, often with advanced filtering options (by ROA, saturation, fees, etc.).
- There's a prominent search bar where you can type the name or, more effectively, the ticker symbol of a pool.
- To delegate to Dotare.io, type its ticker "DOTAR" into the search field.
Step 3: Evaluating a Stake Pool in Eternl
Eternl typically provides comprehensive information when you select a pool:
- Pool name, ticker, and often the pool's logo/website link.
- Detailed metrics: Live ROA, lifetime ROA, saturation, margin, fixed fee, pledge, number of blocks produced, delegators.
- Some versions might even show a "Desirability" score or other helpful analytics.
This wealth of information allows for a thorough evaluation directly within the wallet.
Step 4: Delegating Your ADA
After you've selected your preferred pool:
- Look for a button clearly labeled "Delegate" or "Stake to this Pool." Click it.
- Eternl will prepare the delegation transaction. A confirmation window will appear, showing the pool you're delegating to, the transaction fee (approx. 0.17 ADA), and the standard 2 ADA refundable deposit.
- Enter your spending password for the selected account to authorize the transaction.
Step 5: Confirming Your Delegation
Once the transaction is confirmed on the Cardano network:
- The "Staking" or "Delegation" tab in Eternl will update to show your current delegation.
- You will see the name, ticker, and other details of the pool you are now successfully delegating to.
Understanding Rewards & When to Expect Them with Eternl
If this is your first time delegating from this account, your first rewards will typically appear after 15-20 days (3-4 epochs). Following this initial period, rewards are distributed every epoch (5 days). Eternl Wallet will clearly display your accumulated rewards, which are automatically added to your staked balance, thus compounding.
Switching Pools or Undelegating (Briefly)
Eternl makes it easy to switch stake pools by simply selecting a new pool from the list and clicking "Delegate" again. To undelegate entirely (deregister your stake key and retrieve the 2 ADA deposit), there's usually a "Deregister" or "Undelegate" option available in the staking section, often associated with your current delegation details.
Troubleshooting/Common Questions
- Too many options? For simple staking, focus on the search bar and the main "Delegate" button. You can ignore advanced filters initially.
- Rewards calculation: Eternl often provides detailed epoch-by-epoch reward history once you start earning.
You're all set! By delegating, especially to a pool like Dotare [DOTAR], you're earning rewards and supporting a cause. Check your rewards in a few epochs!
